Job Position for Program Officer
PATHFINDER INTERNATIONAL JOB VACANCY 2026
Position: Program Officer
Locations: Katsina, Jigawa, and Kaduna States, Nigeria
Employment Type: Full-Time
Work Arrangement: Hybrid
Job Category: Program Services
Reports To: Technical Director
Application Deadline: 24 October 2026
About Pathfinder International
Pathfinder International is a global nonprofit organisation working to expand access to essential health products and services, strengthen health systems, advance women’s leadership, and improve the well-being of women, girls, and communities. Through partnerships with governments, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders, Pathfinder supports innovative, evidence-based programmes that promote sustainable health outcomes.
The organisation is inviting applications from qualified and experienced professionals for the position of Program Officer in Katsina, Jigawa, and Kaduna States.
About the Role
The Program Officer will provide operational and technical leadership for project implementation at the state level, with a focus on strengthening routine immunisation and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination.
The successful candidates will work with state government institutions, health agencies, local government authorities, civil society organisations, and community stakeholders to improve immunisation coverage, strengthen domestic financing, promote accountability, and increase community demand for vaccination. The role involves coordinating project activities, translating evidence into policy and action, monitoring implementation, managing local partners, and supporting the integration of routine immunisation and HPV vaccination into state health systems.
Key Responsibilities
State Leadership and Coordination: Lead project implementation at the state level and coordinate with the State Ministry of Health, State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Ministry of Finance, immunisation coordination committees, local government authorities, and other relevant government institutions.
Evidence-Based Policy and Decision-Making: Support the preparation and review of immunisation and HPV performance scorecards using health data, logistics information, supervision findings, financing records, and community feedback. Coordinate performance reviews and track agreed actions to address implementation gaps.
Political Engagement and Domestic Financing: Provide technical support and evidence to government leaders and decision-makers. Monitor budget approvals, fund releases, and expenditure for routine immunisation and HPV vaccination, including resources for human resources, logistics, cold-chain systems, and outreach activities.
Community Engagement and Demand Generation: Oversee community engagement activities, household dialogues, school-based vaccination awareness, and initiatives to address vaccine hesitancy and misinformation. Support engagement with Almajiri and Islamic school networks, youth vaccine champions, and other community groups.
Civil Society Partner Management: Manage and monitor the performance of the state’s civil society organisation partner. Review deliverables, conduct spot checks, ensure quality standards, and identify potential compliance concerns.
HPV Vaccination Integration: Support the integration of HPV vaccination into routine health services through implementation plans, monitoring tools, continuity reviews, and strategies to address service readiness, vaccine availability, and community access barriers.
Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning: Collect and verify project data, conduct data quality assessments, participate in baseline and endline assessments, and document lessons learned, promising practices, and programme outcomes.
Reporting and Documentation: Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual project reporting inputs. Maintain accurate records and communicate implementation progress, achievements, challenges, and recommendations.
Qualifications and Experience
Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Health Policy, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field. A Master’s degree, such as an MPH or Master’s in Health Policy, is an advantage.
Professional Experience: At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in public health programme management in Nigeria.
Technical Expertise: Demonstrated experience in immunisation, primary health care, or health systems strengthening.
Government Engagement: Experience working with state government institutions, including health agencies, ministries of finance or budget, and relevant coordination platforms.
Partner Management: Experience managing, mentoring, and monitoring local partners or subgrantees, including milestone verification and compliance.
Data Analysis: Strong ability to analyse routine health data, including DHIS2 or equivalent systems, budget documents, and programme performance information.
Communication: Excellent written and spoken English.
Language Requirement: Fluency in Hausa is required.
Key Skills and Competencies
Strong project planning, coordination, implementation, and management skills.
Knowledge of public health systems, immunisation, primary health care, and health service delivery.
Ability to translate research findings and routine data into practical recommendations and policy briefs.
Strong financial monitoring, budget tracking, and programme accountability skills.
Excellent stakeholder engagement, leadership, presentation, and communication abilities.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage competing priorities.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
Commitment to sexual and reproductive health and rights, family planning, maternal and child health, gender equality, and the elimination of harmful traditional practices.
Willingness to travel as required, with travel estimated at up to 10 percent.
Working Arrangements
Employment Type: Full-Time
Work Arrangement: Hybrid
Travel Requirement: Up to 10 percent
Relocation Allowance: Pathfinder Nigeria does not provide relocation allowances.
Equal Opportunity & Safeguarding Notice
Pathfinder International is committed to equal employment opportunities and maintaining an inclusive workplace. Qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply.
Pathfinder is dedicated to protecting the people it serves, its employees, and its partners. Successful applicants must comply with the organisation’s safeguarding and protection policies and may be subject to appropriate background and suitability checks.
Note: Pathfinder International does not charge application fees or request payment or personal banking information at any stage of recruitment.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit an updated resume ensuring it clearly demonstrates relevant public health programme management experience, immunisation expertise, government engagement, partner management, data analysis, and fluency in Hausa. Apply through the official link for your preferred state:
Application Deadline: Saturday, 24 October 2026
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please share this opportunity with qualified public health professionals and programme management specialists who meet the requirements.
