Program Officer at Pathfinder International – 2 Openings

Pathfinder International is driven by the conviction that all people, regardless of where they live, have the right to decide whether and when to have children, to exist free from fear and stigma, and to lead the lives they choose. Since 1957, we have partnered with local governments, communities, and health systems in developing countries to remove barriers to critical sexual and reproductive health services. Together, we expand access to contraception, promote healthy pregnancies, save women’s lives, and stop the spread of new HIV infections, wherever the need is most urgent. Our work ensures millions of women, men, and young people are able to choose their own paths forward.

We are recruiting to fill the position of:

Job Title: Program Officer

Requisition Number: PROGR001159
Locations: Kano & Kaduna
Employment Type: Full Time

Description

The Accelerating Equitable Access, Acceptance, and Uptake of COVID-19 vaccines project is funded by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. The project is to advance COVID-19 mitigation and recovery in Nigeria by curbing vaccine services and strengthening accountability mechanisms for vaccine delivery.
The project will be implemented in Kano, Kaduna, and FCT in collaboration with the Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) pillar of the COVID-19 task force, Religious groups, including the Nigeria Interfaith Action Association (NIFAA), Federation of Muslim Women’s Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN), Traditional/Community leaders’ associations, Women groups and other relevant Civil Society Organizations that are supporting similar efforts in the intervention States.

Objectives of the Project

Increased acceptance and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines services, particularly for those underserved, by shifting norms and biases, and debunking myths and misconceptions
Increased access to equitable quality COVID-19 vaccines services by strengthening and scaling up service delivery at the facility level
Enhanced enabling environment for equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines.

Summary

Provide program support at State level including development and monitoring of project workplan.
The incumbent will support the Program Manager to provide technical leadership and engage relevant stakeholders and represent the organization at stakeholders’ events. As appropriate, supports Pathfinder’s technical workstreams.
Collaborates with project team on project activities that have a combined program focus. Collaborates with other members of the project team to ensure that deliverables meet the needs of intended populations.
Ensures that the project team draws on state-of-the-art knowledge and practices in the areas specific to the program area.

Project Specific:
Key Job Outcomes:

Provide inputs in the development of project workplan, MERL plan and budget
Provide oversight on execution of project workplan
Liaise with project partners to coordinate health worker trainings and monitoring facility activities
Liaise with stakeholders to coordinate State COVID-19 risk communication and accountability
Hold regular meetings with project team
Develop monthly and quarterly reports of program activities
Represent PI at programs and meeting related to COVID-19 vaccine at State level
Financial, Resource, and Risk Management: Provides oversight on project budgets, conducts monthly financial reviews and analysis to ensure compliance with Pathfinder and client requirements. Supports project staff to effectively procure and manage resources, following Pathfinders and/or client systems and processes. Resolves and/or escalates issues in a timely fashion. Facilitates identification of issues and resolutions to mitigate risks
Technical Assistance: Provides technical assistance to country offices, host-country governments, local partners, and other agencies by contributing to report reviews; technical reviews; identification and provision of topic-specific technical assistance; and capacity building and working with local partners. Reviews and provides input on project reports, data, and progress against project workplans
Quality Assurance: Monitor and works with the technical team to ensure that best practices for services and service integration being implemented are well documented, evaluated and poised for scale up.
Partner Management: Supports the development of partner agreements, including supporting identification and tracking of deliverables and budgets

Required Education, Training and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in related discipline
3-5 years’ experience in working in International development/NGO
Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills and ability to work with various constituencies
Knowledge and experience working with relevant government stakeholders, traditional and religious leaders, donors, and other implementing partners in the State.
Above average computer skills in MS Windows, Excel, and Word
Ability to meet deadlines under pressure and work with minimal supervision
Good advocacy and people skills with experience in community mobilization and service delivery.

Minimally Required Organizational Competencies:

Software Applications: Advanced knowledge of MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Outlook.
Communication and Influencing Skills: Proven ability to influence others through diplomacy and proven oral and written communication skills.
Passion for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights: Commitment to family planning, reproductive health services, gender, maternal, child health services, and eradication of harmful traditional practices.
Self-Management and Teamwork: Ability to work independently or as a member of the team, ability to be detailed-oriented, and ability to manage stress effectively in a fast-pace environment.
Matrix Management: Ability to thrive in a matrix organization.
Confidentiality: Ability to maintain confidentiality on work related matters
Communication: Advanced oral and written communication skills using different forms of media. Ability to translate complex concepts to individuals at all levels.

Minimally Required Job Competencies:

Country Specific Public Health System: Basic understanding of the countries’ public health systems.
Advocacy and influencing: Ability to engage relevant stakeholders, influence change and understands the cultural context of the location
Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights: Basic knowledge of contraception and reproductive health principles and rights, practices, and services, including program strategies and indicators, and the latest developments in the field.
Program Operations and Development: Intermediate skills in implementing and managing global health program operations in the developing world.
Leadership: Advanced skills as a leader in program or project management as part of health and health service delivery strengthening in developing countries.
Program and Project Planning and Management: Intermediate skills in program and project management and planning to fulfill performance objectives, including the timely implementation and reporting of donor funded program activities.
Operations and Financial Management: Basic knowledge of operations and financial management in developing countries.
Change Leadership: Ability to demonstrate a high degree of flexibility in managing change across a broad group of stakeholders in an inclusive manner.
Presentation Skills: Ability to make presentations on results and products to diverse stakeholder groups.
Project Management Planning and Management: Proven ability to plan and manage cross-functional initiatives.
Reporting: Proven ability to read and interpret data for reporting. Proven ability to generate and present standard reports.

Other Information:

Travel required (at least 30%)
Uses cellular and desk phone; laptop or desktop computer.

Qualifications
Behaviors:

Required:

Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well.
Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity.

Motivations:
Required: