Senior Program Officer – Child Survival at Nutrition International (NI)

 

Senior Program Officer – Child Survival at Nutrition International

Nutrition International (NI) is inviting applications for the position of Senior Program Officer (SPO) – Child Survival in Nigeria. The position is based in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, and will provide technical and program management support for Vitamin A supplementation (VAS) activities in Katsina and Jigawa States.

Nutrition International, formerly known as the Micronutrient Initiative, is a Canadian-based international non-governmental organization working to improve nutrition and health outcomes for mothers, children, and adolescents. The organization works across multiple countries with a focus on delivering nutrition interventions to communities that need them most.

The successful candidate will play a senior role in planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating child survival programs while working closely with government institutions, community stakeholders, NGO partners, and Nutrition International teams.

Job Details

Position: Senior Program Officer – Child Survival
Organization: Nutrition International (NI)
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Program Coverage: Katsina and Jigawa States
Category: Programs
Contract: 2 years, with potential for renewal
Eligible Applicants: Nigerian nationals only
Application Deadline: September 4, 2026

Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis, so qualified candidates are encouraged to apply before the closing date.

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About the Role

The Senior Program Officer will provide technical support at the state and Local Government Area (LGA) levels in Katsina and Jigawa.

A major responsibility of the position is to ensure that Vitamin A supplementation activities are successfully implemented every six months and that high coverage is achieved and sustained.

The officer will work with the Program Director, Country Director, technical teams, government stakeholders, and other partners to identify programming gaps, develop solutions, monitor implementation, and ensure that project resources are used effectively.

This is a senior position and therefore requires significant experience in health, nutrition, child survival, program management, and work in low-resource settings.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be involved in several major areas of program management.

Project Development

The Senior Program Officer will contribute to the development and planning of child survival projects.

Responsibilities include maintaining updated analyses of Vitamin A supplementation programs in Northern Nigeria, particularly Katsina and Jigawa, and identifying gaps and bottlenecks that may affect implementation.

The officer will also work with partners and stakeholders to develop projects that respond to identified needs.

Additional responsibilities include contributing to project budgets, ensuring appropriate information is updated in Nutrition International's systems, and identifying opportunities for further engagement in child survival programs.

Project Implementation and Management

The position involves leading the management of Vitamin A supplementation programming in Katsina and Jigawa.

The successful candidate will supervise and support a large team consisting of 20+ LGA Coordinators and two State Coordinators.

Key duties include developing and monitoring workplans, conducting regular check-ins, assessing performance, providing feedback, identifying implementation challenges, and recommending corrective actions.

The officer will also coordinate with government and community stakeholders to ensure that interventions are implemented effectively and that funding is used cost-effectively.

Regular field visits and online monitoring will be required to track progress and ensure that project activities are producing the expected results.

The candidate will also prepare periodic and annual project reports and updates.

Research, Evaluation and Learning

Research and evaluation are important components of this position.

The Senior Program Officer will participate in the design of research and evaluation activities and collaborate with researchers and external evaluators.

The officer will also help engage state and LGA government institutions when clearances or authorizations are required for research activities.

Another responsibility will be supporting the dissemination of research findings and lessons learned so that evidence can contribute to improved child survival programming.

Stakeholder and External Relations

The successful candidate will establish and maintain strong working relationships with government ministries, government agencies, United Nations organizations, NGOs, and other relevant stakeholders.

The role also involves participating in national and sub-national meetings and forums related to child survival.

The officer may contribute to policy briefs, blogs, case studies, summary documents, and other knowledge products designed to communicate lessons and program results.

Who Can Apply?

This is an experienced professional position, not an entry-level NGO job.

Applicants must have a minimum of a master's degree from a recognized university in nutrition or public health, preferably with an emphasis on nutrition.

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Candidates from other relevant academic disciplines may also be considered if they have significant relevant professional experience.

Additional training in epidemiology, data analysis, research methodologies, or project management will be an advantage.

Required Experience

Applicants should have at least 10 years of experience working in programs related to child survival, health, nutrition, low- and middle-income countries, or low-resource settings.

At least three years of field experience is also required.

The employer is particularly interested in candidates with experience managing grant-funded health and nutrition programs, especially in Northern Nigeria.

Experience working with community actors in Katsina and/or Jigawa States is highly relevant.

Applicants should also have a strong understanding of Nigerian health systems and the local health and community structures in Northwestern Nigeria.

Experience leading, motivating, and managing cross-functional teams is essential.

Experience working within national or state government health systems would be an advantage, while experience working in conflict-affected or hard-to-reach communities is desirable.

Language Requirements

Strong communication skills are required.

Candidates must be fluent in written and spoken English.

Knowledge of Hausa and relevant local languages is an additional advantage, particularly given the program's focus on Katsina and Jigawa States.

Benefits

Nutrition International states that the successful candidate will receive a competitive market-based salary and benefits package.

Benefits include:

• Health benefits
• Pension plan
• Flexible working hours
• Vacation
• Learning and professional development opportunities
• Health and wellness support
• Collaborative working environment

The exact compensation package will depend on the organization's applicable terms and conditions.

Important Safeguarding Information

Nutrition International maintains a zero-tolerance policy concerning safeguarding issues, sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEAH).

As part of its recruitment process, the organization conducts appropriate screening and reference checks.

Reference checks may include safeguarding verification with previous employers. Candidates should therefore provide accurate information throughout the recruitment process.

The organization also states that employment offers are conditional upon satisfactory screening and reference checks.

Application Deadline

The application deadline is September 4, 2026.

However, candidates should not wait until the final day because applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

This means the employer may assess applications as they are received, making early application particularly important for qualified candidates.

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How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their application online through the official Nutrition International recruitment process.

Application Deadline: September 4, 2026

Important: This position is open to Nigerian nationals only.

Applicants should carefully review the vacancy requirements and ensure their CV clearly demonstrates their experience in child survival, health, nutrition, program management, stakeholder engagement, and work in Northern Nigeria.

Final Thoughts

The Senior Program Officer – Child Survival position at Nutrition International represents a significant career opportunity for experienced health and nutrition professionals in Nigeria.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to Vitamin A supplementation and broader child survival interventions in Katsina and Jigawa while working with government institutions, communities, development partners, and international stakeholders.

However, candidates should carefully consider the experience requirements before applying. The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience, including field experience, as well as a master's degree in nutrition, public health, or a related discipline.

Professionals who meet these requirements should prepare a targeted CV highlighting their program management achievements, experience in Northern Nigeria, leadership responsibilities, health and nutrition expertise, and stakeholder coordination experience.

Because applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, qualified Nigerian candidates are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible and before the September 4, 2026 deadline.