Job Summary:

CRS is seeking a Program Manager Partnership and Community Immunization Services for the CDC-funded global childhood immunization project. The project will reach zero- and under-immunized children with immunization services in Northern Nigeria including fragile and conflict settings. Project interventions will focus on: (a) Supporting immunization uptake for polio eradication, measles and rubella reduction and elimination, hepatitis B and maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination; (b) strengthening surveillance systems to improve preparedness and response to outbreaks of VPDs; strengthening of immunization delivery systems and capacities. The State Immunization/Team Lead (STL) under the guidance of Immunization Lead, will provide leadership and coordination for routine immunization (RI), Polio and non-Polio Supplemental Immunization Activities (SIAs), disease surveillance, and demand creation activities. The STL will focus on reducing zero-dose children and implementing the Identify, Enumerate, and Vaccinate (IEV) strategy across the state, designated LGAs, and health facilities. This role includes planning, capacity building, supportive supervision, monitoring, and stakeholder engagement to strengthen immunization coverage and health performance on routine immunization. She/he will ensure project target objectives are met, build healthy relationships for effective coordination and partnerships, and provide direct leadership to the team. She/he will participate in all POISED related events and activities, review and share weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual program-related reports on POISED project in Kebbi state.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Strategic Coordination:

• Act as the primary liaison between CRS, the State Ministry of Health (SMOH), State Primary Health Care Development Agency (PHCDA), LGAs, health facilities and development partners.
• Coordinate the planning and implementation of RI, SIAs, zero-dose reduction and IEV strategies in alignment with state and national health policies and guidelines.
• Facilitate partnerships with government agencies, development partners, and community organizations to ensure program effectiveness.
• Oversee the integration of RI with other health interventions, such as maternal health and nutrition programs.

Program Implementation:

• Lead the implementation of RI, Polio, and non-Polio SIAs, ensuring targeted and timely delivery of vaccines and services.
• Guide the implementation of the IEV strategy to identify and vaccinate zero-dose children, including those in underserved or remote communities.
• Strengthen vaccine logistics, cold chain management, and service delivery systems.

Supportive Supervision:

• Conduct regular supportive supervision visits to LGAs and health facilities to monitor program activities.
• Provide on-the-job mentoring and technical guidance to health workers, ensuring adherence to immunization protocols.
• Identify gaps in service delivery and collaboratively develop solutions to improve program quality and effectiveness.
• Prepare and share supervision reports with actionable recommendations for program improvement.

Disease Surveillance and Outbreak Response:

• Strengthen surveillance systems to detect and respond to vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks.
• Monitor Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) and other key indicators to guide disease control efforts.
• Coordinate cross-border surveillance and vaccination campaigns to address disease risks.

Community Engagement and Demand Creation:

• Work with community leaders, influencers, and health volunteers to increase awareness and demand for immunization services.
• Address vaccine hesitancy and misinformation through targeted communication campaigns.
• Mobilize community groups, such as mothers’ groups and religious leaders, to support routine and supplemental immunization efforts.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:

• Support the state, LGA and health facilities to strengthen monitoring and evaluation systems to track progress and outcomes of RI, SIAs, and disease surveillance activities.
• Collect and analyze data to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities for program enhancement.
• Submit timely and high-quality reports to CRS leadership and relevant stakeholders.

Capacity Building:

• Organize and support training sessions for health workers, LGA immunization officers, and disease surveillance teams on RI, SIAs, and data management.
• Support health teams in using digital tools for tracking, reporting, and GIS mapping.
• Facilitate learning exchanges and best practice sharing among program teams.

Required Languages – High level of proficiency in both written and spoken English. Local languages, Hausa will be an advantage.

Travel – 75% travel including to communities with difficult terrain.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent leadership, mentoring, and team-building skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools (e.g., DHIS2, Excel, GIS mapping).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Problem-solving abilities and the capacity to manage multiple priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Commitment to public health and equity in immunization services.
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively with diverse communities.
• Willingness to travel frequently to LGAs and health facilities.
• Knowledge of local languages and cultural contexts is an advantage.
• Familiarity with relevant donors’ regulations is a plus.
• Proficient in Excel and experience with Word and PowerPoint. Knowledge of financial reporting software is a plus.
• Proficient in virtual platforms and hosting/participation in seamless virtual meetings.

Supervisory Responsibilities (if none, state none): State MEAL Officer

Key Working Relationships:

Internal : Chief of Party, Deputy Chief of Party, Immunization System Strengthening Lead, Strategic Information Lead, Program Manager, MEAL Officers, Admin Officer, Country program operations and Finance team.

External : NHCDA, SPHCDA, other development partners, Health Facilities and LGA PHC team.

Basic Qualifications

• BBachelor’s degree in Medicine, Public Health, Health Sciences, or a related field (master’s degree preferred).
• At least 5–7 years of experience in immunization, disease surveillance, or public health program management.
• Demonstrated expertise in RI, SIAs, supportive supervision, and disease surveillance systems.
• Experience implementing zero-dose reduction strategies and IEV approaches.
• Strong familiarity with government health systems and working with development partners.

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff) 

These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

• Integrity
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation
• Builds Relationships
• Develops Talent
• Strategic Mindset
• Accountability & Stewardship

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Catholic Relief Services works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality.  Catholic Relief Services’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding.  We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

CRS welcomes candidates from the countries and regions in which we work. In the event the successful candidate is an expatriate, the anticipated duration of the assignment is informed by a term limit, based on the type and level of the job and the needs of the agency.

CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants, community members, staff and volunteers from all forms of exploitation and abuse.  The successful candidate is expected to sign and adhere to CRS´ Code of Conduct.

CRS talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people – especially children and vulnerable adults – to live free from abuse and harm.

Disclaimer:  This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position. 

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

General Requirements

CRS offers are contingent on the selected candidate’s ability to legally work where the position is to be performed. Every government has a unique set of work permit eligibility requirements.  All positions requiring residence or frequent travel outside a home country must undergo and clear a pre-employment medical clearance; some work permit processes require clearing a separate government administered medical examination.

CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens/ permanent residents of the countries where we have CRS offices.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements