Local Capacity Strengthening & Health Workforce Development Officer

Uncategorized

Sustainable health impact is only possible when local systems are resilient and local professionals are empowered. Management Sciences for Health (MSH) is seeking a strategic and people-focused professional to lead our capacity-building efforts in Ebonyi State. In this role, you will be the catalyst for professional growth within the local health sector, ensuring that frontline health workers and managers have the skills, tools, and institutional support necessary to deliver high-quality care to their communities long after the project concludes.

Job Summary

The Local Capacity Strengthening (LCS) & Health Workforce Development Officer works to identify and bridge critical gaps in the health workforce. Supporting the LCS Specialist, you will design and implement training curricula, lead mentorship programs, and foster deep partnerships with the Ministry of Health. Your mission is to build a self-sustaining health workforce that is capable of managing complex public health challenges with expertise and confidence.

Key Responsibilities

Assessment & Strategic Planning

  • Conduct comprehensive technical capacity assessments of local health systems and the health workforce to pinpoint specific skills gaps.
  • Translate assessment data into actionable capacity-building strategies and long-term workforce development plans.
  • Support the review and modernization of state-level policies and guidelines to ensure a sustainable structure for human resources in health (HRH).

Program Design & Training Delivery

  • Adapt and develop specialized training modules and curricula tailored to various health cadres, from Community Health Workers (CHWs) to specialized nurses and administrators.
  • Lead the logistical and technical coordination of National Train-the-Trainer (NTOT) sessions, workshops, and on-site mentorship programs.
  • Integrate adult learning principles and modern pedagogical techniques to ensure high knowledge retention and practical application in clinical settings.

Stakeholder Coordination & Advisory

  • Act as a primary liaison with the State Ministry of Health, local NGOs, and community leaders to ensure project alignment with local priorities.
  • Provide expert technical advice on workforce optimization, quality improvement, and human resource management within donor-funded frameworks.
  • Facilitate partnerships between local authorities and international bodies to harmonize health workforce standards.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning

  • Maintain rigorous databases to track all training activities, participant progress, and certification statuses.
  • Systematically document lessons learned and success stories to inform future program iterations and donor reporting.
  • Evaluate the long-term impact of capacity-building inputs on service delivery quality and health system resilience.

Qualifications & Requirements

  • Academic Credentials: * Bachelor’s degree with 4–6 years of experience; OR
    • Master’s degree with 2–4 years of experience; OR
    • Doctorate with 0–2 years of experience.
    • Fields of study: Public Health, Health Administration, International Development, or a related discipline.
  • Sector Experience: Proven track record in health workforce development or institutional capacity building, ideally within a donor-funded (NGO or UN) environment.
  • Technical Knowledge: Deep familiarity with Community Health Worker (CHW) programs, Human Resources for Health (HRH) frameworks, and adult learning methodologies.
  • Software & Analytics: High proficiency in MS Office and experience with data collection and analysis tools.
  • Soft Skills: Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and cross-cultural communication skills.

Preferred/Desirable Attributes:

  • Certification as a Master Trainer (e.g., in iCCM or similar clinical protocols).
  • Experience implementing e-learning or digital health tools for remote workforce training.
  • Specialized experience in maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) or infectious disease programming.

Why This Position Matters

MSH believes in closing the gap between knowledge and action. In Ebonyi, your work ensures that “knowledge” doesn’t just reside in manuals, but in the hands and minds of local health heroes. By strengthening local capacity, you are ensuring that the health system remains robust and capable of saving lives for generations to come.

Benefits of Applying

  • Systems-Level Impact: Move beyond individual projects to influence how an entire state’s health workforce operates.
  • Professional Growth: Work with MSH’s global experts in HRH and health system strengthening.
  • Strategic Networking: Build high-level relationships with government officials and international health leaders.
  • Inclusive Environment: Join a global nonprofit that values diversity, equity, and the empowerment of local partners.

Position Details

  • Location: Ebonyi State, Nigeria
  • Job Type: Full-Time
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026

Method of Application

Interested and qualified candidates should apply through the MSH Workday portal: Apply via the MSH Career Portal

Tips for Applicants

  1. Highlight Your Training Pedagogy: Don’t just list “training” as a skill; explain how you use adult learning principles to ensure health workers actually change their behavior in the clinic.
  2. Focus on Sustainability: MSH is big on “Local Capacity Strengthening.” In your CV, emphasize times you built systems or structures that lasted after you left the project.
  3. Detail Your Government Liaison Experience: Successfully navigating relationships with the Ministry of Health is a huge part of this role; provide specific examples of your coordination success.