Head, Policy and Government Relations

Organization: MSI Reproductive Choices Nigeria

Location: Abuja, Nigeria

Employment Type: Full-time

Deadline: 21 January 2026 (Rolling interviews – role open until filled)

MSI Reproductive Choices is one of the world’s leading providers of sexual and reproductive healthcare. We believe everyone has the right to choose. From contraception to safe abortion and life-saving post-abortion care, MSI delivers compassionate, affordable, and high-quality services, working with governments, partners, and communities to strengthen health systems and expand access.

Role Overview

The Head, Policy and Government Relations provides strategic leadership for MSI Nigeria’s policy, advocacy, and government engagement agenda. The role is critical in shaping an enabling policy environment for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), strengthening government partnerships, influencing public policy, and supporting sustainability, resource mobilization, and program impact at national and sub-national levels.

This position works closely with the Country Director and senior leadership and represents MSI in high-level national, regional, and international policy spaces.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Analysis & Advocacy

• Lead the development and implementation of MSI Nigeria’s policy and advocacy strategy at national and regional levels.
• Analyse laws, policies, and regulations affecting SRHR, family planning, maternal health, and gender equity.
• Identify policy opportunities and risks and recommend strategic responses.
• Develop policy briefs, advocacy toolkits, and position papers on reproductive health priorities.

Government & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary liaison with government ministries and agencies, including Federal and State Ministries of Health and National Assembly health committees.
• Advocate for policy reforms and increased public funding for reproductive health and family planning.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with parliamentarians, civil society, donors, community leaders, and private sector actors.
• Represent MSI in coalitions, technical working groups (TWGs), and advocacy platforms at national and state levels.

Strategic Leadership & Representation

• Provide high-level representation of MSI in national, regional, and international forums.
• Ensure alignment between policy, government relations activities, and organizational strategy.
• Support the Country Director and senior management in high-level stakeholder engagements.
• Act as spokesperson on policy issues when delegated.

Internal Coordination & Capacity Building

• Collaborate with program teams to integrate policy and advocacy priorities into program design and delivery.
• Provide technical guidance to staff on policy analysis, advocacy, and government relations.
• Develop internal policy tools, guidance notes, and resources.
• Facilitate staff training on advocacy and stakeholder engagement.

Monitoring, Reporting & Learning

• Track SRHR policy, financing, and regulatory developments at federal and state levels.
• Monitor and report advocacy outcomes using clear indicators.
• Document success stories, lessons learned, and best practices.
• Produce quarterly and annual reports for management, donors, and stakeholders.

Other

• Undertake additional duties as assigned by management.
• Willingness to travel within and outside Nigeria as required.
• Demonstrate strong commitment to MSI’s mission, values, integrity, and professionalism.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in Public Policy, International Relations, Political Science, Development Studies, Law, or a related field.
• PhD is an added advantage.

Experience

• 8–10 years of progressive experience in policy, advocacy, or government relations.
• Prior experience with an international NGO, intergovernmental organization, or think-tank is strongly preferred.
• Proven track record of influencing public policy and engaging senior government stakeholders.
• Experience managing high-level partnerships and external relations.
• Strong understanding of donor funding landscapes and international development priorities.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of policy analysis, advocacy, and governance systems.
• Deep understanding of the NGO and international development sector.
• Excellent research, analytical, and writing skills.
• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and diplomacy skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving ability.
• Cultural sensitivity and adaptability when working with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent spoken and written English.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and databases.

Important Notes

• No relocation allowance is available for this role.
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
• MSI Nigeria is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, gender, religion, age, marital status, or disability.
• MSI operates a zero-tolerance policy on abuse, exploitation, and harassment and is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should submit one combined document (CV/Resume and brief Cover Letter) in MS Word or PDF format to:

[email protected]

Email Subject: Head, Policy and Government Relations – Abuja

Applications that do not follow the stated instructions will not be considered.