Branch Health and Care Officer

Uncategorized

The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), established in 1960 as an auxiliary to public authorities, is a vital partner in the nation’s healthcare delivery system. As the Branch Health and Care Officer for the Sokoto State Branch, you will be the technical lead for all health-related interventions. You will design and oversee programs that range from maternal and child health to infectious disease prevention and emergency medical response. Your leadership will ensure that the NRCS provides high-quality, compassionate care to the most vulnerable communities in Sokoto.

Job Summary

The Branch Health and Care Officer is responsible for the strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation of all health and care programs at the State Branch and Divisional levels. Reporting to the Branch Secretary, you will lead the development of health emergency response plans, coordinate with state health authorities, and manage a network of health-focused volunteers. Your role is to bridge the gap between humanitarian relief and sustainable public health, ensuring that the NRCS remains a trusted provider of community-based healthcare.

Key Responsibilities

Public Health Strategy & Program Management

  • Intervention Design: Lead the design and implementation of community-based health programs, including immunization campaigns, WASH-related health initiatives, and maternal/child health services.
  • Health Emergency Preparedness: Develop and strengthen robust health emergency response plans to address outbreaks, epidemics, and other health crises in Sokoto State.
  • Monitoring & Evaluation: Establish rigorous M&E frameworks to track program impact, ensuring that health interventions are data-driven and meet international standards.

Technical Leadership & Coordination

  • Stakeholder Engagement: Sustain effective strategic relationships with the Sokoto State Ministry of Health, WHO, UNICEF, and other healthcare partners to ensure a coordinated response.
  • Volunteer Management: Recruit, train, and supervise health volunteers and First Aid teams, ensuring they are proficient in the latest medical and public health protocols.
  • Resource Mobilization: Support the branch in identifying funding opportunities and preparing technical proposals for health-related projects.

Clinical Oversight & Accountability

  • Quality of Care: Ensure all health activities align with the NRCS Code of Conduct and National health guidelines, maintaining the highest level of clinical and ethical standards.
  • Reporting: Prepare and submit comprehensive technical reports, progress updates, and health assessments to the Branch Executive Committee and National Headquarters (NHQ).
  • Integrity: Demonstrate zero tolerance for corruption and ensure the honest handling of all medical supplies and organizational resources.

Required Skills & Qualifications

  • Education: University Degree in Public Health, Medicine, or a related healthcare field. A background in Clinical Medicine is highly preferred.
  • Experience: Minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in managing health interventions, ideally in an emergency, relief, or community-based context.
  • Technical Mastery: Strong capacity in health emergency response planning, project management, and public health surveillance.
  • Leadership: Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, resolve conflicts, and manage change within a volunteer-driven organization.
  • Communication: Fluency in written and spoken English. Proficiency in Hausa or other local languages is essential for effective community engagement in Sokoto.
  • Strategic Thinking: Ability to analyze local health trends and geopolitical factors to develop proactive healthcare strategies.

Core Competencies

  • Accountability: Holding self and team to high ethical standards in the delivery of healthcare services.
  • Clinical Judgment: Strong ability to analyze health problems and develop strategic medical responses.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Respect for local traditions and views while promoting modern public health practices.
  • Resilience: Capacity to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines during health emergencies.

About the Organization

The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) is a community-based voluntary aid society recognized as an auxiliary to the public authorities. Guided by the fundamental principles of Humanity, Impartiality, and Neutrality, we work to prevent and alleviate human suffering in health, disaster management, and social welfare.

Application Details

  • Location: Sokoto, Nigeria
  • Job Type: Full-Time
  • Field: Medical / Public Health / NGO

How to Apply: Interested and qualified candidates should forward their CV to:

Email: [email protected]

Subject Line: Branch Health and Care Officer – Sokoto

Note: The NRCS is an equal-opportunity employer. We strongly encourage qualified female healthcare professionals to apply.

Tips for Applicants

  • Showcase Clinical Experience: If you have a background in medicine or nursing, highlight how your clinical skills translate into public health management.
  • Emphasize Partnerships: Provide examples of your successful collaborations with the Ministry of Health or international health agencies (e.g., WHO, UNICEF).
  • Volunteer Focus: As the Red Cross relies on volunteers for health outreaches, detail any experience you have in training or supervising community health workers or unpaid first responders.