Health Specialist (NO-C)

In the drive to reduce maternal and child mortality in Nigeria, the role of a Health Specialist is fundamental to turning policy into life-saving practice. UNICEF is looking for a dedicated Health Specialist to join the Bauchi Field Office to oversee critical health interventions that protect the most vulnerable children and women. By joining this mission, you will be at the heart of a global effort to strengthen primary healthcare systems, ensuring that quality maternal, neonatal, and child survival services reach the last mile in Northern Nigeria.

Job Summary

The Health Specialist (NO-C) is a mid-to-senior level professional role responsible for the strategic development, implementation, and evaluation of specific sectors within the UNICEF health portfolio. Reporting to the Health Manager, the successful candidate will manage complex health programmes—focusing on areas such as maternal and newborn health, gender-responsive care, and child survival. You will ensure that UNICEF’s health initiatives in the Bauchi region are evidence-based, efficiently managed, and achieve measurable improvements in community health outcomes.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

• Programme Planning & Development: Lead the preparation and design of health-related sector components by analyzing social, political, and economic trends to ensure UNICEF’s interventions remain relevant and effective.
• Results-Driven Management: Monitor programme progress through field visits and data review, taking accountability for the timely delivery of results and the efficient use of resources.
• Technical Leadership: Provide high-level technical guidance to government partners and local stakeholders to support the implementation of integrated health and nutrition services.
• Strategic Partnerships: Build and maintain collaborative relationships with NGOs, community leaders, and sister UN agencies to harmonize health interventions and leverage collective impact.
• Knowledge & Innovation: Identify and document “best practices” and innovative approaches in maternal and child health to scale up successful interventions across the country programme.
• Capacity Building: Conduct training and provide ongoing mentorship to local health workers and partners to strengthen the institutional capacity of the regional health system.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Advanced Education: An Advanced University Degree (Master’s or higher) is required in Public Health, Nutrition, Pediatric Health, Global Health, Epidemiology, Health Policy, or a related socio-medical field.
• Professional Expertise: A minimum of five (5) years of professional work experience at the national or international level in public health planning, maternal/neonatal care, or health emergency preparedness.
• Contextual Experience: Previous experience working within a developing country context or a humanitarian/emergency setting is highly desirable.
• Communication Skills: Excellent command of written and spoken English is mandatory. Proficiency in a local language (such as Hausa) or another official UN language is considered a significant advantage.
• Analytical Skills: Strong ability to interpret complex health data and translate it into strategic programmatic recommendations.

About the Organization

UNICEF Nigeria is a leading advocate for the rights of children across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The organization works tirelessly to ensure that every child—regardless of their background or location—has access to clean water, life-saving vaccines, and quality education. In Bauchi and the surrounding regions, UNICEF partners with local governments to tackle the root causes of child mortality and malnutrition. Our work is driven by the conviction that the health of a nation is built upon the well-being of its children, and we remain committed to accelerating the realization of their rights in every community we serve.

Position Overview

• Job Title: Health Specialist (NO-C)
• Job Type: Contract
• Location: Bauchi, Nigeria
• Deadline: January 21, 2026
• Field: Medical / Healthcare / International Development

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their application through the official UNICEF recruitment portal. Please ensure your candidate profile is comprehensive and highlights your experience in maternal and child health (MCH) interventions.

Application Link: https://jobs.unicef.org/

Tips for Applicants

1. Highlight Sector Expertise: If you have specific experience in “Maternal and Neonatal Health” or “Health Emergencies,” ensure this is prominent in your application, as these are priority areas for this role.
2. Focus on Sustainability: UNICEF values candidates who can demonstrate how they have helped build local capacity rather than just providing temporary solutions.
3. Preparation: Review the UNICEF Competency Framework before your interview, as the organization places a high value on core values like Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability.