Job Opportunity: State Team Lead (Jigawa) at Pathfinder International

Job Opportunity: State Team Lead (Jigawa)

Role Overview

In the landscape of public health and humanitarian aid, effective leadership at the state level is the critical link between high-level strategy and life-saving on-ground impact. This pivotal role offers the opportunity to drive systemic change within Jigawa’s health sector, focusing on improving reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health (RMNCH) outcomes. By leading a dynamic team and fostering government partnerships, the successful candidate will directly influence the well-being of vulnerable populations, ensuring essential health services reach the communities that need them most.

Job Summary

The State Team Lead serves as the primary strategic and operational head for the Community Access to RMNCH+N Innovations and Services (CARMNIS) project in Jigawa State. You will provide holistic oversight—ranging from technical implementation and financial management to building robust partnerships with government bodies—to ensure the project successfully improves community health access. This position requires a leader capable of aligning project goals with state policies while ensuring the highest standards of care and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Project Implementation

• Spearhead the planning, coordination, and execution of all CARMNIS project activities, ensuring strict adherence to donor guidelines and organizational standards.
• Drive the integration of project initiatives into existing state systems, ensuring compliance with Community Based Health Workforce (CBHW) policies.
• Develop and manage comprehensive state-specific work plans and implementation strategies across Local Government Areas (LGAs).
• Champion the adoption of standardized protocols for community engagement and referral systems.

Technical Oversight & Program Quality

• Provide expert technical guidance on community engagement, capacity building, and quality of care initiatives.
• Supervise and mentor a diverse field team, including Capacity Building Officers and Mentors, to ensure high-performance delivery.
• Facilitate data-driven decision-making and adaptive management practices to continuously improve project outcomes.
• Coordinate the “Network of Care” model, strengthening the link between Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities and community structures.

Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy

• Act as the primary liaison between the organization and the Jigawa State Ministry of Health, SPHCB, traditional leaders, and other development partners.
• Represent the project at technical working groups and high-level coordination meetings to advocate for resource commitment and policy alignment.
• Cultivate strong relationships with community gatekeepers and civil society organizations to foster local ownership of health initiatives.

Operational & Financial Management

• Oversee the administrative, logistical, and financial health of the state office, ensuring full compliance with procurement and safeguarding policies.
• Manage project budgets, approve expenditures, and oversee vendor relationships to ensure operational efficiency.
• Supervise administrative and finance staff to maintain a smoothly functioning office environment.

Monitoring, Learning & Reporting

• Collaborate with the Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) team to validate data and track key performance indicators regarding service uptake and referrals.
• Lead the documentation of success stories, best practices, and innovative approaches for knowledge sharing.
• Produce high-quality monthly, quarterly, and annual reports for internal review and donor submission.

Qualifications and Requirements

Education & Experience

• Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Medicine, Nursing, Social Sciences, or International Development is required. A Master’s degree is strongly preferred.
• Professional Experience: A minimum of 8–10 years of progressive experience in managing public health programs or community systems strengthening.
• Stakeholder Management: At least 5 years of proven experience in government relations, advocacy, or coordinating with state-level health systems.
• Operational Management: Demonstrated success in managing field offices, including budget oversight, operations, and team supervision.

Skills & Competencies

• Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of the Nigerian health system, specifically RMNCH+N, family planning, and community health worker programs. Familiarity with the Jigawa state context is a significant asset.
• Leadership: Strong ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, manage matrixed reporting lines, and work under pressure.
• Communication: Exceptional writing and presentation skills in English; fluency in the local language of the project location is highly desirable.
• Technology: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and digital communication tools.
• Logistics: Willingness to travel approximately 40% of the time within the state.

About the Organization

Pathfinder International is a globally recognized non-governmental organization driven by the fundamental belief that reproductive health is a human right. For over six decades, the organization has collaborated with local governments and communities to dismantle barriers to critical health services. Their mission focuses on empowering individuals to make informed life choices, reducing HIV transmission, and ensuring safe pregnancies. By building resilient health systems and advocating for sustainable policy changes, Pathfinder strives to create a world where everyone, regardless of geography, can live a life free from stigma and fear.

Application Details

• Location: Jigawa State, Nigeria
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Application Deadline: January 15, 2026

How to Apply: Interested candidates who meet the requirements should submit their applications online. Ensure your CV highlights relevant experience in state-level health program management.

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