Organization: Malaria Consortium
Location: Zamfara State, Nigeria (80% Field Travel)
Employment Type: Full-time
Level: Officer Level (Reporting to State Programme Manager)
Salary: Competitive
ABOUT THE ROLE
Malaria Consortium is one of the world’s leading non-profit organizations dedicated to the comprehensive control of malaria and other communicable diseases. We are seeking a dynamic Programme Officer (PO) to lead the implementation of Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) activities in assigned LGAs across Zamfara State.
This role is critical for the “last mile” delivery of life-saving SPAQ (Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine + Amodiaquine) to children, requiring a leader who is comfortable working at the heart of the community.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Programme Management (70%)
- Team Leadership: Line manage LGA Field Assistants, ensuring a technically fit and high-performing SMC project team.
- Campaign Lifecycle: Lead microplanning, selection of local implementers, training, and database finalization.
- Logistics: Oversee last-mile distribution of commodities and reverse logistics.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Maintain collaborative links with LGA health staff, community gatekeepers, and government partners.
- Risk Management: Ensure all operations comply with “Start-to-Finish” (SFG) policies and Malaria Consortium values.
2. Technical & M&E (20%)
- Support reporting for SPAQ administration and Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS).
- Contribute to End of Cycle (EoC) reviews and End of Round (EoR) coverage surveys.
- Utilize digital technology for campaign monitoring and QA.
3. Representation & Knowledge Management (10%)
- Identify lessons learned for adaptive management.
- Represent the organization at the LGA and community levels.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Qualifications
- Education: Training in Nursing or Public Health.
- Experience: Minimum of 5 years in the Public Health sector.
- Local Expertise: Must be a resident of Zamfara State and fluent in English and the dominant local language (Hausa).
- Campaign Experience: Proven experience in campaign-style interventions (SMC, Polio, or Social Mobilization).
Technical Skills
- Proficiency in digital data collection tools (DHIS2, ODK, KoboCollect).
- Strong project planning and budget management skills.
- Deep understanding of the Nigeria Health System and behavior change communication.
Work Conditions
- Mobility: Ability to travel to LGAs outside the state capital at least 80% of the time.
- Resilience: Ability to perform under pressure in challenging field environments.
Success Guide: Programme Officer (SMC) – Zamfara
To stand out in the recruitment process for Malaria Consortium, candidates must demonstrate a specific blend of technical nursing/public health knowledge and operational grit.
1. The “80% Travel” Reality
This is not a desk job. The hiring team is looking for someone who can thrive in the rural LGAs of Zamfara.
- Interview Tip: Be prepared to discuss how you handle security challenges, remote team management, and logistics in hard-to-reach areas.
2. Mastery of Digital Tools
Malaria Consortium is a leader in data-driven campaigns.
- Key Tools: Ensure you are comfortable discussing KoboCollect or ODK. If you have experience with LQAS (Lot Quality Assurance Sampling), highlight it—it is a specific methodology Malaria Consortium uses to verify campaign quality quickly.
3. Understanding the “SMC Cycle”
The Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) program runs in “cycles” or “rounds” during the rainy season.
- Pro-Tip: Familiarize yourself with the SMC Handbook. Understand that your role involves a massive surge of activity (the campaign) followed by intense data cleaning and “reverse logistics” (bringing unused drugs back from the field safely).
4. Community Gatekeeping
In Zamfara, the success of a health program depends on the buy-in of traditional and religious leaders.
- Competency: You must demonstrate “Social Mobilization” skills. How have you previously convinced a hesitant community to accept a new health intervention?
5. Start-to-Finish (SFG) Policy
Malaria Consortium has a zero-tolerance policy for mismanagement of commodities.
- Integrity: Highlight your experience in “Last Mile” tracking. Proving you can account for every single tablet of SPAQ is the fastest way to build trust during the interview.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their application through the Malaria Consortium careers portal.
Note: Malaria Consortium is an equal opportunity employer. Due to the nature of this role, familiarity with the local terrain and culture in Zamfara is mandatory.