Local Capacity Strengthening & Health Workforce Development Officer (Yobe)

In the quest for sustainable health impact, the most critical investment is in people. Management Sciences for Health (MSH) is seeking a strategic and mission-driven professional to lead our capacity-building initiatives in Yobe State. In this role, you will be the architect of professional growth, ensuring that local health workers and institutional partners transition from aid recipients to the primary drivers of their own resilient health systems.

Job Summary

The Local Capacity Strengthening (LCS) & Health Workforce Development Officer is responsible for identifying and bridging critical gaps within the local health workforce. Supporting the LCS Specialist, you will design innovative training curricula, lead high-impact mentorship programs, and foster deep institutional partnerships with the Yobe State Ministry of Health. Your mission is to build a self-sustaining health workforce capable of delivering high-quality care long after project cycles conclude.

Key Responsibilities

Assessment & Strategic Planning

• Lead comprehensive technical assessments to identify competency gaps within health systems and the various cadres of the health workforce in Yobe.
• Translate assessment findings into actionable, long-term capacity-building plans and training strategies.
• Support the review and modernization of state-level policies and guidelines to ensure sustainable structures for Human Resources for Health (HRH).

Educational Design & Program Delivery

• Adapt and develop specialized training modules and curricula tailored to health workers, including Community Health Workers (CHWs), nurses, and administrators.
• Oversee the logistical and technical execution of National Train-the-Trainer (NTOT) sessions, workshops, and on-site clinical mentorship.
• Implement adult learning methodologies to ensure high knowledge retention and immediate practical application in health facilities.

Stakeholder Coordination & Advisory

• Serve as a key liaison with the Yobe State Ministry of Health, local NGOs, and community leaders to align project activities with state health priorities.
• Provide expert technical advice on program implementation, workforce optimization, and quality improvement frameworks.
• Facilitate partnerships between local authorities and international bodies to harmonize health workforce standards across the state.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL)

• Maintain rigorous databases to track all training activities, participant progress, and certification milestones.
• Systematically document lessons learned and success stories to inform future program iterations and donor reporting.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of workforce development on service delivery quality and local health system resilience.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Academic Foundation: * Bachelor’s degree with 4–6 years of experience; OR
  • Master’s degree with 2–4 years of experience; OR
  • Doctorate with 0–2 years of experience.
  • Fields of study: Public Health, Health Administration, International Development, or a related discipline.
• Sector Expertise: Proven track record in institutional capacity building or health workforce development, ideally within a donor-funded environment (NGO or Public Sector).
• Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of CHW programs, Human Resources for Health (HRH) frameworks, and Adult Learning principles.
• Software Mastery: High proficiency in MS Office and experience with data collection/analysis tools.
• Core Skills: Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and cross-cultural communication abilities.

Preferred/Desirable Attributes:

• Certification as a Master Trainer (e.g., in iCCM or similar clinical protocols).
• Experience implementing e-learning or digital health tools for remote workforce training.
• Previous experience in Yobe State or comparable Northeast Nigerian health contexts.

Why This Position Matters

MSH works to close the gap between knowledge and action. In Yobe, your work ensures that “knowledge” doesn’t just reside in manuals, but in the hands and minds of local health professionals. By strengthening local capacity, you are ensuring that the health system remains robust, responsive, and capable of saving lives for generations to come.

Benefits of Applying

• Systems-Level Impact: Influence how an entire state’s health workforce is developed and managed.
• Global Network: Collaborate with MSH’s global network of health system strengthening experts.
• Strategic Leadership: Build high-level relationships with government officials and international health leaders.
• Purpose-Driven Culture: Join a global nonprofit that prioritizes local ownership and sustainable impact.

Position Details

• Location: Yobe State, Nigeria
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Application Deadline: January 31, 2026

Method of Application

Qualified candidates are invited to apply through the MSH Workday portal: Apply via the MSH Career Portal

Tips for Applicants

1. Highlight Your “Training” Philosophy: MSH is looking for more than a presenter. Explain how you ensure that a training session leads to a measurable change in a health worker’s performance on the job.
2. Focus on Sustainability: Provide examples of systems, tools, or curricula you built that continued to function after your specific project involvement ended.
3. Detail Your Government Liaison Experience: Successfully navigating relationships with the Ministry of Health is a core part of this role; emphasize your experience in coordinating with government stakeholders in Northern Nigeria.