State Operations Assistant (Malaria & NTDs)

In the fight against malaria, operational excellence is the bridge between life-saving medical supplies and the communities that need them most. In Nigeria, where malaria remains a significant public health challenge, the State Operations Assistant plays a vital role in ensuring that technical interventions are supported by flawless logistics and financial integrity. By managing the moving parts of the REACH project, you directly enable health workers to provide malaria prevention and treatment to the most vulnerable households across the country.

Locations: Ebonyi, Kebbi, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, Oyo, Cross River, and Benue (Nigeria)

Organization: Organization for Innovation in Public Health (OIPH / PATH Nigeria)

Project: PMI REACH Malaria

Employment Type: Full-Time (7 Openings)

Job Summary

The State Operations Assistant provides essential administrative, logistical, and financial support to the PMI REACH Malaria project team at the state level. Serving as a key link between technical teams and the State Ministry of Health, the successful candidate will ensure that workshops, field exercises, and daily operations are executed efficiently, transparently, and in full compliance with international donor standards.

Key Responsibilities

Your work will be organized into three core pillars: Administrative Logistics, Financial Stewardship, and Project Coordination.

Logistical & Administrative Support

• Event Orchestration: Manage the end-to-end logistics for high-level meetings, technical workshops, and field-based interventions, including venue sourcing and digital conferencing setup.
• Documentation: Serve as the record-keeper for project events, ensuring minutes are captured accurately and follow-up actions are tracked to completion.
• Supply Chain Liaison: Partner with procurement units to facilitate the timely purchase of essential project supplies and specialized services.
• Travel Management: Coordinate complex travel itineraries for staff and consultants, providing real-time support for schedule changes and processing subsequent reimbursement claims.

Financial Operations & Compliance

• Budget Development: Draft comprehensive activity budgets and compile detailed financial reports following the conclusion of field exercises or meetings.
• Transaction Integrity: Ensure all project expenditures are accurately coded and documented according to OIPH and PATH global policies.
• Vendor Management: Utilize internal financial systems (BusinessWorld) to initiate payments and liaise with the accounting department to ensure vendors are paid promptly.
• Inventory Oversight: Assist the finance team in maintaining an airtight inventory of project assets and equipment.

Project Integration

• Strategic Planning: Contribute operational insights during the development of new programs, proposals, and annual work plans.
• Progress Tracking: Maintain project management systems to monitor, analyze, and report on the status of operational milestones and tasks.
• Team Synergy: Act as a versatile resource person, providing backup support for other program assistants to maintain workflow continuity.

Skills & Qualifications

We are looking for a proactive professional who thrives in high-stakes, multi-site environments.

• Academic Background: A University Degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Management, or a related social science field.
• Professional Experience: At least 3 years of experience in an operations or administrative role, preferably within the International NGO (INGO) sector.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced skills in the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams). Experience with ERP systems like BusinessWorld is a significant advantage.
• Operational Agility: Proven ability to manage large-scale events and international delegations with minimal supervision.
• Communication Mastery: Exceptional writing and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to summarize complex meeting discussions into actionable steps.
• Personal Attributes: High attention to detail, a result-oriented mindset, and the flexibility to adapt to shifting project priorities.

Why This Job is Important

This position is the “engine room” of the REACH project. Without meticulous operational support, technical expertise cannot be translated into field success. Your work ensures that funds are used transparently, resources arrive on time, and project teams can focus on their primary mission: reducing the burden of Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases in Nigeria.

Benefits of Applying

• Impactful Work: Contribute to a global flagship project aimed at achieving health equity in Nigeria.
• Professional Growth: Work alongside world-class experts in public health and international development.
• Collaborative Environment: Join a diverse team that values innovation, proactive problem-solving, and integrity.
• Competitive Compensation: We offer a salary package that is competitive within the Nigerian NGO sector, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

About the Organization

The Organization for Innovation in Public Health (OIPH) is the local affiliate of PATH, a global leader in health equity. We believe that everyone deserves the chance to live a healthy life, regardless of where they are born. By uniting the power of science, technology, and advocacy, we partner with the Nigerian government and local stakeholders to scale innovative solutions for the world’s most persistent health threats. Our mission is to transform health systems so that they work for everyone, everywhere.

Tips for Applicants

1. Be Specific: In your application, highlight a time you managed a complex logistical challenge or improved a financial reporting process.
2. Highlight Compliance: Emphasize your understanding of financial integrity and donor regulations.
3. Local Context: Mention your familiarity with the specific state you are applying for, as local knowledge is highly valued for operations roles.

How to Apply

Application Deadline: Open until filled (Early applications are encouraged).

Interested candidates who meet the requirements should submit their applications through the official PATH career portal.

Apply Online via PATH Career Portal

OIPH/PATH is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.