Health System Strengthening Officer at Action Against Hunger | ACF-International

Work location: Damaturu, Yobe State
Key Responsibilities:
 Support to health systems strengthening (HSS)

• Conduct a comprehensive health system assessment, including a capacity gap analysis of health workers across the targeted LGAs.
• Coordinate the development of a capacity development plan in collaboration with the LGA Primary Healthcare Department (PHC), the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SPHCDA), and align it with the Ministry of Health’s plan.
• Facilitate training programs for individuals drawn from various health cadres, including Nurses, Midwives, Community Health Extension Officers, and Community Health Influencers.
• Monitor and report on the implementation of HSS activities, ensuring alignment with project goals and timelines.

 Strengthening community health management

• Support the organization and management of quarterly coordination meetings between key health stakeholders, line ministries, agencies, and the Ward Development Committee.
• Facilitate discussions during these meetings to address issues related to access, uptake, and barriers to providing quality health interventions.
• Provide technical support to Health Facilities for the development and review of facility plans to ensure gaps identified in health service delivery are addressed.
• Assist in the institutionalization of community health programs such as the CHIPS (Community Health Influencers, Promoters, and Services) program in selected LGAs.

Capacity building and training

• Organize and coordinate training sessions for community health workers and matrons, ensuring they are well-equipped to deliver quality health services.
• Provide ongoing mentorship and support to health workers, promoting continuous professional development.
• Engage with local health authorities to ensure the sustainability of training programs and the integration of new practices into routine health services.

Project management and implementation

• Ensure the implementation of health-related activities aligns with the RESILAC project’s timelines and objectives.
• Monitor budget utilization for health interventions, ensuring expenditures are in line with the project’s financial forecasts.
• Maintain close collaboration with LGA Health and Nutrition departments, local NGOs, and INGOs to avoid duplication of efforts and enhance the efficiency of health service delivery.

Supportive supervision and monitoring

• Organize and participate in joint supportive supervision visits to health facilities, conducted by the SMOH and other relevant line ministries.
• Document and report on the findings of supervision visits, including action plans to address any identified gaps.
• Engage with facility staff and LGA health officials to ensure the timely submission of reports and data on health service delivery.
• Regular monitor the targeted health facilities, give feedback follow and report
• Ensure any compliance and feedback are addressed

  Information management, reporting and coordination

• Ensure that all training data is collected, archived, and reported accurately, including details of master trainers and trainees.
• Lead LGA-based monthly coordination meetings, supporting teams to structure coordination mechanisms effectively.
• Identify key progress, gaps, and challenges in health service delivery, providing proposed solutions and informing line management.
• Ensure sex disaggregated data management and reporting
• Follow and take into account the gender action plan of the components

Additional Responsibilities

• This job description is not intended to be all inclusive and the employee will also perform other related tasks as required and responsible for reporting and communication of progress and achievement of the specific assigned task.
• Maintenance of high technical standards.
• Conduct all duties in a professional manner following ACF Nigeria mission staff regulations, ACF Nigeria mandate and charter including promotion of gender equality.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing, environmental health, public health OR related field
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in primary care programs
• Strong knowledge of primary health care and nutrition services in Nigeria
• Experience in team or staff supervision and management
• Ability to build effective relationships with government health personnel, NGOs, INGOs, and partners
• Strong report‑writing skills and proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Fluency in English and local languages (Hausa, Kanuri, Babur)
• Strong communication, interpersonal skills, and the ability to provide constructive feedback and manage staff respectfully within local culture and organizational policies.