Program Officer, Polio Outbreaks - Nigeria Focus at Bill And Melinda Gates Foundation

Your Role

• We are seeking two Program Officers, Outbreak Response to support the foundation’s efforts to stop Type 2 circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus outbreaks in Africa, with a focus on Nigeria.
• In this role, you will manage a portfolio of investments, support the execution of outbreak response strategies, and work closely with partners to strengthen coordination and delivery. More so, tracking progress related to foundation investments in integrated service delivery in high-risk polio areas.

This position is based in Abuja, Nigeria, and reports to Polio Senior Manager, with significant collaboration across the Polio, Immunization, and Nigeria Country Office teams.

What You'll Do

• Contribute to the implementation of outbreak response strategies, with a focus on Type 2 circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus in Nigeria.
• Serve as the foundation’s polio focal point for high-priority states in northern Nigeria, using data analysis to maintain a deep understanding of state-level performance, risks, and local dynamics, and driving targeted action to improve outcomes.
• Support improvements in State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) performance, including coordination, data use, and execution discipline.
• Support analysis of program performance across partners, grantees, and government entities: identifying gaps, escalating critical issues, and driving rapid problem-solving to improve results.
• Help strengthen accountability at all levels (partners, grantees, and government counterparts),by promoting clear expectations, supporting follow-up, and identifying and communicating risks related to underperformance.
• Support and strengthen the quality of polio campaigns, with a focus on identifying root causes of poor performance and implementing corrective actions to consistently reach missed children.
• Manage a portfolio of grants and contracts, ensuring strong performance management, clear deliverables, and alignment with program priorities.
• Review letters of inquiry and grant proposals; develop clear, concise analyses and funding recommendations that prioritize impact and performance.
• Prepare high-quality briefs and syntheses that translate data into clear actions for leadership.
• Contribute to a high-performance team culture, with a strong focus on results, ownership, and continuous improvement.

Your Experience

• An Advanced degree or equivalent demonstrated experience preferably in public health or international development.
• Some experience managing public health or development projects, including field experience in developing countries.
• Experience in polio eradication, outbreaks response, vaccine delivery, or health emergencies programs in low and middle-income countries preferred.
• Familiarity with disease control and polio eradication fields.
• Previous experience working with teams in cross-cultural, cross-location settings
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Data synthesis, analysis, and presentation skills.
• Attention to detail in proofing materials, tracking projects and grants.
• Strong program management skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a team.

Other Attributes

• Must be legally authorized to work in the country where this position is based without requiring current or future visa sponsorship.
• Ability and willingness to undertake domestic and international travel of up to 30–40% to support business needs.