Latest Jobs at Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

Job Summary:

CRS is seeking a State MEAL Officer for the CDC-funded global childhood immunization project. The project will reach zero- and under-immunized children with immunization services in Northern Nigeria including fragile and conflict settings. Project interventions will focus on: (a) Supporting immunization uptake for polio eradication, measles and rubella reduction and elimination, hepatitis B and maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination; (b) strengthening surveillance systems to improve preparedness and response to outbreaks of VPDs; strengthening of immunization delivery systems and capacities. The state MEAL officer will be responsible for designing, implementing, and managing the monitoring and evaluation framework for routine immunization and polio eradication programs in Kebbi state. He/She will track program performance, ensure data quality, analyze trends, and provide evidence-based recommendations to enhance program impact of the POISED project in Kebbi state. The position holder is also expected to work with POISED’s state team lead, Immunization and MEAL leads on high level matters. She/he will work directly with the Kebbi state Primary Health Care Development Agency, other Implementing Partners (IP), and the Local Partners to implement the project in the designated LGAs and other areas as determined. This will also include working with state government and other critical stakeholders in the Health and Humanitarian space.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Work closely with partners to ensure all program and related reports are collated, reviewed and are of high-quality for submission to the State Team Lead on a weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.
• Develop and implement M&E frameworks for routine immunization and polio programs in Kebbi state.
• Support data collection, entry, validation, and analysis using appropriate tools and software (DHIS2, ODK, Kobo Toolbox, etc.).
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of immunization and surveillance data to stakeholders.
• Conduct data verification and validation exercises to ensure data quality.
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) for routine immunization and polio eradication campaigns.
• Conduct supportive supervision and field visits to monitor program implementation.
• Develop data visualization tools, dashboards, and presentations to support decision-making.
• Provide technical assistance for the use of monitoring tools by field staff.
• Analyze immunization and disease surveillance data to identify trends and gaps.
• Prepare MEAL reports, dashboards, and presentations for program management and donors.
• Support the use of data for decision-making and program improvement.
• Document lessons learned and best practices for program improvement.
• Train and mentor health workers and program staff on data management, reporting tools, and MEAL best practices.
• Provide technical support in planning and conducting operational research related to immunization and polio eradication.
• Facilitate workshops, meetings, and training on MEAL strategies and tools.
• Work closely with government agencies (NPHCDA, WHO, UNICEF, etc.) and partners to align MEAL efforts.
• Support coordination of routine immunization review meetings.
• Ensure compliance with national and global MEAL standards.
• Organize and support training sessions for health workers, LGA immunization officers, and disease surveillance teams on data management for routine immunization SIAs and non-SIA campaign.
• Support health teams in using digital tools for tracking, reporting, and GIS mapping.
• Facilitate learning exchanges and best practice sharing among program teams.

Location – Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State

Required Languages – English and Hausa

Travel –  Must be willing and able to travel up to 75 %.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Data Management & Analysis – Proficiency in tools like DHIS2, SPSS, STATA, Excel, and Power BI for data collection, cleaning, analysis, and visualization.
• Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Frameworks – Strong understanding of M&E methodologies, including logical frameworks, results-based management (RBM), and indicator tracking.
• Health Information Systems (HIS) – Experience with state and national health information platforms (e.g., DHIS2, Kobo Toolbox, Open Data Kit).
• GIS & Mapping – Knowledge of GIS tools (QGIS, ArcGIS) for mapping immunization coverage and surveillance data.
• Survey Design & Implementation – Ability to design and conduct field surveys, operational research, and population-based assessments.
• Observation, active listening and analysis skills with ability to make sound judgment
• Good relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with local partners and community members
• Attention to details, accuracy and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities
• Proactive, results-oriented and service-oriented

Preferred Qualifications

• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills – Ability to interpret data, identify trends, and provide actionable recommendations.
• Attention to Detail – High level of accuracy in data collection, reporting, and analysis.
• Communication & Presentation Skills – Strong ability to present data-driven insights to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Training & Capacity Building – Experience in mentoring and training health workers and field staff on data collection and M&E tools.
• Project Management & Adaptability – Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to evolving program needs.
• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) – Advanced Excel skills for data analysis and reporting.
• Data Visualization & Dashboards – Ability to create interactive dashboards in Power BI, Google Data sheet.
• Proficient in virtual platforms and hosting/participation in seamless virtual meetings.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Statistics, Information Technology, Computer Science, Health Sciences, or a related field (master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in data management, immunization, disease surveillance, or public health program management.
• Demonstrated expertise in RI, SIAs, supportive supervision, and disease surveillance systems.
• Experience implementing zero-dose reduction strategies and IEV approaches.
• Strong familiarity with government health systems and working with development partners.

===

===

Job Summary:

CRS is seeking a Program Manager Partnership and Community Immunization Services for the CDC-funded global childhood immunization project. The project will reach zero- and under-immunized children with immunization services in Northern Nigeria including fragile and conflict settings. Project interventions will focus on: (a) Supporting immunization uptake for polio eradication, measles and rubella reduction and elimination, hepatitis B and maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination; (b) strengthening surveillance systems to improve preparedness and response to outbreaks of VPDs; strengthening of immunization delivery systems and capacities. The State Immunization/Team Lead (STL) under the guidance of Immunization Lead, will provide leadership and coordination for routine immunization (RI), Polio and non-Polio Supplemental Immunization Activities (SIAs), disease surveillance, and demand creation activities. The STL will focus on reducing zero-dose children and implementing the Identify, Enumerate, and Vaccinate (IEV) strategy across the state, designated LGAs, and health facilities. This role includes planning, capacity building, supportive supervision, monitoring, and stakeholder engagement to strengthen immunization coverage and health performance on routine immunization. She/he will ensure project target objectives are met, build healthy relationships for effective coordination and partnerships, and provide direct leadership to the team. She/he will participate in all POISED related events and activities, review and share weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual program-related reports on POISED project in Kebbi state.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Strategic Coordination:

• Act as the primary liaison between CRS, the State Ministry of Health (SMOH), State Primary Health Care Development Agency (PHCDA), LGAs, health facilities and development partners.
• Coordinate the planning and implementation of RI, SIAs, zero-dose reduction and IEV strategies in alignment with state and national health policies and guidelines.
• Facilitate partnerships with government agencies, development partners, and community organizations to ensure program effectiveness.
• Oversee the integration of RI with other health interventions, such as maternal health and nutrition programs.

Program Implementation:

• Lead the implementation of RI, Polio, and non-Polio SIAs, ensuring targeted and timely delivery of vaccines and services.
• Guide the implementation of the IEV strategy to identify and vaccinate zero-dose children, including those in underserved or remote communities.
• Strengthen vaccine logistics, cold chain management, and service delivery systems.

Supportive Supervision:

• Conduct regular supportive supervision visits to LGAs and health facilities to monitor program activities.
• Provide on-the-job mentoring and technical guidance to health workers, ensuring adherence to immunization protocols.
• Identify gaps in service delivery and collaboratively develop solutions to improve program quality and effectiveness.
• Prepare and share supervision reports with actionable recommendations for program improvement.

Disease Surveillance and Outbreak Response:

• Strengthen surveillance systems to detect and respond to vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks.
• Monitor Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) and other key indicators to guide disease control efforts.
• Coordinate cross-border surveillance and vaccination campaigns to address disease risks.

Community Engagement and Demand Creation:

• Work with community leaders, influencers, and health volunteers to increase awareness and demand for immunization services.
• Address vaccine hesitancy and misinformation through targeted communication campaigns.
• Mobilize community groups, such as mothers’ groups and religious leaders, to support routine and supplemental immunization efforts.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:

• Support the state, LGA and health facilities to strengthen monitoring and evaluation systems to track progress and outcomes of RI, SIAs, and disease surveillance activities.
• Collect and analyze data to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities for program enhancement.
• Submit timely and high-quality reports to CRS leadership and relevant stakeholders.

Capacity Building:

• Organize and support training sessions for health workers, LGA immunization officers, and disease surveillance teams on RI, SIAs, and data management.
• Support health teams in using digital tools for tracking, reporting, and GIS mapping.
• Facilitate learning exchanges and best practice sharing among program teams.

Required Languages – High level of proficiency in both written and spoken English. Local languages, Hausa will be an advantage.

Travel – 75% travel including to communities with difficult terrain.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent leadership, mentoring, and team-building skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools (e.g., DHIS2, Excel, GIS mapping).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Problem-solving abilities and the capacity to manage multiple priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Commitment to public health and equity in immunization services.
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively with diverse communities.
• Willingness to travel frequently to LGAs and health facilities.
• Knowledge of local languages and cultural contexts is an advantage.
• Familiarity with relevant donors’ regulations is a plus.
• Proficient in Excel and experience with Word and PowerPoint. Knowledge of financial reporting software is a plus.
• Proficient in virtual platforms and hosting/participation in seamless virtual meetings.

Supervisory Responsibilities (if none, state none): State MEAL Officer

Key Working Relationships:

Internal : Chief of Party, Deputy Chief of Party, Immunization System Strengthening Lead, Strategic Information Lead, Program Manager, MEAL Officers, Admin Officer, Country program operations and Finance team.

External : NHCDA, SPHCDA, other development partners, Health Facilities and LGA PHC team.

Basic Qualifications

• BBachelor’s degree in Medicine, Public Health, Health Sciences, or a related field (master’s degree preferred).
• At least 5–7 years of experience in immunization, disease surveillance, or public health program management.
• Demonstrated expertise in RI, SIAs, supportive supervision, and disease surveillance systems.
• Experience implementing zero-dose reduction strategies and IEV approaches.
• Strong familiarity with government health systems and working with development partners.