The Gates Foundation is inviting experienced public health and health systems professionals to apply for the Program Officer, Health Systems Strengthening and Primary Healthcare (PHC) position in Abuja, Nigeria. The full-time role offers an opportunity for an experienced professional to support health systems strengthening, primary healthcare reforms and innovative service-delivery approaches across Nigeria. The position is based in Abuja, Nigeria, and is part of the Foundation’s Africa team, which works to scale evidence-based interventions addressing health and socioeconomic challenges across Sub-Saharan Africa. The successful candidate will work closely with government institutions, donors, implementing partners and other stakeholders to support sustainable improvements in primary healthcare. The application deadline is 28 November 2026. About the Gates Foundation Role The Gates Foundation describes itself as a nonprofit organisation working to address poverty, disease and inequity globally. Its Africa team focuses on supporting evidence-based interventions and delivery models while developing partnerships that can help successful approaches reach multiple countries. The Program Officer will report to the Deputy Director – Health Systems Strengthening and PHC in the Nigeria Country Office. The role is focused on supporting the design, development and implementation of PHC reforms at both federal and sub-national levels. This includes work connected to the Nigeria Integrated Health (NIH) Model and State Delivery and Intelligence Units (SDIU). The position also involves supporting reforms intended to improve how primary healthcare is financed, delivered and managed. Key Responsibilities The successful candidate will contribute to a broad portfolio of health systems strengthening activities. Responsibilities include supporting the implementation of PHC reforms and helping government and partners develop effective approaches to improving healthcare delivery. Key duties include: Supporting the design and implementation of primary healthcare reforms. Supporting improvements in PHC financing and delivery systems. Promoting the use of data for decision-making, accountability and performance management. Developing and managing portfolios of grants and contracts. Monitoring and evaluating grants to ensure intended outcomes are achieved. Building strategic partnerships to expand and scale health impact. Providing technical support on PHC systems strengthening and service delivery. Supporting the use of innovation and digital technologies to improve health outcomes. Measuring results and return on investment and using findings to improve programmes. Providing technical assistance, mentoring and coaching to partners. Supporting federal and sub-national governments in strengthening PHC financing and functionality. Helping strengthen capacity to analyse and use data for PHC performance management. The Program Officer will also work with government stakeholders, including Ministries of Health, and other partners to advance PHC strategies and improve utilisation of primary healthcare services. Who Can Apply? The position is intended for experienced professionals with substantial expertise in health systems strengthening, primary healthcare or public health in African settings. Candidates should have a degree in Public Health, Health Systems and Administration, Health Financing or another relevant field. Applicants should also have a minimum of six years of relevant professional experience in health systems strengthening, PHC or public health in African settings. The Foundation ideally seeks candidates with at least five years of experience working in a low-income-country context or equivalent experience involving direct engagement with Ministries of Health, donors and implementing agencies. Professional Experience Required Applicants should have a demonstrated record of working on health systems strengthening and primary healthcare programmes. Experience in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa is highly preferred. Candidates should also demonstrate experience in analytical and diagnostic work, including the preparation of technical reports, policy briefs and presentations used to inform health policy and implementation decisions. Experience working with government officials, implementing partners and donors is important. The Foundation is particularly interested in candidates with an in-depth understanding of the Nigerian health system and federal and state health policies, together with practical experience in northern Nigeria. The role also requires strong programme and project management capabilities, strategic thinking, communication skills and the ability to build coalitions across different sectors and levels of government. Skills and Competencies Successful candidates should be comfortable working across complex political, cultural, geographic and operational environments. Important competencies include: Health systems strengthening expertise. Strong understanding of primary healthcare delivery. Strategic and operational planning. Programme and project management. Grant and portfolio management. Monitoring and evaluation. Partnership and coalition building. Data analysis and evidence-based decision-making. Strong written and verbal communication. Experience working with government and public-sector partners. Understanding of innovation and digital health technologies. Ability to manage complex projects independently. Experience developing public-private partnerships is also considered desirable. Work Eligibility and Travel The position is based in Abuja, Nigeria, and applicants must be legally authorised to work in the country where the position is located without visa sponsorship. The role may require travel of up to 30% domestically and internationally. The successful candidate will also be required to complete a background check as part of the Foundation’s standard hiring process. Benefits The Gates Foundation states that it provides an extensive employee benefits package. Benefits include comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage without employee premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, foundation-paid retirement contributions, regional holidays and opportunities to participate in employee communities. The Foundation also describes its workplace as one focused on diversity, equity and inclusion, with an emphasis on creating an environment where employees can develop professionally and personally. How to Apply Qualified professionals interested in the Gates Foundation Program Officer, Health Systems Strengthening and Primary Healthcare position should submit their applications through the Foundation’s official careers portal. Position: Program Officer, Health Systems Strengthening and Primary Healthcare (PHC)Organisation: Gates FoundationLocation: Abuja, NigeriaJob Type: Full-timeJob Requisition ID: B021768Experience: Minimum 6 years of relevant experienceEducation: Degree in Public Health, Health Systems and Administration, Health Financing or a relevant fieldTravel: Up to 30%Work authorisation: Must be legally able to work in Nigeria without visa sponsorshipApplication Deadline: 28 November 2026 Applicants should ensure that their CVs clearly demonstrate their experience in health systems strengthening, primary healthcare, public health, programme management, policy engagement and partnership development. This Gates Foundation opportunity is particularly relevant to experienced African health professionals with practical knowledge of Nigeria’s health system and a background in working with government, donors and implementing partners. Interested candidates should review the full requirements and submit their applications before the 28 November 2026 deadline. APPLY HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations. JOIN GSO WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW