Gates Foundation Program Officer – Health Systems Strengthening and Primary Healthcare Job 2026
The Gates Foundation is inviting applications for a Program Officer – Health Systems Strengthening and Primary Healthcare (PHC) position based in Abuja, Nigeria. The full-time role offers an opportunity for an experienced public health professional to support primary healthcare reforms, strengthen health systems and help develop partnerships that improve health outcomes across Nigeria and other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The position 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 team works directly with countries and partners to expand successful health interventions and delivery models.
Job Title: Program Officer – Health Systems Strengthening and Primary Healthcare
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Job Type: Full-time
Job Requisition ID: B021768
Application Deadline: November 28, 2026
About the Program Officer Role
The Program Officer will support the design, development and implementation of Primary Health Care reforms at federal and sub-national levels in Nigeria. This includes work linked to the Nigeria Integrated Health Model and State Delivery and Intelligence Units.
The successful candidate will contribute to reforms designed to improve how primary healthcare is financed and delivered. The role includes supporting mechanisms that allow funds to reach healthcare facilities and local levels more effectively, while strengthening decision-making around resources, supplies and human resources.
The Program Officer will also support the use of data for decision-making and accountability, manage grants and contracts, build partnerships and provide technical assistance to government and other stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Responsibilities include developing annual investment plans and budgets, supporting national and sub-national strategies, managing portfolio risks and maintaining relationships with grantees and partners.
The Program Officer will also provide technical support for innovation in primary healthcare systems and service delivery, including the use of digital technologies to improve outcomes.
Other duties include measuring results and return on investment, managing complex grants, supporting health financing reforms and strengthening the ability of sub-national teams to analyse and use data for PHC performance management.
The role requires close collaboration with government institutions, Ministries of Health, donors, implementing partners and other organisations involved in strengthening healthcare systems.
Gates Foundation Program Officer Requirements
Applicants should have a degree in Public Health, Health Systems and Administration, Health Financing, or another relevant field.
The Foundation is seeking candidates with at least six years of relevant experience in health systems strengthening, primary healthcare or public health in African settings. Experience working in low-income country contexts and directly with Ministries of Health, donors and implementing organisations is highly desirable.
Candidates should also demonstrate experience preparing technical reports, policy briefs and presentations that support health policy and implementation decisions. Experience building relationships with government officials, donors and implementing partners is required.
An in-depth understanding of the Nigerian health system, including federal and state health policy, is expected. On-the-ground experience in northern Nigeria is particularly relevant to the position.
The Foundation also highlights strategic thinking, programme and project management, communication, partnership building and the ability to work across complex political, cultural and operational environments.
Additional Information
The position requires candidates to be legally authorised to work in Nigeria without visa sponsorship. The successful candidate should also be willing to travel up to 30% domestically and internationally.
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. The Gates Foundation also states that it is committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should review the full job description and submit their application through the official Gates Foundation careers portal.
Application Deadline: November 28, 2026
APPLY ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Applicants should ensure that they meet the required education, professional experience and work-authorisation requirements before submitting their applications.
