Reports directly to the Country Director of Nigeria, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and operational priorities. This role involves close collaboration with senior leadership to maintain cohesive direction while overseeing key initiatives. Responsibilities include providing updates, seeking guidance on critical decisions, and ensuring seamless communication across departments to drive consistent performance and sustainable growth within the organization.
The compensation for this position aligns with Foreign Service National (FSN) Grade 12.
The project entails the development and implementation of strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, optimizing resource allocation, and driving organizational growth through innovative solutions. It requires a cross-functional team of skilled professionals with expertise in project management, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement to ensure seamless execution and alignment with business objectives. Key responsibilities include conducting comprehensive market research, identifying emerging trends, and executing data-driven strategies to mitigate risks while maximizing return on investment. Additionally, the project demands rigorous monitoring of performance metrics, regular reporting to senior leadership, and continuous improvement through feedback integration and process refinement.
CSI is actively recruiting a Project Director (PD) for the Routine Immunization Project. The initiative aims to bolster routine immunization programs by addressing persistent challenges that hinder progress in the designated states and removing obstacles to vaccinating zero-dose and under-immunized children with critical vaccines and essential health services. Through targeted technical assistance, the Project strengthens routine immunization systems across nine states, employing a collaborative co-creation methodology to enhance equitable coverage, with a particular emphasis on identifying, analyzing, and engaging underserved populations of zero-dose and under-immunized children.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Project Director will provide strategic and managerial leadership, ensuring project quality and guiding the team effectively. They will foster innovation while overseeing all aspects of project coordination, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and adherence to compliance standards. Serving as CSI’s official representative for this initiative, the Project Director will maintain clear and professional communication, cultivating strong relationships with government counterparts, clients, stakeholders, and other key partners.
The Project Director will provide strategic leadership and oversight for a team executing a comprehensive scope of work, delivering direct technical assistance to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHC DA), State Primary Health Care Development Agencies (Spicas), national and state routine immunization technical working groups, and State Immunization Teams. This role entails primary responsibility for client engagement and relationship management with the NPHC DA, the Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare (MOHISM), as well as coordination with other partners and donors. The Project Director will lead a multidisciplinary team of public health and program management experts, ensuring alignment with the immunization practice team’s objectives while collaborating closely with CSI/Nigeria’s leadership. Additionally, the position will oversee the management and technical direction of the project portfolio, alongside comprehensive risk management for the program. Reporting directly to the CSI/Nigeria Country Director, this role will maintain a functional relationship with the Immunization Practice Director or their designated representative in the United States.
Oversee and manage daily operations to ensure efficient and effective workflows, maintaining high standards of productivity and quality. Develop and implement strategic plans, policies, and procedures to support organizational goals and compliance with industry regulations. Lead cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration and accountability to achieve departmental objectives. Monitor performance metrics and analyze data to identify trends, opportunities for improvement, and areas requiring intervention. Coordinate with senior leadership to align initiatives with broader company vision and priorities. Ensure adherence to budgetary constraints while optimizing resource allocation for maximum impact. Provide guidance and mentorship to staff, promoting professional growth and a culture of continuous learning.
Acts as the primary liaison for the project, with accountability for its overall success.
Deliver comprehensive strategic guidance, executive leadership, and meticulous oversight throughout project execution—ensuring alignment with quality standards, goals, objectives, and targeted outcomes.
Act as a technical liaison between the NPHC DA, the FMH, and a range of national and international agencies, institutions, and stakeholders.
Serve as a key intermediary to facilitate the exchange and dissemination of findings and insights essential for driving ongoing enhancements.
Deliver strategic and technical leadership for CSI’s routine immunization portfolio and associated funding streams, while also overseeing portfolio-wide risk management efforts.
Provide strategic direction and oversee the performance of senior team members while leading the entire project team with strong leadership and guidance.
Establish and foster mentoring systems both internally within the team and externally to ensure enduring continuity and sustainable growth.
Ensure adherence to CSI and client policies, rules, and regulations, as well as compliance with in-country legal and regulatory requirements, while maintaining clear and transparent communication with the global team, the designated Program Support Manager, and the Senior Technical Advisor.
Oversee the successful execution of the project while ensuring the timely preparation of both routine and ad hoc performance reports, as well as technical deliverables.
Verify that all quarterly and annual reporting obligations are completed accurately and submitted within the specified deadlines.
Deliver high-quality work efficiently while ensuring all activities are completed on schedule and within the allocated budget.
Develop and implement robust planning, monitoring, management, and control systems to facilitate well-informed decision-making and seamless execution of project activities.
Monitor all project activities to systematically capture and integrate lessons learned into current task execution. Verify adherence to performance benchmarks and initiate corrective measures as needed to maintain alignment with established objectives.
Monitor and identify potential new business development opportunities for CSI within the country, ensuring timely communication with the Country Director, Senior Program Manager, and headquarters support teams regarding prospective prospects.
Support the execution of new business strategies and, when necessary, contribute to the development of individual proposals.
May undertake additional responsibilities or tasks as directed by the supervisor, as needed.
Seeking candidates who possess a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent professional experience. Proficiency in specific software or tools relevant to the role is required. Demonstrated ability to perform essential job functions is a must. Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability are highly valued. Excellent communication and teamwork capabilities are mandatory. Prior experience in a similar capacity is preferred.
An advanced degree in public health, immunization, supply chain management, management, or a related social science field—or the equivalent practical experience—is required.
A minimum of 10 years of hands-on experience in the Expanded Program on Immunization or related immunization initiatives is essential.
Proficiency in public health principles and methodologies is required, along with experience in immunization system operations. This includes expertise in organizing outreach initiatives, vaccine logistics, maintaining the cold chain, handling waste disposal, and managing vehicles, as well as familiarity with primary healthcare frameworks.
Proficient in evaluating and interpreting routine immunization data, as well as tracking and reporting program advancements.
Proven capability to engage effectively within intricate, multi-intervention health development initiatives, in partnership with national health ministries and global collaborators.
With a proven track record in crafting compelling proposals, nurturing client relationships, and driving new business initiatives, the ideal candidate will bring substantial expertise to these core areas.
Demonstrates unwavering dedication to fostering gender equality in both personal and professional spheres.
Proven leadership and management expertise in projects funded by donors is a prerequisite for this role.
Proven expertise in project management and leadership, coupled with a proactive approach to taking initiative.
Skilled in delivering compelling presentations and effectively advocating for ideas with clarity and conviction.
Demonstrates outstanding interpersonal abilities, fostering productive collaborations with a varied team of stakeholders and partners.
Fluency in English, both in written and spoken forms, is essential.
Demonstrated flexibility to undertake domestic and international travel as required by business needs.
This position is open only to local applicants. Eligible candidates must send their resume and cover letter to recruiting.ng@jsi.org, with the subject line “Project Director, Routine Immunization.”
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
10 years
