Gates Foundation Program Officer, Health Systems Strengthening and PHC 2026: Apply for Abuja Health Systems Role
Overview
The Gates Foundation is recruiting a Program Officer for Health Systems Strengthening and Primary Healthcare (PHC) in Abuja, Nigeria. The full-time role sits within the Foundation's Africa team, which works to scale evidence-based interventions addressing health and socioeconomic challenges across Sub-Saharan Africa. The Program Officer reports to the Deputy Director for Health Systems Strengthening and PHC in the Nigeria Country Office.
The post supports the design and implementation of PHC reforms at federal and sub-national levels, including work linked to the Nigeria Integrated Health Model and State Delivery and Intelligence Units. It also supports reforms to how primary healthcare is financed, delivered and managed.
Requirements
Applicants need a degree in Public Health, Health Systems and Administration, Health Financing or a related field, and at least six years of relevant experience in health systems strengthening, PHC or public health in African settings. The Foundation ideally wants five years of work in a low-income-country context or equivalent direct engagement with Ministries of Health, donors and implementing agencies.
Experience in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa is highly preferred, as is practical experience in northern Nigeria and a deep understanding of the Nigerian health system and federal and state policy. Candidates should show analytical and diagnostic work, such as technical reports and policy briefs, along with strong project management, strategic thinking, communication and coalition-building skills.
What the role involves
Duties include supporting PHC reforms, promoting data use for accountability and performance management, managing portfolios of grants and contracts, monitoring and evaluating grants, building partnerships, providing technical assistance and coaching to partners, supporting innovation and digital technologies, and measuring results and return on investment.
What you get
The Foundation states it offers an extensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision coverage without employee premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, foundation-paid retirement contributions and regional holidays. Travel of up to 30% domestically and internationally may be required.
Who can apply
Applicants must be legally authorised to work in Nigeria without visa sponsorship, and a background check is part of the hiring process.
How to apply
Applications are submitted through the Foundation's official careers portal.
Key dates
The application deadline is 28 November 2026.