Program Officer at Lafiya Nigeria

At Lafiya, we're on a mission to make contraception accessible to anyone who needs it and wants it – no matter where they live. Through our network of dedicated female health professionals – our Lafiya Sisters – we provide information and deliver contraception directly to communities that need it most. Our approach is cost-effective, community-based, and deeply rooted in respect and agency. We operate in hard-to-reach communities that otherwise do not have access to contraceptive products and information. We currently run our core programme across four states in northern Nigeria, managing 280 Lafiya Sisters. In addition to our direct community work, we are building our own supply chain to address widespread supply challenges in Nigeria and are partnering with government stakeholders to realise sustainable financing models for the procurement of contraception. To date, we have supported more than 200,000 women through our innovative last-mile approach.

We're a fast-growing non-profit in the middle of a transition from start-up to scale-up. Our focus is on impact, cost-effectiveness, and ensuring our work enhances the dignity and agency of those we serve.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Program Officer

Location: Port Harcourt, Rivers
Job type: Full-time, 12‑month renewable (subject to funding & performance)
Reports to: Director of Programs

Position Overview

• The Program Officer (PO) is Lafiya’s lead representative and manager in Rivers State. You will launch and oversee Lafiya’s programme in Rivers, ensuring that women have reliable access to family planning services and commodities.
• You will be responsible for managing Lafiya Sisters, liaising with government stakeholders, overseeing programme data and logistics, and ensuring effective and timely delivery of activities.
• This role requires strong leadership, operational management skills, and close engagement with communities, health facilities, and the Central Medical Store.
• Given that Lafiya’s model is centred on female health providers, we have a strong preference for female candidates for this position.

What You’ll Do
As the Program Officer for Rivers State, you will:

• Lead the launch and day-to-day management of Lafiya’s programme in Rivers State, ensuring activities are delivered on time, to standard, and within budget.
• Oversee all programme data collection, entry, and reporting in the state, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely submission.
• Conduct routine data quality checks and generate simple analyses to inform decision-making and programme adjustments.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with government stakeholders, including the State Primary Health Care Management Board, Central Medical Store, and LGA Family Planning Coordinators.
• Recruit, train, and supervise a network of Lafiya Sisters, ensuring they deliver high-quality counselling and contraceptive services in their communities.
• Manage contraceptive supply chain activities within the state, including:
  • Liaising with the Central Medical Store to track the stock of DMPA-SC and other family planning commodities
  • Conducting weekly cycle counts together with the CMS head pharmacist
  • Reconciling distributions and stock balances, and escalating issues when needed
• Support distribution logistics, including transport arrangements, record-keeping, and ensuring no diversion or misuse of commodities.
• Prepare regular progress updates and reports for Lafiya’s central team.
• Work flexibly, spending significant time in the field (CMS, facilities, community outreach) and working remotely from Port Harcourt when not in the field.
• Monitor programme risks in the state, including safeguarding, data protection, and compliance with Lafiya policies, and act promptly when issues arise.
• Represent Lafiya at relevant technical working groups, government meetings, and partner convenings in Rivers State.

Who You Are
Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health, Social Sciences, Management, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience in programme management, public health, or development in Nigeria.

Skills & Personal Qualities:

• Strong experience working with government stakeholders, especially in the health sector.
• Proven ability to manage teams and provide supportive supervision.
• Demonstrated skills in data collection, data quality assurance, and using spreadsheets (Excel or Google Sheets) for analysis.
• Strong communication skills in English, both written and spoken.
• Proficiency in at least one local language spoken in Rivers State.
• High standards of integrity and commitment to safeguarding and compliance.
• Willingness to travel frequently within Rivers State, including rural areas, and to work flexibly (including evenings/weekends where needed).
• Hands-on experience working with data collection tools such as SurveyCTO.
• Experience managing logistics, stock records, or supply chain processes.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise and deliver results under pressure.

Compensation
N460,000 - N560,000 gross per month, plus benefits.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply

Click here for Full Job Description

Application Deadline 25th September, 2025, 23:30 West Africa Time.