Program Officer, Polio Outbreaks – Nigeria Focus at the Gates Foundation (Applications Open 2026)
Are you passionate about global health and disease eradication? The Gates Foundation is currently recruiting two Program Officers, Polio Outbreak Response to support efforts aimed at ending Type 2 circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV2) outbreaks across Africa, with a primary focus on Nigeria.
This is an exciting opportunity for experienced public health professionals who want to contribute to one of the world’s most impactful disease eradication initiatives while working alongside governments, international organizations, and technical partners.
About the Gates Foundation
The Gates Foundation is one of the world’s largest philanthropic organizations dedicated to reducing poverty, fighting disease, and creating opportunities for people to lead healthy and productive lives. For more than two decades, the foundation has partnered with governments, research institutions, and global organizations to improve health outcomes and tackle some of the world’s biggest development challenges.
The organization promotes diversity, innovation, collaboration, and inclusion while offering employees excellent professional development opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package.
About the Position
Job Title: Program Officer, Polio Outbreak Response
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Job Type: Full-Time
Application Deadline: August 7, 2026
The successful candidates will play a critical role in strengthening Nigeria’s response to Type 2 circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus outbreaks by managing strategic investments, supporting outbreak response planning, and coordinating with government agencies and development partners.
The position reports to the Polio Senior Manager and works closely with the Foundation’s Polio Team, Immunization Team, and Nigeria Country Office.
Key Responsibilities
As a Program Officer, you will help drive polio eradication efforts by:
- Supporting implementation of outbreak response strategies across Nigeria.
- Serving as the Foundation’s focal point for priority states in northern Nigeria.
- Monitoring state-level performance using epidemiological and operational data.
- Strengthening Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) and improving coordination.
- Identifying program gaps and recommending practical solutions.
- Supporting accountability among government agencies, partners, and grantees.
- Improving the quality of vaccination campaigns to reach missed children.
- Managing grants and contracts while ensuring strong program performance.
- Reviewing funding proposals and making evidence-based recommendations.
- Preparing reports, briefs, and strategic analyses for senior leadership.
- Promoting a high-performance culture focused on measurable impact.
Who Should Apply?
The Gates Foundation is looking for professionals who have:
- An advanced degree in Public Health, International Development, or a related discipline.
- Experience managing public health or international development projects.
- Knowledge of polio eradication, immunization, outbreak response, or emergency health programs.
- Experience working in low- and middle-income countries.
- Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
- Strong project and grant management experience.
- Ability to work effectively across multicultural and geographically dispersed teams.
Previous experience supporting vaccine delivery or infectious disease control programs will be considered an advantage.
Travel Requirements
This role requires candidates who are willing to travel domestically and internationally for approximately 30–40% of their working time to support program implementation and partner engagement.
Applicants must also already possess legal authorization to work in Nigeria without requiring current or future visa sponsorship.
Employee Benefits
The Gates Foundation offers one of the most competitive nonprofit employment packages, including:
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Foundation-funded retirement contributions
- Generous paid annual leave
- Paid family leave
- Regional public holidays
- Employee wellness initiatives
- Professional development opportunities
- Inclusive employee resource groups
- Flexible and collaborative work environment
Employees also benefit from working with some of the world’s leading experts in global health and international development.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Nigeria remains one of the highest-priority countries in global polio eradication efforts. By joining the Gates Foundation, successful candidates will directly contribute to protecting millions of children from preventable diseases while supporting stronger immunization systems across Africa.
This position offers the opportunity to influence national health programs, work with international partners such as the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), and contribute to one of the most significant public health achievements in modern history.
If you are passionate about improving global health, strengthening immunization systems, and making a lasting impact on communities, this could be the ideal career opportunity.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should prepare an updated CV highlighting their experience in public health, disease control, immunization, outbreak response, or international development. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the August 7, 2026 deadline.
Early applications are recommended, as positions with the Gates Foundation attract significant international interest.
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