Health Systems Strengthening / Policy Advisor at SANHDEF (Sanitas Health and Development Foundation)

SANHDEF (Sanitas Health and Development Foundation) is a non-governmental organization (NGO) established in 2022 by a team with extensive experience in promoting and implementing sustainable development solutions. As a registered organization in Nigeria, SANHDEF specializes in providing technical assistance to achieve sustainable development solutions. With operational presence across the country, our dedicated team is committed to making a lasting impact on communities where we work. We strive to address the complex challenges faced by these communities, focusing on areas such as healthcare, education, environmental sustainability, and social empowerment. Through our expertise, partnerships, and innovative approaches, SANHDEF maintains a pole position at contributing towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our work is guided by a deep understanding of local contexts and driven by the aspirations of the people we serve.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Health Systems Strengthening / Policy Advisor

Location: Kano
Job type: Full time
Reports to: HSS/Policy Lead
Division/Department: Technical

Project Overview

• SANHDEF has been engaged by the Gates Foundation (GF) to implement a three (3) year Health System Strengthening (HSS) Project in Kano State.
• The project will support the State in developing realistic plans to optimize its health systems, improve health outcomes, and build a more resilient healthcare infrastructure capable of meeting the needs of its growing population.
•  We are seeking highly motivated and skilled professionals to join our State-level team in various critical roles.

Job Summary

• The HSS/Policy Advisor will provide operational support for the implementation of HSS initiatives, focusing on specific tasks related to project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and data management.
• The advisor will work closely with the HSS/Policy Lead and other team members to ensure the effective execution of HSS activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical guidance and support in the design and implementation of State level interventions to support Health Planning.
• Ensure that HSS activities are evidence-based, contextually relevant, and aligned with best practices.
• Develop technical documents, guidelines, and protocols for effective implementation of HSS initiatives. 
• Support the development and review of health policies, strategies, and plans.
• Conduct policy analysis to identify gaps and opportunities for strengthening health systems.
• Advocate for the adoption and implementation of evidence-based policies and practices.
• Assist in the design of HSS interventions that address identified health system gaps and align with State priorities.
• Contribute to the development of a comprehensive results framework, including key performance indicators (KPIs), to measure the impact of HSS activities. 
• Support capacity-building initiatives for government agencies and health personnel.
• Provide technical assistance and training to enhance the skills and processes of these agencies, facilitating improved public financial management.
• Work with the HSS Policy lead to engage with lawmakers and other political leaders to improve support for the two functional PHCs per political ward initiative.
• Assist in the design and implementation of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks for HSS activities.
• Support the collection, analysis, and reporting of data to track progress and inform decision-making.
• Support the State in creating a realistic PHC system strengthening roadmap based on available resources, considering infrastructure development, service delivery, human resources, financing, and other specific actions to be taken

Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced degree in Public Health, Health Policy, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in health systems strengthening, policy advisory roles, or related areas.
• Proven experience working on donor-funded projects or in Development.
• In-depth understanding of primary health care (PHC) settings and the Kano health landscape.
• Familiarity with digital health solutions.

Desired Competencies:

• Demonstrated expertise in health systems strengthening and policy development.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with proficiency in statistical and data analysis software.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively.
• Proven ability to engage and manage relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in working with international donor organizations, government agencies, and NGOs.
• Familiarity with the health landscape in Nigeria, particularly in Kano State

Application Closing Date
5th August, 2025.

How to apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV and application letter to: recruitment@sanhdef.org using the job title as the subject of the mail.