Manager, Program - Immunization Demand Generation (Consultant)

About Evidence ActionAt Evidence Action, we deliver data-driven interventions that transform lives at an unprecedented scale. We identify neglected global health issues and deploy proven solutions, forging healthier futures for generations.Our model operationalises leading academic research (including from Nobel-winning economists). We measure progress and outcomes at every stage to ensure we're making a real impact for people living in poverty and suffering from preventable or treatable health issues. Operating across 11 countries, our team of 900+ has reached over 500 million people, working closely with governments to scale these interventions.Our Deworm the World programme has delivered over 2 billion treatments, significantly reducing worm prevalence and generating more than $23 billion in lifetime productivity gains. Through Safe Water Now, we've saved the lives of over 15,000 children. Our Accelerator explores untapped opportunities in global health, testing low-cost interventions with the greatest potential to save and improve lives. At Evidence Action, your colleagues are your greatest asset. You'll partner with high-calibre colleagues in an environment blending innovation, autonomy, and teamwork. Our team excels in disruptive thinking and believes in rolling up our sleeves to get things done. If you're looking to work flexibly and with purpose, join a team that delivers measurable change for millions.BackgroundRoutine childhood immunisation is one of the most effective public health interventions for preventing illness and death among children. Nigeria continues to carry a substantial burden of zero-dose and under-immunised children, driven by demand-side barriers including low awareness, competing household priorities, transportation costs, and distance to health facilities.Evidence Action, in partnership with relevant government stakeholders and the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL), is implementing the Immunization Demand Generation (IDG) Pilot Programme to test evidence-based approaches for increasing childhood immunization uptake and completion. The pilot tests a combination of three demand-generation interventions:digital reminders — phone-based SMS and/or voice reminders to caregivers ahead of scheduled vaccination visits; community ambassadors — trusted, well-connected community members who share vaccination information within their social networks; and targeted incentives — support intended to reduce barriers to vaccination, including transport support and, in selected areas, integration of Small-Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements (SQ-LNS) with immunisation servicesThe pilot is planned for implementation in Nasarawa and Oyo States from approximately October 2026 to September 2027, as part of a 15-month programme period that includes preparatory activities and approximately 11 months of implementation. The pilot will initially focus on five Local Government Areas (LGAs) per state, with final LGAs, wards, and facilities confirmed in consultation with the respective State Governments.Programme GoalsIncrease demand for and uptake of routine childhood immunization among children in selected communitiesSupport caregivers to initiate and complete recommended childhood vaccination schedulesTest the feasibility and acceptability of digital reminders, community ambassadors, and targeted incentives in the pilot statesIdentify implementation approaches that are appropriate, acceptable, and potentially scalable within the Nigerian health systemStrengthen collaboration between government structures, health facilities, and communities around routine immunisationGenerate evidence and implementation learning to inform future programme design and scale-upPurpose of the RoleThe Program Manager will lead the overall coordination, technical direction, and delivery of the IDG pilot across both implementation states, based in the Abuja Country Office. The role holds end-to-end accountability for programme quality and progress against the pilot's goals and serves as the primary link between Evidence Action's Country Office, the two State Coordinators, government stakeholders, and other technical partners. The Program Manager will directly supervise the two State Coordinators, ensuring consistent, high-quality implementation across Nasarawa and Oyo States.Key ResponsibilitiesProgramme Management and Technical SupportLead overall coordination of IDG pilot implementation in collaboration with State Governments and relevant State and LGA structures, working through the State CoordinatorsProvide technical direction on the adaptation and implementation of the IDG intervention package across both statesDevelop and maintain programme implementation guidance, standard operating procedures, tools, and materials required for implementation, for use by both State CoordinatorsSupport State Governments and relevant stakeholders to finalise implementation arrangements, including selection of participating LGAs, wards, and health facilitiesCoordinate with relevant external technical partners, including J-PAL, on programme implementation, monitoring, learning, and evaluationSupervise, mentor, and manage the performance of the two State Coordinators, ensuring alignment and consistency of approach across statesEscalate risks, implementation challenges, and resourcing needs to the Deputy Country Director in a timely mannerDigital RemindersOversee implementation of the digital reminder component across both states, including processes for collecting and processing caregiver information from participating facilitiesProvide technical direction on the adaptation of reminder content, timing, language, and delivery modalities based on formative research and programme learningGuide State Coordinators in supporting participating health facilities and LGA structures to establish processes for identifying eligible children and transmitting information for the reminder systemCommunity AmbassadorsOversee design and implementation of the community ambassador component, including tools and processes for ambassador nomination, selection, recruitment, and engagementGuide State Coordinators in engaging State, LGA, and facility structures to identify community members who can serve as vaccination information ambassadorsCoordinate the development of vaccine-related information and messaging for dissemination through approved ambassador channelsTargeted IncentivesOversee implementation of the targeted incentive component in eligible areas, based on the final pilot designCoordinate the agreed mechanism for providing transport-related support to eligible caregivers, where transport support is selectedCoordinate with relevant programme teams and State structures to support appropriate integration ofSQ-LNS distribution with immunisation services, where SQ-LNS is includedCapacity BuildingCoordinate technical and/or financial support, as agreed, for orientation and training of relevant State, LGA, and health facility personnel involved in pilot implementationSupport State Governments to use existing government immunisation training materials and standards where appropriate, supplementing with additional guidance as requiredMonitoring, Learning and EvaluationOversee monitoring, learning, and evaluation activities associated with the pilot, including baseline routine monitoring and other agreed evaluation activitiesConsolidate and share programme findings and implementation learning with State Governments to inform programme improvementReview and use implementation data to identify challenges, monitor progress, and inform corrective actions across both statesGovernment and Stakeholder EngagementRepresent Evidence Action in relevant national, State-, and LGA-level coordination and review meetingsMaintain regular communication with designated State Government focal persons regarding programme progress, implementation issues, risks, and required actionsServe as the primary escalation point for government and stakeholder relationships across both implementation statesRequirementsQualifications and ExperienceA minimum of a Bachelor's degree in public health, social sciences, development studies, or a related field; a master's degree (e.g., MPH) is an advantageAt least 5-7 years of experience managing public health or social/behaviour change programmes in Nigeria, ideally including immunisation, maternal and child health, or nutrition programmingDemonstrated experience supervising field-based staff across multiple locationsExperience working with government health structures (Ministries of Health, State/LGA health teams) in NigeriaExperience with programme monitoring, learning, and evaluation, including use of data to inform implementation decisionsExperience working with or alongside research partners (e.g., on pilots, RCTs, or other evaluation designs) is an advantageSkills and CompetenciesStrong programme management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple work streams across two states simultaneouslyStrong people management and coaching skills, with experience building the capacity of direct reportsExcellent stakeholder engagement and relationship-management skills, particularly with government counterpartsStrong written and verbal communication skillsSound judgement and problem-solving skills, with the ability to escalate issues appropriatelyWillingness to travel regularly to Nasarawa and Oyo StatesReporting LineThe Program Manager reports to the Deputy Country Director, Evidence Action Nigeria, and directly supervises the two State Coordinators based in Nasarawa State and Oyo State.Evidence Action is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.Position LocationAbuja, Nigeria.We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of a Nigerian employment visa at this time. Applicants must be legally authorised to work in Nigeria for roles based in Nigeria.