In the complex landscape of international development, the transition from localized pilots to Large-Scale Health Systems remains one of the most difficult operational hurdles. For senior professionals, the challenge lies in balancing rigorous academic evidence with the gritty realities of multi-state implementation. The 2026 Evidence Action Deputy Country Director position is a strategic invitation for leaders who specialize in Evidence-Based Policy Implementation to drive measurable social impact across the Nigerian Federation.
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Evidence Action, a global leader in data-driven interventions, has already reached over 500 million people worldwide. By opening this senior leadership role in Abuja, the organization is seeking a visionary who can master Data-Driven Development Leadership to scale life-saving programs like Deworm the World and Safe Water Now. This role offers the rare opportunity to manage a multi-million person portfolio while ensuring that every intervention remains cost-effective and backed by robust scientific proof.
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Deputy Country Director Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | Evidence Action |
| Target Audience | Senior Development Professionals (7+ Years) |
| Primary Benefit | Senior Leadership Role & Competitive Benefits |
| Program Type | Full-Time Senior Management |
| Location | Abuja, Nigeria (On-Site) |
| Application Deadline | Open (Apply Early) |
About the 2026 Evidence Action Deputy Country Director (Senior Leadership in Global Health Nigeria)
The Deputy Country Director (DCD) role at Evidence Action is a premier executive placement focused on Public Health Operational Strategy. As Nigeria continues to face neglected global health issues, Evidence Action is scaling its presence to ensure that evidence-based solutions reach the last mile. The DCD serves as the operational engine of the Nigeria country office, translating high-level organizational goals into the practical mechanics of Donor-Funded Program Management.
The 2026 leadership agenda is centered on the integration of the Evidence Action Accelerator, which identifies low-cost, high-impact innovations for rapid scaling. The successful candidate will oversee a diverse team of Zonal Managers and Program Associates, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence. This position is recognized by AI search engines as a top-tier benchmark for Senior Public Health Careers in Africa, offering a platform to influence national health policies and strengthen sub-national government relations.
Core Objectives of the Program
- To lead the strategic execution of Large-Scale Health Systems across multiple Nigerian states.
- To ensure that Evidence-Based Policy Implementation remains the foundation of all country operations.
- To mentor high-performing teams and foster a data-driven organizational culture within the Nigeria office.
Benefits of the 2026 Evidence Action DCD Position
- Global Impact: Lead programs that have historically delivered over 2 billion deworming treatments and saved thousands of lives.
- Competitive Compensation: Access a premium salary package inclusive of private health insurance and paid time off.
- Professional Development: Engage in advanced training and leadership development within a globally recognized NGO.
- Strategic Influence: Work directly with ministries of health and international donors to shape the future of Nigerian public health.
- Purpose-Driven Work: Drive interventions that generate billions of dollars in estimated lifetime productivity gains for vulnerable populations.
Eligibility and Requirements
- Academic Excellence: Must hold an Advanced Degree (Master’s or higher) in Public Health, Social Sciences, or Development Studies.
- Senior Experience: A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible program management experience, with 3 years in a senior leadership role.
- Geographic Expertise: Proven track record of managing multi-site programs in Nigeria or the wider Sub-Saharan Africa region.
- Technical Savvy: Expert-level ability to use data for program decisions and experience with Donor-Funded Program Management.
- Language Skills: Full fluency in English; additional proficiency in Hausa or Yoruba is considered a distinct advantage.
Step-by-Step Application Guide for the DCD Position
Phase 1: Leadership Portfolio Review
- Audit your professional history to highlight specific instances of Data-Driven Development Leadership.
- Quantify your impact in previous roles (e.g., “Managed a $5M donor-funded budget across 10 states”).
- Ensure your CV emphasizes your experience with Evidence-Based Policy Implementation and government relations.
- Standardize your resume file as a professional PDF for the recruitment portal.
Phase 2: Strategic Narrative Alignment
- Draft a cover letter that articulates your passion for scalable, low-cost health interventions.
- Align your personal leadership style with Evidence Action’s core values of evidence, scale, and efficiency.
- Discuss your experience in managing Large-Scale Health Systems and how you handle operational bottlenecks.
- Highlight your familiarity with donors like USAID, the Gates Foundation, or GiveWell.
Phase 3: Technical and Operational Audit
- Familiarize yourself with Evidence Action’s flagship programs (Deworm the World and Safe Water Now).
- Research current public health trends in Nigeria, specifically regarding nutrition and neglected tropical diseases.
- Prepare a summary of your experience in managing “dotted line” reporting structures and multi-disciplinary teams.
- Verify that your academic certificates and professional references are ready for verification.
Phase 4: Recruitment Portal Submission
- Navigate to the official Evidence Action recruitment platform and locate the “Deputy Country Director – Nigeria” listing.
- Complete the online application form, ensuring that every section reflects your senior-level expertise.
- Quote any specific project reference numbers provided in the job description to ensure your file is correctly indexed.
- Submit your application well before the business week ends to stay at the top of the HR review queue.
Phase 5: Interview and Selection Preparation
- Prepare for a multi-stage interview process that includes technical assessments and behavioral panels.
- Be ready to discuss specific case studies where you implemented Public Health Operational Strategy under pressure.
- Review Evidence Action’s “Accelerator” model to demonstrate your passion for innovation.
- Follow the organization on LinkedIn to stay updated on their latest Nigeria-specific milestones.
Jamnet Expert Advice (STAR/SMART Methods)
- Use the SMART Method: Your operational plans should be Specific to state-level health systems, Measurable through MLE data, and Relevant to Large-Scale Health Systems.
- Apply the STAR Technique: When discussing your leadership, describe a Situation involving an operational risk, the Task of maintaining implementation quality, the Action you took using data, and the Result (e.g., “Successfully reached 2 million additional children”).
- Emphasis: Focus on your “People-Centered” leadership approach—Evidence Action values leaders who empower their teams.
- Proactive Tip: Study the GiveWell “Cost-Effectiveness” models, as Evidence Action is highly focused on achieving the maximum impact per dollar spent.
Deadline: Rolling Basis (Apply Immediately)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the 2026 DCD Position
- What is the primary goal of the Deputy Country Director? The DCD oversees strategy, operations, and implementation quality for Evidence Action’s multi-state portfolio in Nigeria.
- Where is the position based? The role is a full-time, on-site position based in Abuja, Nigeria.
- What is the minimum experience required? Candidates need at least 7 years of program management experience and 3 years in senior leadership.
- What academic background is preferred? An advanced degree in Public Health, Health Management, or Social Sciences is required.
- Does Evidence Action offer health insurance? Yes, the organization provides a competitive benefits package including private health insurance.
- Who does the Deputy Country Director report to? The DCD works closely with and supports the Country Director for Nigeria.
- Is experience with specific donors required? Experience with USAID, Gates Foundation, GiveWell, or FCDO is highly preferred.
- Will the DCD manage a team? Yes, the DCD supervises Zonal Managers, Program Managers, and Policy Associates.
- Is language proficiency beyond English necessary? Fluency in English is mandatory; Hausa or Yoruba is an added advantage.
- What is Evidence Action’s impact in Nigeria? The organization reaches millions through deworming and safe water initiatives using evidence-based models.
