Country Representative, Nigeria

Role overview

Population Services International (PSI) is seeking a seasoned, strategic, and forward-thinking Country Representative to lead its Nigeria office in Abuja. This is a senior leadership role for a strong operator who can represent the organization at high levels, guide program direction, strengthen donor relationships, and manage people, budgets, and compliance across the country platform.

PSI works to expand consumer-powered healthcare by building people-centered health systems that deliver quality, affordable care when and where it is needed. The organization partners with public institutions, private-sector actors, and local communities to support people’s voice and choice and to develop practical solutions to complex health challenges.

The Country Representative will help position PSI Nigeria as a trusted partner for government, donors, and private stakeholders while aligning local priorities with PSI’s global strategy and Nigeria’s health agenda. The role also carries responsibility for widening and diversifying funding sources through relationship-building, partnerships, and locally driven resource mobilization.

Location and reporting line

This position is based in Abuja, Nigeria, and is fully on-site. The role reports to the Regional Representative, East and Southern Africa, and works closely with PSI’s global support teams.

Key responsibilities

The time allocation below is indicative only and may change. The list is a summary of main duties, not a complete catalog of all tasks. Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed, and PSI may update the job profile when requirements change.

Travel requirements include 10–25% international travel.

Funding and partnerships

The role is expected to actively identify, pursue, and secure funding aligned to PSI Nigeria’s strategic priorities. This includes spotting opportunities across bilateral, multilateral, philanthropic, and private-sector channels, as well as building durable relationships with donors, foundations, UN agencies, government counterparts, and implementing partners. The position also oversees the preparation of strong, competitive proposals and donor engagement initiatives designed to grow a sustainable and impactful portfolio.

Strategic leadership

The Country Representative will provide overall strategic direction for PSI Nigeria so that country operations remain aligned with PSI’s global mission and Nigeria’s health priorities. The role requires anticipating shifts in the health and funding environment, keeping the platform responsive and relevant, and ensuring coherence across program areas. It also involves leading the Senior Management Team to build a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability, and high performance.

Compliance, risk, finance, and controls

The position is responsible for ensuring adherence to all financial, program-quality, minimum-standard, and donor-regulatory requirements, including timely completion of audit recommendations. The incumbent must actively assess and reduce operational, financial, legal, contractual, reputational, and safety risks, and ensure mitigation measures are implemented. The role also oversees budgets, internal controls, and accurate financial reporting to PSI Global and external donors.

Office leadership and workplace culture

The Country Representative will develop and enforce field office administrative policies, uphold PSI’s ethical standards, and support a workplace culture grounded in diversity, equity, and inclusion. The role also requires maintaining systems and practices that protect staff and assets, in line with PSI operating standards, best practices, and local operating realities.

Values and organizational expectations

The incumbent is expected to model PSI’s values of Measurement, Pragmatism, Honesty, Trust, Collaboration, and Commitment. PSI also notes that the responsibilities listed are not exhaustive and may be adjusted as organizational needs evolve.

Eligibility and application scope

This opportunity is open only to Nigerian nationals or to candidates who already have the legal right to live and work in Nigeria.

Experience and qualifications

Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree, or an international equivalent, in a relevant discipline. A master’s degree or equivalent qualification in a related field such as an MBA, MPA, or MPH is preferred.

The ideal candidate will bring at least 10 years of senior leadership experience in public health or development programming in Nigeria or similarly complex contexts, along with a minimum of 5 years in supervisory roles. Prior experience in comparable operating environments is required.

Strong political awareness and donor-management capability are essential, including the ability to work with senior government officials, manage high-stakes negotiations, and operate effectively in complex political and funding environments. The role also calls for a strong record of fundraising and the management of large, multi-donor portfolios, including exposure to donors such as USAID, the Gates Foundation, DFID/FCDO, and the Global Fund.

Excellent English fluency and writing ability are required. Foreign language ability may be necessary depending on location. Candidates should also demonstrate leadership skills and a clear commitment to developing technical, managerial, and leadership capacity in others.

Benefits and workplace support

PSI offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include health coverage, financial planning support, family care, and flexible work-life arrangements, depending on the local office. The organization also provides competitive leave and, in some offices, a compressed work week that creates additional flexibility.

Employees have access to a broad learning and development ecosystem through PSI University, including courses, organization-wide training, Great Manager/Leader programs, and a mentorship offering. PSI also emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and career growth across its global network.

Compensation note

Pay is determined in line with local office practice and may be provided in local currency. PSI states that salary and benefits will be shared during the interview process and that compensation is influenced by qualifications, experience, internal equity, market conditions, and other legally permitted business factors.

Equal opportunity statement

PSI is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds, regardless of race, religion, tribal affiliation, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, personal appearance, matriculation, political affiliation, family status, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth-related conditions, breastfeeding status, genetic information, amnesty, veteran status, or uniformed service status. The organization describes itself as a safe and inclusive workplace.