IMA World Health, part of Corus International, is seeking an experienced Project Director to lead a landmark CDC-funded public health systems strengthening project in Nigeria.
This five-year initiative focuses on strengthening International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) capacities at national and sub-national levels through local partnerships.
This role offers a unique opportunity to provide strategic leadership, technical oversight, and donor engagement for a complex global health security program aimed at preventing, detecting, and responding to infectious disease threats in fragile and resource-constrained settings.
About Corus International & IMA World Health
Corus International is a global leader in international development, bringing together nonprofit and for-profit organizations with over 150 years of combined experience.
Through its family of organizations—including IMA World Health, Lutheran World Relief, and CGA Technologies—Corus delivers holistic solutions to end extreme poverty and improve health outcomes worldwide.
IMA World Health manages approximately USD 100 million annually in donor-funded health programs across infectious diseases, health systems strengthening, maternal and child health, nutrition, malaria, HIV/AIDS, and neglected tropical diseases.
Project Summary: CDC Strengthening Public Health Systems in Nigeria
The project aims to strengthen the capacity of:
- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC)
- Relevant Government of Nigeria ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs)
- State Ministries of Health and local government authorities
The focus is on multi-sectoral coordination, disease surveillance, outbreak preparedness, and effective implementation of IHR (2005).
Key Responsibilities of the Project Director
Strategic Leadership & Project Management
- Provide overall strategic, technical, and operational leadership for the project.
- Ensure project goals, objectives, and deliverables are achieved on time and within budget.
- Direct preparation of annual work plans, activity reports, and donor deliverables.
Donor & Stakeholder Engagement
- Serve as the primary liaison with CDC, Government of Nigeria, and development partners.
- Represent the project at national and international technical and policy forums.
- Ensure strong coordination with other USG-funded and public health initiatives.
Technical Oversight & Quality Assurance
- Oversee high-quality implementation of infectious disease surveillance and outbreak response activities.
- Guide implementing partners on technical approaches and best practices.
- Identify and document lessons learned and best practices for dissemination.
Team Leadership & Capacity Building
- Lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams (technical, MEL, finance, operations).
- Oversee recruitment, supervision, and performance management of project staff.
- Strengthen national and sub-national partner capacity to promote local ownership and sustainability.
Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure full compliance with CDC rules, regulations, and Corus policies.
- Oversee sub-awardee compliance, monitoring, and financial accountability.
- Work closely with headquarters grants and contracts teams.
Required Qualifications & Experience
Education
- Advanced graduate degree in Public Health, Medicine, Nursing, International Development, or a related field.
Professional Experience
- Minimum 10 years of experience managing large, donor-funded global health projects.
- Prior experience as Project Director or Chief of Party on CDC-funded programs of similar scope required.
- Strong expertise in infectious disease prevention, outbreak response, and disease surveillance.
- Demonstrated experience working in fragile and conflict-affected settings.
Technical & Contextual Knowledge
- In-depth understanding of the Nigeria health system and governance context.
- Proven knowledge of CDC policies, USG regulations, and compliance requirements.
- Experience strengthening national ownership and government systems.
Skills & Competencies
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to lead large, multi-disciplinary, multi-partner teams.
- Professional-level English proficiency required; French proficiency preferred.
- Willingness and ability to travel to project sites as needed.
Why Join This Project?
- Lead a nationally significant CDC-funded public health initiative
- Work closely with NCDC and government stakeholders
- Drive sustainable health systems strengthening and global health security
- Join a respected international organization with a strong legacy and global reach
This position is contingent upon award approval and CDC authorization. The Project Director will be based in Nigeria.
