Malteser International is the international humanitarian relief agency of the Sovereign Order of Malta. For over 60 years we provide relief and recovery for people during and following conflicts and disasters around the world. Christian values and humanitarian principles form the foundations of our work. In over 30 countries in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, we support people in need – regardless of their religion, origin or political convictions.
We have been working in Nigeria since 2017. In Northeast Nigeria and more specifically in Borno, Taraba and Adamawa States, MI is currently active in the WASH, Protection and FNSL sectors for saving and improving the lives of both the IDP/refugee populations as well as the host communities. The WASH activities focus on improved access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene which include NFI distribution, solarization of boreholes, rehabilitation of hand pumps, construction of latrines and hygiene promotion. The protection activities focus on prevention and response to Gender Based Violence (GBV) cases. The Food Nutrition Security and Livelihood interventions mainly focus on micro gardening, pullet rearing for egg production, composting and Nutrition (food demonstration, referrals of malnutrition cases to nutrition partners, and sensitization on nutrition). Malteser International applies a participatory, gender-sensitive and inclusive approach.
For our work in Maiduguri, Borno State Nigeria, Malteser International is looking for an experienced Hygiene Promotion Officer (Maternity Cover) – National Position.
The Hygiene Promotion Officer will support the Senior Hygiene Promotion Officer to ensure the coordination of all Hygiene activities within the Malteser International program in Maiduguri/Jere and Konduga, Nigeria. In fulfilling these duties, the Hygiene Promotion Officer must ensure full compliance with Malteser International’s and the donor’s administrative, human resources, finance, safety and security, and logistics procedures at the workplace.
Main Responsibilities:
- The Hygiene Promotion Officer plays a pivotal role in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of all hygiene promotion activities within the designated area of operation. This includes active participation in needs assessments, the design of context-appropriate hygiene strategies, development of hygiene messaging, and oversight of field-level activities. The officer is also responsible for collecting and analyzing relevant data to inform programmatic decisions, ensuring timely and high-quality reporting, and fostering strong working relationships with local communities, traditional leaders, government authorities, and implementing partners.
- In addition to overseeing the technical execution of hygiene-related interventions, the Hygiene Promotion Officer ensures that all activities are implemented in accordance with Malteser International’s standards, policies, and strategic priorities, as well as in compliance with donor regulations and sectoral best practices. This entails close coordination with other sector teams (e.g., WASH, Health, Protection, FNS) to support an integrated response approach.
- A key aspect of the role involves the daily coordination and supervision of community-level hygiene promotion initiatives. These include—but are not limited to—household visits, community sensitization campaigns, focus group discussions, participatory group sessions, and targeted outreach to vulnerable groups. The officer is also tasked with facilitating regular engagement and capacity building for hygiene promotion volunteers and community health committees to ensure sustainable behavior change and local ownership.
- Furthermore, the Hygiene Promotion Officer is responsible for the operational oversight and management of women-led cooperatives established under the project. This involves providing technical support, capacity strengthening, and mentoring to ensure these cooperatives are effectively contributing to community hygiene outcomes, economic empowerment, and social cohesion.
General conduct:
- Maintain a “client-friendly” atmosphere that is non-judgmental and supportive of beneficiaries regardless of their background, with special attention for respect of medical confidentiality.
- Participate in office work with colleagues as a good team player.
- Be an active role model towards the target population, by adhering to a healthy personal behavior and lifestyle.
- Maintain a non-judgmental and supportive attitude towards colleagues and beneficiaries regardless of their background, political affiliation, or religion.
- Take responsibility in representing Malteser International towards the local population, authorities and other (I)NGOs
- Adhere and respect Malteser International guidelines and codes.
- Carry out additional tasks as required by supervisor.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, Knowledge, and Experience
- Minimum academic qualification of BSc or equivalent in any discipline with at least 3 years of experience with an INGO in a developing country and/or humanitarian context
- Extensive field team management experience as well as hygiene, security, safety, and resource management experience
- Excellent project management, partnership management, and coordination skills
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the capacity to see the big picture and make sound judgments and decisions
- Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented, and results-oriented, with a genuine interest in learning
- Strong communication skills, including proficiency in the local dialect (preferably Kanuri and Hausa), is a core criteria
- Ability to work effectively with local governments, align with MI values and standards, and cope in stressful or hostile environments, including travelling to deep field locations and conducting partner visits
- Ability to cope in stressful and hostile work environments; willingness to travel to (deep) field locations and conduct partner visits.
How to apply:
If you are interested in this position, please apply online at our job portal until 10th June 2025.
Qualified and interested female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Hygiene Promotion Officer (Maternity Cover) – National Position
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