Organization Overview
New Incentives is a global health nonprofit that uses evidence-based conditional cash transfers to improve childhood vaccination rates in northern Nigeria. The organization operates within government health systems and collaborates closely with clinics and public health authorities to increase routine immunization coverage in regions where child mortality and vaccine uptake challenges remain severe.
Its core program provides small cash incentives to caregivers after children complete scheduled vaccinations, helping to address financial and informational barriers while strengthening demand for immunization services. Since 2020, New Incentives has been recognized as a GiveWell top charity due to its strong evidence base and cost-effectiveness.
The organization is now expanding its scope by testing and refining new intervention models, including lighter-touch variations of its core program and complementary health interventions such as oral rehydration solution (ORS) distribution and SMS-based reminder systems. These efforts aim to deepen impact and inform scalable solutions for child health.
Position Summary
The Program Explorations Associate will support the organization’s innovation and learning agenda by helping design, test, and evaluate new program ideas in real-world settings. This is a highly field-oriented and operationally focused role requiring frequent travel to Nigeria, where the associate will observe program pilots, engage directly with stakeholders, and identify implementation challenges.
The role bridges field operations and internal strategy. It requires the ability to translate real-time observations from health facilities and communities into actionable recommendations for program improvement and scale-up decisions.
Successful candidates will be comfortable working in complex, uncertain environments, where programs are still being tested and refined. The role demands strong analytical thinking, adaptability, and a practical mindset focused on solving operational problems.
Key Responsibilities
Fieldwork and Stakeholder Engagement
- Travel regularly to northern Nigeria to observe ongoing pilot programs and evaluate implementation fidelity
- Conduct field visits with survey and implementation teams to ensure data collection and program protocols are being followed correctly
- Engage with caregivers, community members, clinic staff, and field officers to identify operational barriers and opportunities for improvement
- Maintain relationships with local and state government health officials to ensure alignment with public health priorities
- Document field insights and assess whether pilot interventions are functioning as intended before recommendations for scale-up
Internal Coordination
- Collaborate with engineering teams to improve data systems, including updates to digital tools used in field data collection
- Work with operations teams to refine training materials, field protocols, and implementation guidelines
- Coordinate with stakeholder relations and audit teams to ensure compliance and quality standards are maintained across pilots
- Translate field findings into clear recommendations for leadership and program decision-making
Program Design and Evidence Building
- Support the design and monitoring of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and coverage surveys in collaboration with research partners such as IDinsight
- Review relevant academic and operational research to inform program design decisions
- Help define monitoring indicators for pilot programs to assess implementation quality and early outcomes
- Contribute to building an evidence base for new intervention models and scale-up decisions
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in public health, international development, or a related field
- At least two years of relevant professional experience in program operations, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), consulting, or field research
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify operational gaps and propose practical solutions
- Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including government officials and community members
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
- Ability to work independently in a remote, fast-paced environment
- Willingness to travel extensively to Nigeria for fieldwork (2–4 week trips)
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
- Demonstrated commitment to evidence-based programming and global health impact
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience working in sub-Saharan Africa, especially Nigeria
- Familiarity with randomized controlled trials or impact evaluation methods
- Experience in NGOs, research organizations, or consulting environments
- Background in global health, immunization, or maternal and child health programs
- Experience coordinating across multiple teams or technical workstreams
Contract Structure and Work Environment
The role begins as a short-term contract of approximately 3–6 months, allowing both the candidate and organization to assess mutual fit. Following this period, there may be opportunities for longer-term engagement.
The position is fully remote but requires significant travel to field sites in Nigeria. The organization supports security planning and provides guidance for fieldwork, but candidates must be comfortable operating in dynamic field environments and taking personal responsibility for safety.
New Incentives offers a flexible, mission-driven work culture focused on evidence, accountability, and measurable impact. The role provides exposure to cutting-edge program design in global health and the opportunity to directly influence interventions affecting child survival outcomes.
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