Job Description

The Role

The Head, Policy and Government Relations will provide strategic leadership in shaping the MSI’s policy, advocacy, and government engagement agenda. The role is responsible for influencing public policy, fostering strategic partnerships, strengthening relationships with key stakeholders, and ensuring that the organization’s mission and programs are well-represented in national, regional, and global policy dialogues. The position is critical in advancing the organization’s impact by ensuring an enabling environment for program delivery, resource mobilization, and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Analysis & Advocacy:

• Lead the development and implementation of MSI’s policies and advocacy strategy at national and regional levels.
• Conduct analysis of laws, policies, and regulations affecting SRHR, family planning, maternal health, and gender equity that align with the MSI’s mission.
• Identify policy opportunities and threats affecting MSI’s work and propose strategic responses.
• Produce and disseminate policy briefs, advocacy toolkits, and position papers on reproductive health priorities.

Government & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Serve as the primary liaison with government ministries and agencies (e.g., Federal and State Ministries of Health, National Assembly Committees on Health, and regulatory authorities).
• Advocate for policy reforms and increased public funding for reproductive health and family planning.
• Strengthen relationships with parliamentarians, civil society, community leaders, donors, and private sector actors.
• Represent MSI in coalitions, technical working groups (TWGs), and reproductive health advocacy platforms at national and state levels

Strategic Leadership & Representation:

• Provide high-level representation of MSI in national, regional, and international forums.
• Ensure alignment of policy and government relations activities with organizational strategy.
• Support the Country Director and senior management in external engagements with stakeholders.
• Act as spokesperson on policy issues, where delegated.

Internal Coordination & Capacity Building:

• Work closely with program teams to integrate policy and advocacy objectives into program design and delivery.
• Provide guidance and technical support to staff on policy analysis, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement.
• Develop internal policy guidance, tools, and resources for staff.
• Facilitate staff training on government relations and policy advocacy.

Monitoring, Reporting & Learning:

• Track reproductive health policy and funding developments at federal and state levels.
• Monitor and report on advocacy progress and impact using clear indicators.
• Document success stories, case studies, and best practices to strengthen advocacy.
• Produce quarterly and annual reports for management, donors, and stakeholders

Others:

• Carry out any other duties as reasonably requested by the line manager and/or management. 
• Willingness to travel within and outside the country as maybe required.
• Commitment to MSI’s mission, vision, and values, with a high level of integrity and professionalism

Key Experience/Qualification 

• Master’s degree in public policy, International Relations, Political Science, Development Studies, Law, or related field (PhD an advantage).
• Minimum of 8–10 years’ progressive experience in policy, advocacy, or government relations, preferably with an international NGO, intergovernmental agency, or think-tank.
• Demonstrated experience in influencing public policy and engaging government stakeholders.
• Experience in managing high-level external relations and partnerships.
• Familiarity with donor funding landscapes and international development priorities.
• Proven abilities to set priorities, to multi-task, and to work collaboratively across technical disciplines
• Possess outstanding professional reputation and have strong demonstrated interpersonal, written, and oral presentation skills.
• Strong results orientation, with the ability to challenge existing mind-sets and provide reasons and solutions for change.
• Excellent spoken and written English
• Good computer skills (particularly Word, Excel and database)

Skills and Competencies 

• Have relevant experience in similar position.
• Strong knowledge of policy analysis, advocacy, and governance systems.
• Deep understanding of the NGO sector, international development, and government processes
• Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Proven track record of engaging high-level stakeholders and influencing policy outcomes.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Strong networking, relationship-building, and diplomacy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Cultural sensitivity and adaptability in working with diverse stakeholders