Public Health Jobs in Nigeria: Learn where to apply, what the salaries look like, qualifications needed, and how to get hired in Nigeria’s growing health field.
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| A group of Nigerian public health workers collaborating |
Public Health Jobs Are Growing Fast in Nigeria
In Nigeria today, public health jobs are very important. After COVID-19 and other health problems, many people now understand the need for more health workers who focus on prevention and community health rather than just treatment.
Public health workers help stop disease before it spreads. They teach people how to stay healthy, manage outbreaks, work in rural communities, and improve sanitation. These jobs are now growing across Nigeria, and many young Nigerians want to join.
This article will help you understand:
- What public health jobs really are
- Where you can work
- What you need to apply
- Where to find job updates
- How much you can earn
What Are Public Health Jobs?
Public health jobs are not just hospital jobs. They are the kind of work that helps a whole community stay safe and healthy.
Instead of treating one patient at a time, public health workers help stop diseases, educate the public, support immunization, and check the environment to make sure it is clean and safe.
Some examples of public health work:
Teaching people about malaria prevention
Checking food safety and hygiene in markets
Tracking disease outbreaks
Making sure children get vaccinated
Supporting health campaigns in rural areas
These are real jobs you can do even if you're not a doctor or nurse as long as you are trained.
Types of Public Health Jobs in Nigeria
There are many roles available. Here are common ones:
• Health Educator – Teaches people about health issues like HIV, hygiene, malaria, etc.
• Disease Surveillance Officer – Helps track outbreaks and report new cases
• Environmental Health Officer – Checks food, water, and sanitation systems
• Community Health Mobilizer – Works with people in villages and towns to teach healthy living
• Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Officer – Tracks the success of health programs
• Public Health Program Officer – Manages health projects in NGOs or government
• Vaccination or Immunization Officer – Supports child health campaigns
• WASH Coordinator – Works on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene
• Field Assistant – Helps with data collection or health education during campaigns
Where Can You Work?
You can work in many places, including:
- Federal or State Ministries of Health
- Primary Health Care Centers (PHCs)
- National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA)
- NCDC (Nigeria Centre for Disease Control)
- UNICEF, WHO, Red Cross, and other international NGOs
- Private Health NGOs
- Research centres or universities
Where to Find Public Health Job Updates
You can get public health job alerts from these trusted sources:
- Haynhealth News – We post verified public health job updates weekly under our “Health Jobs & Events” section. Keep checking for the latest openings!
- OFFAP website – for verified federal and partner job postings
- myjobmag.com – check “NGO / Health” category
- hotnigerianjobs.com
- LinkedIn – Search for “Public Health Nigeria”
- NPHCDA website or Ministry of Health pages
- NGO career pages (Plan International, IRC, Jhpiego, etc.)
What Are the Qualifications?
To get a job in public health, your qualifications depend on the role:
- Diploma or ND in Health – for field assistants, health mobilizers
- B.Sc. in Public Health, Environmental Health, or related field – for program officers or health educators
- Master of Public Health (MPH) or PGD – for senior positions or NGOs
- Certificates in monitoring, WASH, or data analysis – are big advantages
Always read each job ad carefully to see what is required.
How to Apply for Public Health Jobs
Follow these steps:
- Visit a trusted job board or your favorite blog (like this one!)
- Read the job description well
- Prepare your CV and cover letter
- Apply before the deadline
- If shortlisted, get ready for interview or written test
Some NGOs or government jobs may ask you to upload your documents online or send them via email.
How Much Can You Earn?
Public health jobs pay differently depending on the employer and your experience. Here are average salary ranges in Nigeria:
| Job Role | Monthly Pay Range (₦) |
|---|---|
| Field Mobilizer | ₦50,000 – ₦100,000 |
| Health Educator | ₦80,000 – ₦150,000 |
| Surveillance Officer | ₦100,000 – ₦180,000 |
| M&E Officer | ₦150,000 – ₦250,000 |
| NGO Program Officer | ₦200,000 – ₦400,000+ |
| Public Health Manager | ₦300,000 – ₦600,000+ |
Note: These are general estimates and can vary widely.
Extra Tips to Get a Public Health Job Faster
Take free online short courses (e.g., from WHO or Coursera)
Volunteer for health campaigns in your LGA
Build your CV with real field experience
Learn digital skills for data collection, social media campaigns, and creating health education materials. Digital literacy is a big advantage.
Join WhatsApp groups or health job Telegram channels
Turn on job alerts on LinkedIn and Google
Follow this blog for weekly health job alerts!
Public Health Jobs vs. Hospital Jobs: What's the Difference?
| Public Health Jobs. | Hospital Jobs |
|---|---|
| Focus on prevention | Focus on treatment |
| Community-based | Facility-based |
| Often non-clinical | Mostly clinical |
| Includes teaching and campaigns | Involves direct care to patients |
| Open to more disciplines | Requires more medical certification |
Both are important, but public health reaches more people and supports prevention first.
Do I Need a License or Registration?
For some roles, yes.
Environmental Health Officers need a license
Nurses and midwives must register with NMCN
Others like M&E or WASH roles may not need licenses, just the right training and skills
FAQs
1. Can I get a public health job without experience?
Yes, many NGOs hire field assistants or volunteers. Start small and grow.
2. What’s the age limit?
Most public health jobs typically have an age range for applicants, often between a minimum of 23–25 years old and a maximum of 35–40 years old. It is important to note that some government positions may have specific age rules. You should always check the age requirements for any job offer you are interested in, as they are usually listed in the job description.
3. Is it better to work in NGO or government?
Both are good. NGOs may pay more, but government offers job security.
4. Do I need a medical degree?
No. Public health jobs are open to non-medical graduates too.
5. Can I apply with a diploma?
Yes, for entry-level roles like field work or mobilizer.
6. Where can I see the latest job updates?
Right here on this website under the Health Jobs & Events section.
In Conclusion, Public health jobs are a strong career path for young Nigerians. Whether you're in school, just finished NYSC, or switching careers, you can find real opportunities in this field.
These jobs help communities, improve lives, and offer good pay. From the village to the city, from NGOs to PHCs, your skill can be useful.
Keep checking this site for real job updates, prepare well, and apply on time. Your chance may come sooner than you think!