Thamini Uhai is Hiring: Program Officer – Newborn Health

Thamini Uhai, formerly World Lung Foundation, is a Tanzanian non-governmental organization dedicated to reducing maternal and early neonatal mortality and strengthening health systems in underserved rural areas. Since 2008, we have partnered with the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania to achieve these critical health improvements. Our past collaborations include working with Bloomberg Philanthropies from 2008 to 2019 to expand quality Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC) services and pilot scaled birth companionship as a core element of respectful maternity care.

Partnership Program for Maternal and Newborn Health Improvement in Tanzania

Thamini Uhai has secured funding for the implementation of the Partnership Program for Comprehensive and Integrated Maternal and Newborn Health Improvement (Mjamzito na Mtoto Salama) in Tanzania. This five-year program, jointly supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Gates Foundation, will be executed in two phases:

• September 2025 to June 2027
• July 2027 to June 2030

The program will be implemented in the following regions:

• Geita
• Katavi
• Kigoma

Our initiative aims to accelerate the achievement of 2030 SDG targets by improving maternal and newborn health outcomes in Tanzania. This will be accomplished through strengthening the delivery of quality and respectful EmONC services, including postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) management, antenatal care, and comprehensive newborn care, with a strong emphasis on scaling up care for small and sick newborns. Additionally, the program will provide strategic technical support to the Ministry of Health in reviewing technical guidelines and associated learning resources.

Current Vacancy: Program Officer – Newborn Health

Thamini Uhai is seeking to recruit a talented and dedicated Program Officer – Newborn Health.

Position Details:

• Department: Program
• Reports to: Regional Program Coordinator (with a dotted line to Senior Technical Advisor – Newborn Health)
• Assignment Type: Full-time
• Location: Kigoma, Katavi, and Geita
• Length: One year

Position Summary:

The Program Officer – Newborn Health will provide crucial technical and operational support for the implementation of newborn health interventions at regional, council, and facility levels. The role is focused on supporting the delivery of high-quality newborn care services, encompassing essential newborn care, immediate kangaroo mother care (KMC), and care for small and sick newborns. A key aspect of this role will be strengthening quality improvement systems across supported facilities.

Working under the supervision of the Regional Program Coordinator and in close collaboration with Senior Technical Advisors and government counterparts, the officer will support Regional and Council Health Management Teams (RHMTs and CHMTs) in executing program activities. This role ensures that newborn interventions are effectively implemented, aligned with national priorities, and responsive to service delivery gaps in high-volume facilities. It also promotes continuity of care from pregnancy through intrapartum and postnatal periods.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the implementation of newborn health interventions across supported facilities.
• Assist in the implementation of quality improvement activities and the strengthening of clinical practices.
• Contribute to the planning and execution of program activities at regional and council levels.
• Support the strengthening of health worker capacity to deliver quality newborn care services.
• Aid in strengthening the systems required for effective newborn care delivery.
• Support routine monitoring of program performance and the use of data for informed decision-making.
• Facilitate collaboration with government and partners to enhance newborn health services.
• Support the documentation and sharing of program experiences and lessons learned.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Medicine, Nursing, Midwifery, or a related health field.
• A Master’s degree in Paediatrics, Neonatology, Public Health, or a related field is an added advantage.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in RMNCAH programs, with demonstrated experience in newborn health programming.
• Clinical experience in essential newborn care, neonatal resuscitation, immediate KMC, stabilization of sick newborns, and care for small and sick newborns.
• Experience supporting the establishment or strengthening of newborn stabilization corners and neonatal care units is an added advantage.
• Experience working with government health systems, RHMTs, CHMTs, and facility teams.
• Experience in mentorship, supportive supervision, quality improvement, and capacity building is an added advantage.

How to Apply

Suitably qualified candidates are encouraged to apply by submitting a cover letter and updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) as one consolidated PDF document to hr@thaminiuhai.or.tz with the subject line of the position applied.

Applicants are required to include three (3) professional referees with valid contact details in their CV.

Application Deadline:

The deadline for submission is 15th May 2026.

Due to the anticipated high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have not been contacted by 19th May 2026, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Non-discrimination Note:

Diversity, fairness, and merit drive our recruitments, which are aligned with the organization's mission, vision, and values.