Head of Programs needed at FINDEF

Purpose / Role:

The Head of Programs (HOP) will provide leadership and oversight for programs in Zamfara, Katsina, and Sokoto. This role would involve strategic oversight of diverse program portfolios within the organization. The HOP will collaborate closely with the Country Director and key stakeholders to ensure that all programs align with the project’s strategic objectives and are relevant to the local context, delivering impactful results. The HOP is expected to strengthen relationships with existing donors and cultivate new partnerships to expand the organization’s program portfolio. Additionally, they will ensure that all programs comply with policies, donor regulations, and relevant legal frameworks. This entails monitoring grants and ensuring that all financial and programmatic reports are submitted punctually and following donor requirements. Furthermore, the HOP will provide leadership, mentorship, and capacity building to the program team, ensuring that staff possess the skills and tools necessary to deliver high-quality programs. Promoting a culture of learning and accountability within the team is also a key responsibility. The HOP will lead the development of new, innovative programming that addresses evolving needs at our various field levels. 

Responsibilities:

• Identify and secure new funding opportunities by leading the development of competitive proposals, budgets, and concept notes in line with programs and project objectives. Strengthen relationships with existing donors and build new partnerships to expand the program portfolio.
• Ensure that all programs comply with the policies, donor regulations, and relevant legal frameworks. This includes monitoring grants, ensuring that all financial and programmatic reports are submitted on time, and following donor requirements.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and capacity building to the program team, ensuring staff have the skills and tools to deliver high-quality programs. Promote a culture of learning and accountability within the team.
• Lead the development of new, innovative programming that addresses the evolving needs of the communities. This includes adapting programs to respond to humanitarian crises and ensuring sustainability in development initiatives.
• Collaborate with technical staff to discuss work plan ideas, develop timelines, and detail procurement needs; conduct market research to support anticipated operations and technical requirements.
• Contribute to building and maintaining institutional and human resource technical capacities and competencies (e.g. coaching, mentoring, training)
• Provide inputs to manage staff performance including providing inputs to regular performance evaluation of the technical staff.
• Support relevant HR processes, e.g. development and review of job descriptions, recruitment and onboarding processes.
• Support in improving administrative and finance processes that can facilitate effective and efficient program implementation
• Contribute to analyzing and addressing logistical needs and bottlenecks that affect program implementation.
• Any other task required to achieve the project objective or fall within the mandate of the organization.
• Develop strategic partnerships and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders including donors, government actors, UN agencies, and international and local NGOs.

Requirements: 

• Strong leadership, management, and analytical skills. 
• Strong planning and organizational skills. 
• Ability to learn fast and adapt quickly to change. 
• Willingness to work the hours needed to meet deadlines and work well under pressure. 
• Desire to work in a collaborative and proactive team environment, but able to work independently with little or no supervision. 

Qualifications: 

• A master’s degree in Project management or a related field with equivalent work experience, a professional certification in the field is required including a bachelor’s degree in international development, International Relations, Business Management, or a related field with at least seven (7) years of experience,
• Minimum of 4 years of professional experience in a management position of responsibility including the development of competitive proposals, budgets, concept notes etc.
• Experience working with non-profit organizations and donor-funded projects is an advantage.
• Experience implementing donor-funded international development and/or humanitarian assistance programs.
• Experience in project management, project planning, M&E, and reporting.
• Proven expertise in business development, developing funding proposals, budgeting, and financial reporting.

• Excellent organizational skills and proactive management and coordination of work.
• Strong problem-solving and leadership skills.
• Excellent communication and drafting skills for effective reporting 
• Experience in community development initiatives.
• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Ability to operate in a cross-cultural environment requiring flexibility.

Disclaimer:

This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skills, efforts, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position. Our organization’s procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. We are an equal opportunity employer. We uphold the Humanitarian Principles: humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and operational independence. We affirmatively engage the most vulnerable communities.

Note:

• FINDEF does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. FINDEF’s recruitment process is transparent and merit-based. Lobbying of any form is not allowed and can lead to disqualification.
• FINDEF has zero tolerance for Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of beneficiaries. Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) is everyone’s responsibility, and all staff are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct, that enshrines principles of PSEA, at all times (both during work hours and outside work hours).
• Familiarization with, and adherence to FINDEF’s Code of Conduct is an essential requirement for all staff, in addition to related mandatory training.
• Any offer made to the candidate concerning this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.