General purpose of the Position

• Provision of strong leadership in co-ordinating and supporting the entire programme cycle in  Malteser  International (MI) Nigeria supported programme areas, including  the Northeast, North West ,  and future programming areas.  Specifically lead, control programme development process, including rigorous assessments,  proposal development and guidance during kick-off of new projects. Work with Technical Advisors  to develop evidence-based sector strategies, and projects and to strengthen program integration. S/he takes a lead in establishing systems for program monitoring, quality improvement, accountability, evaluation, and learning, and in ensuring that learning and results are captured, shared, and used to inform programs.  Ensure efficient and best practice in grants management,  guaranteeing  that MI is compliant in all programme deliverables, including reporting  to expectations and existing agreements. As a senior leader in the country office s/he plays a representational role with the government, donors, partners, and others and effectively cascade key issues to the coordination/senior management team and HQ as appropriate

Specific responsibilities

• Provide leadership and strategic direction for  the design of MI programme strategies and plans, including the development of resource mobilisation strategies as a support to the Country Director,  programme and external actors related  intelligence gathering and positioning to attract funding for new projects
• Lead high quality project and activity design, planning and MEAL methods, appropriate to scope, context, and technical requirements
• Ensure regular data collection and meaningful analyses, establishment of accountability and learning mechanisms with support from HQ relevant teams, with regular dissemination of strategic information to Coordination /Senior Management Team and other relevant staff to drive learning and improve program quality
• Ensure high quality evaluations are conducted and recommendations from such evaluations and global technical support are implemented in a timely manner
• Ensure effective collaboration between MEAL staff, technical advisors, and thematic specialists in the development of sector log frames, indicators, implementation plans, and monitoring and evaluation frameworks and related tools
• In support of Country Director, ensure technical engagement with donors to pre-position and prepare for opportunities and engage in strategic positioning work directly as appropriate.
• Keep abreast of technical development and conversations, in particular regarding WASH, protection and MHPSS, and with support of  MI global Advisors  ensure that latest learnings and innovations are incorporated in ongoing design and proposals with a focus on improving programme quality and accessing internal innovations funding
• Continuous monitoring of humanitarian situation and identify emerging humanitarian needs for action
• Oversight  country programme plans as per grant agreements, proposal narrative and logical frameworks- and ensuring adherence to international (SPHERE, IASC, CHS) and national standards in coordination with sectoral teams
• Balance needs/requests of external partners, donors, country programme and HQ, to ensure quality results in programming
• Support oversight of programme budgets and resources and inputs to budget controls and procurement plans in coordination with the Head of Administration
• Lead in the production of high-quality narrative reports, logical frameworks and ensure delivery of wholesome  (including financial where appropriate) reports in a timely way
• Ensure relevant technical support is provided promptly, at scale and in line with humanitarian principles and standards. This includes capacity strengthening for programme teams in project management and sectoral skills, including identifying training opportunities and overseeing implementation
• Ensure appropriate staffing structure and capacity for the programme team in accordance with MI operational needs  and strategic  trajectory
• Effectively manage team performance and dynamics as per MI standards and best practice
• Lead on partnership engagements including management and development of  partnerships– identification, agreements management and oversight, capacity building and  strategies on improving partnerships
• Reinvigorate representation of Malteser International with relevant technical and sectors of choice  forums  and government authorities, donors, partners, and other stakeholders in coordination with Country Director ,  to promote MI objectives and build relationships to facilitate success of our projects

Others:

• Excellent strategic, analytical, systems thinking , and problem-solving skills , with capacity to see the big picture and ability to make sound judgement and decisions
• Ability to relate to people at all levels – internally and externally
• Pro-active , resourceful, solutions  and results oriented
• Team leadership abilities and capacity to work with and lead multi-cultural and multi-talented teams
• Strong communication skills
• Commitment to MI  values and standards
• Ability to cope in stressful and hostile work environments; willingness to travel to (deep) field locations and partner visits

Qualifications and experience :

• Master’s degree in relevant social science, human rights, development studies, NGO management or equivalent fields
• A minimum of ten years of progressive senior management and/or development experience in a corporate or an NGO environment,
• Strong skills and proven experience in new program development, project design, and donor proposal design with corporate, foundations, and institutional donors
• Business development and fundraising skills and experience will be an added advantage
• Experience working with high-level government agencies and academics on international humanitarian programmes
• Strong skills and proven experience in leading strategic planning, change management, and program management processes; also, from the knowledge and learning perspective
• Developing and managing monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems
• Excellent listening, inter-personal, communication, and networking skills; and an ability to work with diversified populations
• Skills such as training, capacity building, coaching, mentorship, problem solving, analytical and an understanding of project cycle management and coordination
• High level of self-awareness and willingness to take criticism as an opportunity for growth and self-development
• Ability to research, write and represent well, manage time, multi-task, and delegate tasks
• This position is open for expat individuals.