Country Director at CARE

Job Summary

Are you a visionary leader ready to champion transformative programs that combat poverty and injustice? Do you thrive on building strategic partnerships, leading high-performing teams, and driving innovative solutions in complex global settings? If yes, we invite you to lead as our Country Director-Nigeria and shape a future of hope and equity.

#CARE strongly encourages applications from qualified nationals and will prioritize hiring on a local contract for this role. International candidates will only be considered if a suitable local candidate cannot be identified.#

Role Summary

• As the Country Director-Nigeria, you will oversee all aspects of our country operations, ensuring that we deliver high-impact programs aligned with CARE's mission and vision. You will drive strategy, resource mobilization, and operational excellence, positioning the Country Office (CO) as a leading force in sustainable development and humanitarian action. Your leadership will inspire our teams to embrace innovation, collaboration, and resilience as we work toward achieving CARE’s 2030 vision.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Talent Development: Build and nurture a dynamic senior leadership team. Foster a culture of diversity, accountability, and staff well-being, while promoting CARE's core values—Respect, Integrity, Commitment, and Excellence.
• Strategic Planning & Resource Mobilization: Lead the design and implementation of an ambitious country strategy. Ensure alignment with global priorities, secure funding for innovative programs, and maintain the financial health of the CO.
• Program Impact & Innovation: Oversee the development and execution of impactful, gender-sensitive programs that address the root causes of poverty. Champion monitoring, learning, and adaptation to ensure continuous improvement.
• External Relations & Advocacy: Build strategic alliances with governments, donors, and civil society. Act as a spokesperson for CARE, driving advocacy efforts to influence policies and practices that promote social justice.
• Operational Excellence: Ensure strong governance, risk management, and compliance across all operations. Safeguard staff safety and well-being while ensuring the responsible stewardship of resources.

What You Bring

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• 6–8 years of senior management experience in the development sector, including strategic and operational leadership.

Language

• Fluency in communication in both English and French.

Leadership & People Management

• Proven ability to lead diverse, cross-cultural teams in challenging environments.
• Exceptional coaching, capacity building, and conflict resolution skills

Financial & Operational Management

• Expertise in managing complex budgets, ensuring donor compliance, and addressing audit recommendations.

Strategic Thinking & Advocacy

• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute forward-thinking strategies.
• Experience engaging with government and donors to influence policy and mobilize resources.