Country Representative at Cuso International

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DELIVERABLES

Program Development

• Build and maintain relationships through local, regional and international networks, alliances, forums or events to expand Cuso International’s programs through donors, partners, government officials or other relevant agencies across Africa.
• Maintain and develop a strong portfolio of local partners, donors and regional and international networks fostering collaboration on development interventions in line with Cuso International’s strategic and operational plans.
• Mobilize resources from regional and international donors to scale-up and maximize Cuso International’s impact in Nigeria.
• Lead the design and development of new regional projects in Nigeria in coordination with the Head of Programs, Africa and the Program Strategy and Innovation Team in the Cuso International Canada office.

Volunteer Cooperation

• Lead the implementation of Cuso International’s volunteer cooperation program in Nigeria, including providing leadership and guidance to the country program team, designing and implementing annual work plans, developing and managing annual budgets and volunteer delivery.
• Manage the integration process of volunteers placed in Nigeria and ensure that volunteer support and monitoring systems are in place.
• Oversee safety and security protocols for staff, volunteers and local partners, including developing Country Security Plans and Contingency Plans.

Project Management

• Lead the start-up and implementation of new bilateral projects in Nigeria, including the design of project implementation plan, managing negotiations with implementing partners, designing and implementing annual work plans, developing and managing annual budgets, building project teams and preparing narrative and financial reports.
• Promote a culture of impact and knowledge sharing and ensure the country program office (CPO) complies with Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) reporting requirements, including the drafting of annual reports.

People and Culture

• Foster a positive, fair and participatory work environment for staff and volunteers, motivating them to actively participate towards achieving Cuso International’s goals.
• Ensure that Cuso International’s performance management culture is understood and respected within the team and that each staff receives adequate feedback and support to promote successful performance and high levels of employee engagement.

Other

• Ensure the CPO follows all Cuso International policies, procedures and processes.
• Fulfill other responsibilities, as required by the Head of Programs, Africa, from time to time.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Education

• University Degree in a relevant field, preferably at master’s degree level.

Experience

• A proven track record of securing funding for programming in Nigeria (projects CAD $5M+), including strong network of regional and international donors and strategic partners.
• Experience working with Global Affairs Canada and other development agencies, such as international foundations, USAID and the European Union, amongst others
• At least 10 years of experience in designing, planning, launching, managing, monitoring and implementing development programs/projects in Nigeria, with experience working at the community level in Nigeria.
• At least 5 years of experience in a leadership role with experience managing multi-disciplinary teams.
• Well-developed experience with annual work planning, budget management and financial reporting, including for international donors.

Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of program/project management cycles.
• Significant knowledge of MEAL systems and frameworks.
• Strong knowledge of the development context in the African Region, including women’s empowerment, youth economic development, governance and climate change.

Capacities, Skills & Competencies 

• Excellent understanding of the results-based management, including tools and applications.
• Proven commitment to advancement of gender equality and women’s rights and empowerment.
• Strong ability to coach, mentor and motivate team members.
• Ability to make decisions and take initiative, as part of managing a complex and varied workload.
• Excellent strategic thinking and analytical abilities.
• Excellent cross-cultural interpersonal skills, including the ability to negotiate and develop internal and external relationships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Excellent computer skills and proficiency with Word, Excel, Outlook, and web-based research.
• Willingness and ability to travel within Nigeria and periodically internationally.
• Ability to work irregular hours and overtime when needed to meet critical deadlines.
• Experience working as a volunteer, with volunteers and/or with a volunteer-sending organization.