Deputy Country Director, Nigeria at SNV

Job Description

The Deputy Country Director is responsible for overseeing the establishment of the new SNV country operations in Nigeria, together with growing the country pipeline of future opportunities, and growing the project portfolio in Nigeria. In addition, once growth has been established, he/ she will conduct day-to-day management of the overall Country Programme together with the Country Director. The Deputy Country Director is responsible for developing and managing strong external relationships with relevant (national) stakeholders (including donor clients, and well as government and other development partners) and to ensure SNV remains strategically targeted and responsive to the needs of the country in the sectors of Agricultural Food Systems, Water and Renewable Energy. In addition, the Deputy Country Director will lead on developing selective Concept Notes and proposals to clients in order to grow the SNV business in Nigeria.

The Deputy Country Director can act in representation of the Country Director in his/her absence. The Country Director can delegate part of his/her areas of responsibility to the Deputy Country Director to act on their behalf. The result areas for the Deputy Country Director as described below are therefore variable and depend on the actual delegation of responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities:

SNV representation- Leads on maintaining and utilising the network with government officials and national authorities and maintains relationships with external stakeholders, ensuring a high level of visibility.

Communications and business development- Leads on the country communications plan and business development actions to promote SNV’s work in the country. Acts as a contact point (in coordination with SNV Operations Manager) between SNV and relevant external stakeholders to ensure project goals and objectives are met, in full compliance with relevant rules. Maintains and grows productive relationships with relevant external stakeholders to contribute to business growth – which includes leading on Concept Notes and Technical and Financial Proposals. 

Project/ programme delivery- Once a project portfolio is established, he/ she manages programme contracts and the delivery of projects, meeting multiple donors and internal requirements. Assures contractual compliance, delivery quality and timely donor reporting, meeting gross margins targets and avoiding losses.

Planning, budgeting and reporting- Leads on the development of the country strategic and annual plans and budgets and reports on progress/ performance against targets, within the requirements of the corporate planning process. Supervises planning and reporting to donors and coordinates internal and external reporting processes, including Mid-Year and Annual Reports, based on corporate guidelines and formats.

Country operations- In conjunction with the Operations Manager, oversees and manages the effective functioning of all administrative functions and operations in the SNV country offices and effective support to all the projects. This includes safe and reliable logistics, procurement, asset management, IT support and infrastructure, financial monitoring/auditing and HR service delivery. Informs internal units and projects regularly on operations and support progress. Helps to make sure that the country is aligned to the SNV Code of Conduct/integrity. 

People Management and leadership- In representation of Country Director position acts as employer to national staff. Oversees implementation of HR policies in the country and manages country workforce in consultation with Human Resources. When new staff come on-board, to guides, lead, inspire, develop, coach and motivate the country workforce, in particular the Country Management Team, appraises performance and creates resource estimation based on forecast in order to attract and recruit.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Project Management, Development Studies or related field;

• Proven track record with over 10 years of experience on setting up office in accordance to the rules and regulations of the government of Nigeria and as per organisations policies and guidelines;

• Proven track record in successfully acquiring competitive funding for projects;

• Excellent communication, networking and presentation skills with experience in profiling and representing an organisation;

• Experience in strategy and policy development in an international organisation;

• Experience in managing multidisciplinary and multicultural teams;

• Ability to think strategically, to plan and organise teamwork and work in a network with partners;

• Result-oriented and ability to work under pressure.

Requirements:

Networking- The ability to develop and maintain relations, alliances and coalitions within and outside the organisation and to use them in order to obtain information, support and cooperation.

Result orientation-The ability to direct action in order to attain or exceed objectives

Decisiveness- The ability to make active decisions or to commit oneself by speaking one’s mind and taking a position.

Leadership- The ability to provide direction and guidance to a group of people and to encourage cooperation between team members in order to attain an objective.

Environmental awareness- Being aware of relevant social, cultural, political and professional trends and developments and using this information for the organisation’s benefit.

Conceptual thinking- Having and gaining insight into situations, problems and processes. Deconstructing problems and systematically investigating the various components. Having a complete picture of the context and overview of the whole problem.

Additional Information

Contract Type:              National Employment Contract

Contract Duration :       Two (2) years with possibility of extension

Expected Start Date:     May 2022

Working at SNV

SNV offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. We offer a challenging work environment, opportunities to lead and innovate, and a commitment to growing your skills in a fulfilling and international working environment.