Deputy Field Coordinator - Programmes at Action Against Hunger | ACF Nigeria LTD/GTE

ACF Nigeria is currently seeking to recruit a Deputy Field Coordinator (DFC) - Programmes.  The DFC - Programmes will play a key role in leading and harmonizing the implementation of the projects across Borno and Adamawa states, Nigeria.  The position is primarily responsible for ensuring strong coordination, effective communication, and appropriate representation of programme activities.  Working closely with the project teams and partners, the DFC-P ensures cohesion in implementation, high-quality delivery, and alignment with overall project objectives and ACF standards.

Reporting to: Field Coordinator - Borno
Proposed start date:  June 2026

Key Responsibilities:

Mission 1: Contribute to the strategic planning and positioning of field office by mobilizing program teams

• Monitor and analyze the humanitarian context, including the needs and gaps in interventions, with particular attention to how the crises impact the implementation of existing projects, in order to propose adaptations and/or new interventions;
• Under the delegation of the Field Coordinator, actively contribute to the development and/or revision of the core strategy, by mobilizing programme teams and consolidating and arbitrating programme proposals;
• On behalf of the Field Coordinator, support the definition of operational directions, ensuring alignment with the base strategy, as well as the mission’s capacities and identified needs;
• Maintain a strong understanding of the sectoral priorities within the national strategy, assess their implications for programmes in the area, and ensure that partners fully understand and take ownership of these orientations;
• Map and analyze the presence and strategic positioning of other actors in the field, with the aim of strengthening coordination and efficiency, avoiding duplication and promoting collaboration among partners within their respective intervention areas;
• Collect, analyze and disseminate relevant information related to the humanitarian and security context to inform decision-making and programme implementation.

Mission 2: Contribute to the development of projects in the areas of intervention, by ensuring the mobilization of programme teams

• Identify the need to carry out needs assessments in order to maintain knowledge aligned with the reality of needs on the ground, allowing existing programming to be adapted if necessary and/or new intervention to be proposed & coordinated for implementation;
• Ensure integrated analysis of project data, combining monthly monitoring data from ongoing activities with relevant secondary data and contextual information, in order to inform programme adaptation and/or the design of new intervention;
• Formulate strategic recommendations for the design and development of programmes (including geographic targeting, implementation approaches, contextual factors, and partnership modalities), even in the absence of calls for proposals or coordination requests;
• In close collaboration with the Field Coordinator, Support Managers and the MEAL Manager, contribute to the overall programme design, ensuring alignment with operational realities such security and access constraints, logistics, administrative considerations, technical requirements, and partners capacities;
• When delegated by the Field Coordinator, lead the coordination of proposal development including logical frameworks (LFA), narrative documents, beneficiary targeting, implementation timelines, budgets, Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), and required annexes, by mobilizing programme teams and ensuring consolidation and validation of their inputs in accordance with Programme Coordination guidelines.

Mission 3: Ensure effective project planning and monitoring to guarantee quality implementation and promote programmatic integration

• Support Project Managers in establishing and using appropriate monitoring and management tools, including logical framework indicators, activity planning and tracking tools, as well as financial, logistical and HR management tools for their respective projects;
• Ensure comprehensive monitoring or projects (operational and financial, qualitative & quantitative) with a strong focus on timelines, objectives, and contractual indicators.  Proactive alert the Field Coordinator in case of observed or anticipated deviations (e.g. delays in implementation, underachievement or indicators, or budget over/under consumption);
• Ensure that all technical protocols, guidelines, manuals and tools used in the field comply with ACF-approved standards and are aligned with Technical RDDs;
• Analyze project performance and results against Sphere standards, national, WHO, and ACF standards, and propose improvements in close collaboration with technical departments;
• Conduct regular field monitoring and supervision visits to project areas, and develop actionable recommendations to strengthen implementation quality;
• Promote the efficient and effective use of financial resources and support Program/Project managers in ensuring sound budget management;
• Contribute to the prevention and detection of programmatic fraud by supporting the implementation of appropriate control measures;
• Provide ongoing support to project managers in the assessing financial, logistical and HR needs; identify and report inconsistencies or challenges; propose corrective actions; and recommend opportunities for resource optimization and sharing, in coordination with the Field Coordinator;
• Strengthen synergies across ACF projects in the area to maximize overall programme, impact, including through regular programme meetings and by fostering collaboration between teams and partners;
• When delegated by the Field Coordinator, draft donor communications to report challenges and/or request amendments to the initial project plan, for submission to the Programme Department.

Mission 4: Ensure the integration of gender and protection in programme strategy, strengthen accountability mechanisms, and support acceptance of the organization in the area

• Support the effective implementation of accountability mechanisms, ensuring that feedback and complaints are addressed in a timely and appropriate manner, and that lessons learned inform project adaptation and improvement.
• Identify protection risks affecting beneficiaries and develop appropriate action plans to ensure safe, equitable, and dignified access to assistance.
• Ensure the deployment of the programmatic AMAP approach, in close collaboration with the Field Coordinator and the MEAL Manager.
• Contribute to the integration of gender and protection considerations across programmes, including supporting reflection and continuous improvement during programme reviews.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with community leaders and stakeholders, develop community engagement plans, and promote community ownership of projects to enhance acceptance of the organization and strengthen the sustainability of interventions.
• Immediately report any security incidents to Field Coordination and ensure that programme teams fully comply with security protocols and instructions.

Mission 5: Contribute to quality and impact measurement, capitalization and advocacy, and ensure high-quality internal and external reporting

• Ensure timely and accurate project reporting, including the preparation and review of monthly activity reports (APR format), with a strong focus on qualitative analysis of programme performance;
• Ensure systematic documentation of project progress, capturing key developments, changes in approaches, and lessons learned to support informed decision-making and contribute to advocacy efforts;
• Support Project Managers in the preparation of donor reports, ensuring they have adequate time and guidance; review and validate all reports, incorporating strategic and contextual elements as needed to meet donor expectations and quality standards;
• Ensure compliance with communication and visibility requirements for each project, including the development of success stories and other visibility materials;
• Ensure proper archiving and documentation of all key project materials, including technical tools, methodologies, beneficiary lists, and distribution records, in line with audit and accountability requirements;
• Lead the development of capitalization documents, in collaboration with programme teams, particularly focusing on lessons learned and best practices;
• Contribute to the design and implementation of MEAL plans for each project, in close coordination with the MEAL Manager;
• Participate in the analysis of data collected through assessments and surveys, support Project/Programme Representatives in drafting analytical reports, and ensure the effective follow-up and implementation of resulting recommendations.

Mission 6: Ensure effective coordination and partnership with external stakeholders

• Facilitate coordination with external actors, including NGOs, UN agencies, response partners, and government authorities across relevant sectors (FSL, Nutrition, Health, and WASH), in project implementation areas—either directly under delegation from the Field Coordinator (FC) or by supporting Programme/Project Representatives (PRs)—to promote information sharing, complementarity, and the avoidance of duplication ;
• Engage with provincial and territorial authorities, in line with the sectors of intervention, ensuring appropriate coordination and alignment with local priorities, as delegated by the Field Coordinator;
• Oversee the development of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with technical authorities, coordinating inputs from PRs, ensuring consistency across sectors, and conducting initial validation prior to final approval by the Field Coordinator;
• Represent ACF in coordination forums and with field partners, when relevant to the projects under supervision, as delegated by the Field Coordinator.

Mission 7: Ensure effective team management

• Develop and implement individual action plans with directly supervised staff, regularly monitor progress, and update plans as needed;
• Conduct annual performance appraisals for directly supervised staff (and more frequently where necessary), ensuring constructive feedback and professional development follow-up;
• Identify capacity-building needs and either deliver or facilitate appropriate training for team members on relevant methods, approaches, and technical aspects related to project implementation;
• Promote effective internal communication by holding regular two-way meetings with team members and organizing programme coordination meetings;
• Ensure clear and efficient communication flows across teams, including timely dissemination of relevant updates and information, particularly between programme and support functions;
• Support Project Managers in addressing human resources issues and conflicts, ensuring that they are handled in line with HR policies and in coordination with HR support services;
• Ensure compliance with HR policies and procedures, particularly in recruitment processes and other HR-related activities carried out by Project Managers.

Additional Responsibilities

• Act as a replacement for the Field Coordinator during absences, assuming delegated responsibilities in line with the handover to ensure continuity of operations.
• This job description is not exhaustive, the employee maybe needed to perform additional related tasks as necessary and is responsible for effectively reporting on and communicating progress and results against assigned responsibilities.
• Maintain high technical standards in all aspects of work.
• Perform all duties in a professional manner in full compliance with ACF Nigeria mission staff regulations, as well as ACF’s mandate and charter, including a strong commitment to promotion of gender equality.

Position Requirements:

• Master's degree in development studies/ humanitarian aid, international relations or a related field
• Minimum of 4 years relevant field experience, including coordination role in one or more of complex and challenging context humanitarian contexts
• Proven experience in project management, including prior roles as Project Manager or in a coordination capacity
• Demonstrated experience in team management, with ability to effectively supervise and support staff
• Strong written communication skills in English.
• Strong analytical, strategic planning, problem‑solving, and innovation skills.
• Prior experience working in North North West Nigeria, including insecure/relatively isolated setting
• Advanced knowledge of donor guidelines and compliance procedures