Director of Programs at Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH)

Position Summary

• The Director of Programs is a senior leadership position responsible for providing strategic direction, technical oversight, and operational leadership for ARFH’s portfolio of public health and development programs.
• The position will oversee the design, implementation, quality assurance, performance management, and expansion of programs across RMNCAH+N, HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria, health systems strengthening, and related development sectors.
• The Director of Programs will drive institutional program strategy, strengthen donor and government partnerships, support resource mobilisation efforts, and ensure high-quality implementation and impact across all program areas.
• The role requires a seasoned public health and development professional with strong strategic, technical, managerial, and stakeholder engagement skills, as well as demonstrated experience managing complex donor-funded programs and multidisciplinary teams.

Reporting Line:

• The Director of Programs will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and will provide supervision and strategic guidance to Program Managers, Technical Leads, and other program staff.

Specific Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Program Oversight:

• Provide strategic leadership for the planning, implementation, and growth of ARFH’s program portfolio
• Ensure alignment of programs with ARFH’s strategic priorities, donor requirements, and national health priorities
• Lead program quality assurance and performance improvement initiatives
• Drive innovation, learning, and sustainability across program areas
• Ensure integration and coordination across programs and technical units

Program Implementation and Technical Leadership:

• Provide overall technical oversight for program implementation across all thematic areas
• Ensure timely achievement of program deliverables, targets, and milestones
• Oversee development and execution of annual workplans, budgets, and implementation strategies
• Ensure compliance with donor regulations, organizational policies, and quality standards
• Support problem-solving and risk mitigation across projects

Grant Management and Donor Engagement:

• Oversee management of donor-funded projects and grants
• Maintain strong relationships with government, donors, implementing partners, and other stakeholders
• Serve as a senior institutional representative in strategic meetings, technical forums, and high-level engagements
• Ensure timely submission of high-quality technical reports and deliverables

Resource Mobilisation and Business Development:

• Lead strategic business development and institutional fundraising efforts
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities aligned with ARFH’s strategic direction
• Oversee development of competitive proposals, concept notes, and partnership opportunities
• Strengthen relationships with bilateral, multilateral, philanthropic, and private-sector donors

Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Knowledge Management:

• Promote data-driven decision-making and use of evidence for program improvement
• Strengthen systems for monitoring, evaluation, learning, and adaptive management
• Ensure effective documentation and dissemination of program achievements, lessons learned, and best practices
• Support institutional learning and knowledge management processes

Team Leadership and Organizational Development:

• Provide leadership, supervision, mentorship, and performance management for program staff
• Build and maintain high-performing multidisciplinary teams
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Support staff capacity strengthening and professional development.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least 5 years of senior leadership or management experience
• Demonstrated experience managing large and complex donor-funded programs
• Strong understanding of Nigeria’s public health and development landscape
• Proven experience working with major donors such as USAID, Gates Foundation, Global Fund, UN agencies, FCDO, and other development partners
• Strong strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and leadership skills
• Excellent communication, report writing, and presentation skills
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

Required Experience:

• Master’s Degree in Public Health, Medicine, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Health Policy, or a related field.
• A PhD or relevant professional certification will be an added advantage.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in public health and development programming.