Ecosystem Manager at TechnoServe

Job Summary:

• The Ecosystem Manager will play a pivotal leadership role in strengthening the enabling environment for plastic recycling in Kano State and across programme locations in Nigeria (including Lagos and Anambra). Working closely with the Project lead, the Manager will lead ecosystem strategy execution, building high-impact partnerships, facilitating government and private sector engagement, and addressing systemic constraints that limit inclusive growth in the plastic recycling value chain.
• The role will drive evidence-based ecosystem strengthening through market assessments, stakeholder mapping, policy analysis, and multi-stakeholder coordination. The Manager will ensure that collectors, aggregators, recyclers, government and other value chain actors receive sustained ecosystem support such as improved access to markets, networks, enabling policies, business services, and collaboration platforms to strengthen enterprise performance, decent work outcomes, and environmental impact. The position will also provide oversight for ecosystem work planning, coordination, reporting, and learning, ensuring alignment with donor priorities, safeguarding standards, and programme targets..

Primary Functions & Responsibilities:

• Support the Program lead to develop, refine, and implement a multi-state ecosystem strengthening strategy roadmap that targets key constraints and opportunities in Kano, Lagos, and Anambra.
• Translate strategy into quarterly and annual workplans, including clear deliverables, timelines, stakeholder responsibilities, and resource needs.
• Lead day-to-day execution of ecosystem activities, ensuring quality, timeliness, and alignment with programme objectives.
• Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and performance management support to ecosystem short-term consultants.
• Facilitate structured engagement with key ecosystem actors, government agencies, private sector, CSOs/NGOs, associations, and community leaders to strengthen collaboration and shared accountability.
• Build and manage strategic relationships with relevant MDAs and regulators to support alignment with state and national waste management and circular economy priorities.
• Identify and activate partnerships that unlock tangible support for beneficiaries such as offtake agreements, service provision, access to equipment/inputs, logistics solutions, and business development support.
• Support the development of partnership documentation (MoUs, collaboration frameworks, referral pathways) as required.
• Track and analyze policies, regulations, bylaws, and government initiatives affecting plastic recycling and waste management.
• Produce concise policy updates and recommendations for the programme leadership team.
• Support evidence-based policy dialogue, advocating practical improvements that enhance inclusion, safety, and enterprise viability for collectors and aggregators.
• Identify opportunities to position the programme within government platforms and technical working groups to influence sector coordination and reforms.
• Identify systemic barriers that affect performance and growth of collectors and aggregators (e.g., market volatility, weak coordination, limited access to buyers, poor quality standards, harassment/fees, infrastructure constraints).
• Propose and drive practical solutions, such as: market linkage facilitation and buyer engagement, quality improvement and standardization approaches and aggregation models that improve bargaining power and supply reliability.
• Coordinate and deliver knowledge-sharing sessions, stakeholder workshops, and ecosystem convenings that strengthen collaboration, learning, and sector visibility.
• Develop training content and facilitation materials on topics such as ecosystem coordination, market dynamics, policy literacy, quality standards, and inclusive business practices.
• Promote cross-learning across states by documenting good practices and facilitating exchange between Kano, Lagos, and Anambra ecosystem actors.
• Ensure ecosystem work is well documented through monthly updates, quarterly reports, and donor-ready evidence (case studies, learning notes, dashboards).
• Lead after-action reviews and learning sessions to inform continuous improvement and adaptive management.
• Develop ecosystem briefs, reports, and presentations tailored for internal leadership, donors, government stakeholders, and private sector partners.
• Support programme visibility by contributing content for stakeholder updates, events, and communications products in line with donor branding requirements.
• Represent the programme in relevant sector forums, policy dialogues, and stakeholder meetings as delegated.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Management, Public Policy, Development Studies, Economics, Business, Social Sciences, or a related field
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in market systems development, stakeholder engagement, policy work, value chain development, or ecosystem strengthening (experience in waste management/plastics recycling is strongly preferred). Alternatively a Master’s degree and a minimum of 5 years of experience.
• Demonstrated experience engaging government and private sector stakeholders and facilitating multi-stakeholder processes.
• Strong research and analytical skills, including experience conducting market assessments and translating findings into actionable strategy.
• Experience managing staff/consultants and delivering results against workplans and deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills—strong writing, presentation, and facilitation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in donor-funded projects or development programmes.
• Familiarity with Nigeria’s waste management, plastic recycling, or environmental sustainability sector.
• Proven track record of supporting ecosystem-strengthening interventions.
• Experience working in Northern Nigeria, with strong networks in Kano State.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.

Required Languages: Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English. Proficiency in the local languages of Kano State is highly desirable.
Travel: At least 40% with a willingness to travel to these communities.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experienced in writing excellent reports.
• Must have strong interpersonal skills.
• Proven skills with Microsoft Office software (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Knowledge of the use of Comcare, and KoBoCollect will be an advantage.
• Excellent communication skills to collaborate with various stakeholders and communicate findings effectively.
• Ability to engage and advise a broad range of stakeholders, including senior management of private sector companies, donor representatives, and others;
• Knowledge of relevant environmental regulations and policies.
• Proven experience in stakeholder engagement, data collection and analysis, digital training delivery, and report writing.
• Demonstrated experience in report writing.
• Experience in the waste management or recycling sector.