Head of Programme at Shekinah Girl's Empowerment and Protection Initiative

Overall purpose of the role and geographical scope:

SGEPI is looking for a Head of Programmes. We are looking for someone with substantial programme management and leadership experience to oversee diverse programme portfolio in Nigeria. SGEPI programmes are implemented in challenging contexts, with conflict and crisis driven displacements, challenging access environments and constantly changing security conditions. The Head of Programme will join SGEPI at an interesting time, overseeing high quality programming across the country, including both humanitarian and nexus programming. As part of the SMT and working closely with the ED and the Board, this role is vital to continue the momentum that has been started in driving our country level vision and guiding the implementation of area and technical level strategies, with responsibility for rolling out quality assurance across all programmes and implementing the 2022-2025 country strategy. It is a fast-moving role, providing technical support and guidance to country operations in a constantly changing environment, designing new programmes and ensuring that the program portfolio remains strategic, of high quality and compliant.

The key functions of this role are to:

• Ensure the roll out of the overall programmatic strategy across the entire country operation
• Ensure the provision of high quality and relevant technical guidance and oversight to all state offices and partners within SGEPI’s priority sectors: SRHR, GBV, Climate Justice and Economic Empowerment
• Engage and lead SGEPI in nexus programming developing the conflict resolution and peace building sector
• Enable and oversee the monitoring and evaluation of activities across the entire country operation
• Lead and oversee proposal development and business development
• Oversee effective grants and project management processes
• Maintain high standards of internal and external representation.

Responsibilities:

The Head of Program works under the direct supervision of the Executive Director based in Abuja and liaises with all program and operations across Nigeria. S/he has the following specific responsibilities.

Program Strategy, Management & Development

• Contribute to the sustainable management of program growth and quality aligned with the Country and state strategies ;
• Oversee effective, efficient and timely implementation of all projects according to agreed contracts, budgets, policies and in accordance with specific donor requirements;
• Lead the planning and development of concept papers, proposals and budgets with support from country team;
• Provide regular internal and external reports, and other relevant information on programme activities, policy matters and external relations;
• Foster synergies between programme areas and supporting integrated approaches where applicable;
• Support the Executive Director to ensure effective coordination and visibility of the implementation of the projects with all humanitarian and development actors and in advocacy at all levels.
• Fundraising, Grant proposals writing & reporting processes
• Lead and oversee the drafting of concept notes, proposals, and donor reports by program in coordination with support departments in line with SGEPI HQ/State and donor requirements. Lead and oversee program design, and quality assure all proposals and processes ahead of timely submission.
• Oversee the work of the program support functions, and accurate and detailed budgeting to make sure timely and coherent budget preparation for all new proposals and budget revisions.
• Ensure timely, quality reports and targeted communications are submitted to all donors and relevant internal and external parties in coordination with the Executive Director, State Offices, HQ and other program stakeholders.

Program Quality, Implementation & Coordination

• Provide oversight, guidance, and leadership to all aspects of program implementation in Nigeria, with particular focus on program quality;
• Collaborate closely with State Program Managers and provide daily oversight to programmatic technical needs;
• Participate and contribute to the Grants and BFU meetings ensuring with the Head of Operations that there is accountability and responsibility being taken appropriately ;
• Support the Grants teams with go/no go meetings, kick off meetings and follow up meetings as required;
• Support the technical teams to provide timely, proactive and appropriate technical support to program implementation across all area operations, and ensuring consistent and standard technical quality across all programs.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning

• Support the MEAL team in the institutionalization of monitoring, tracking and reporting systems that generate meaningful lesson learning, evidence of impact and provide data for effective programmatic decision making;
• Ensure that all projects have sound monitoring frameworks, and contribute to measuring impact and are in line with SGEPI’s country strategic plan;
• Ensure quality programming by coordinating the technical support provided by the State Offices and HQ and contributing to the development of M&E tools and indicators and other quality improvement initiatives;
• Promote learning and knowledge management within the country program.
• Program Staff Management and Capacity Building
• Continue the development of a technically excellent team in accordance with programmatic and country-level strategy. Develop overall staff competence through leadership, training, and coaching of key technical and management program staff;
• Collaborate closely with the Head of Operations to ensure a holistic approach to staff support, budget development and internal process and policy development, and a one team approach to program implementation.
• Donor liaison, Partnerships and Representation
• As required represent SGEPI to existing and potential donors;
• Cultivate key relationships that enhance SGEPI’s visibility and credibility as an implementing partner amongst all agencies;
• Identify lNGOs/partners with whom to cooperate and partner.

About you

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate SGEPI’s five core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
• Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with our vision and values.

Experience and Technical Competencies

• Master’s degree in law, social sciences, international development or related field;
• At least 4 years of experience in managing complex program operations in humanitarian or development contexts, including 2 years in Middle level or Senior level Management;
• Experience working in complex operating environments, including in conflict affected environments;
• Demonstrated experience and skills in proposal development, budget development, program implementation, monitoring and evaluation;
• Ability to think and work strategically and creatively, with attention to detail and experience troubleshooting and problem solving in complex settings;
• Proven leadership skills and competence in people management and leading by example;
• Proven experience in effectively coordinating with national governments, and international, and national NGO partners;
• Proven experience in managing a diverse programme portfolio and comprehensive budget oversight;
• Full professional proficiency in English is required.

What we offer

• Contract: 1 Year Contract with the possibility of extension, subject to funding and performance.
• Salary: in accordance with the Shekinah Girls’ Empowerment and Protection Initiative’s Terms of Employment Management.

Availability: June 2023.