Program Director FCDO PACT (Nigeria) at Corus International

About The Job:

• Corus International is seeking a Program Director with significant experience in climate policy, governance, cocoa production, emissions reduction, and program management for an 18-month FCDO/UK Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions (PACT) funded program in Nigeria. The Nigeria-UK PACT Country Fund aims to align its support with the Government of Nigeria's existing plans and policies. Through consultation with the Government of Nigeria, UK PACT has identified key opportunities for the climate policy and governance sector. The anticipated program focuses on strengthening the capacity of private sector companies to reduce emissions.
• The Program Director will serve as the primary liaison with UK PACT, the Government of Nigeria, other implementing partners, Corus's headquarters, and relevant project stakeholders fostering collaborative working relationships. S/he will ensure the project's goals, objectives, and strategy are successfully achieved and that contractual requirements are met on time and within budget. S/he will be responsible for directing the project team with an integrated vision, applying effective leadership and strategic planning skills, management experience, outstanding interpersonal skills, and strong written and oral communication skills. The Program Director will be responsible for supervision of the day-to-day work of staff, oversea project implementation to ensure quality programming. The Program Director will also ensure that all management systems, from technical to monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) to finance, actively support timely and accurate project reporting and cost effectiveness for successful implementation of the project. The Program Director is also responsible for ensuring compliance with Corus's policies and procedures and UK PACT rules and regulations, including responsibility for ensuring sub-awardee compliance and monitoring the quality of program implementation. The competencies required to be successful in this position include a theoretical and practical understanding of marine ecosystems, climate change, ocean health and recovery that support improving livelihoods and lifting communities out of poverty; personnel and project management skills; the ability to motivate and lead teams; and the demonstrated ability to operate at advanced levels of authority and accountability for achieving results.
• The position will be based in Cross River State, Nigeria and will report to the Managing Director. Actual hiring is contingent upon signed agreement and FCDO approval.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management and Technical Leadership 50%

• Provide overall management, strategic direction, and technical leadership to the project's capacity building efforts to achieve expected results within budget and timeframe. Oversee the project's technical components, ensuring high-quality deliverables, timely reports, and successful execution of activities.
• Oversee implementing partners, providing guidance on technical and programmatic issues, and ensuring effective integration of cross-cutting issues (e.g., GEDSI) into project implementation.
• Lead and manage project teams (technical, program, finance, and operational staff), ensuring tasks, deliverables, and responsibilities are met. This includes hiring, supervising, mentoring, and coaching project staff to foster a collaborative and high-performing environment.
• Direct and oversee the preparation of annual work plans, project activity updates, and other project-related communication and reporting materials, ensuring alignment with project goals and timelines.

Donor and Stakeholder Engagement 30%

• Serve as principal liaison to UK PACT and the Government of Nigeria, ensuring high levels of coordination with key stakeholders (including partner organizations at the national and subnational levels) on administrative, financial, and programmatic matters.
• Liaise with UK PACT partners, other donors, and implementing partners to ensure coordination and harmonization with relevant marine ecosystem and climate change response mechanisms, private sector engagement, and donor-funded activities in Nigeria.
• Ensure compliance with UK PACT rules and regulations, coordinating with the headquarters grants and contracts team to manage project compliance.

Learning and Thought Leadership 20%

• Represent the project in all technical, policy, and programmatic fora at all levels (country, national, and international), identifying lessons learned and best practices for external dissemination.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Environmental Science, Agriculture, Agribusiness, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience managing and leading international development projects related to environmental or food systems development, with a strong track record in donor-funded projects. Experience working in FCDO project is preferred.
• Proven ability to build relationships with Nigerian government agencies at both the Federal and State levels, donors (e.g., FCDO, USAID), and private sector stakeholders.
• Strong staff leadership and team management skills, with experience mentoring and guiding multi-disciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of FCDO frameworks, gender equality policies, and localizing programs in Nigeria is desirable.
• Excellent communication skills in English (written and oral).