Program Manager - BMGF (HCD+) at DAI

Background of the Project

• Africa (HCD+) is a platform funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and will have the capability to serve as an African voice for advocacy, accountability and transparency on HCD.
• It will seek to accelerate political commitments, decision-making and funding for key priorities towards realising SDGs #1-6 in Sub-Saharan Africa. It aims to incubate regional advocacy and technical assistance hub on Human Capital Development towards increasing African Government's commitment, funding, and accountability to HCD.
• The platform, through increased HCD advocacy, focuses on three pillars: (i) Health and Nutrition; (ii) Education, skills and labour participation; (iii) Entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and digital economy.
• Also, HCD sits across multiple Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in many African governments. Hence, no organisation holds an integrated vision for HCD. An HCD-focused institution can further help the HCD agenda on the continent.
• It will focus on four missions: (i) Create transparency on the HCD performance across the continent; (ii) Advocate with heads of state and decision-makers to make HCD a priority; (iii) Ensure effective coordination and collaboration with stakeholders and decision-makers; (iv) Selectively drive the implementation of flagship programs in education, health and economic inclusion.
• The programme has since commenced its activities in Abuja.

Summary of the Role

• The Programme Manage will report to the Executive Director.
• S/he provides administrative, financial, contractual, and management oversight for a portfolio of projects.
• S/he will work directly with project and technical leads to ensure projects achieve quality programming and development outcomes.

Responsibilities & Duties

• Accountable for managing project financial and contractual performance targets and leading monthly project financial reviews, technical deliverables, and troubleshooting any issues.
• Works with designated Technical Lead to ensure that technical activities and deliverables are high quality and implemented per the contract scope of work and approved work plan.
• Proactively identifies and analyzes risk areas and advises the relevant stakeholders on preventative measures.
• Served as the primary point of contact for operational and financial matters related to project implementation.
• Manages resource needs for performance and encourages collaboration within the broader organization.
• Responsible for project outcomes by providing the necessary support for target teams to succeed.
• Participates and provides support to project field teams during strategic planning sessions.
• Develop proposal and terms of reference as the need arises
• Manage budget realignments, contract modifications, and subcontract modifications.
• Participates in research, pre-positioning and/or proposal management for opportunities.
• Managing project budgets and advising on options to keep the budget on track
• Create and maintain comprehensive project documentation, master budget etc.
• Produce reports to suit relevant stages of the projects.

Requirements & Specifications 

• Interested candidates should have a minimum of the First Degree in any Social Science discipline especially in Economics, Data Science, Statistics and Business.
• 8 - 10 years of progressive work experience in program management capacity.
• A Master’s Degree or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is an added advantage.
• Demonstrated experience leading and producing competitive proposals.
• Demonstrable experience in the management of program complete life cycle
• Excellent project planning, management, and monitoring & evaluation skills.
• Demonstrable business acumen and global agility, including an in-depth understanding of financial and budget planning. 
• An excellent communicator with brilliant leadership, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and IT skills, including strong reporting/presentation skills and familiarity with a wide range of IT applications.
• Outstanding interpersonal, highly motivated and driven with a passion for delivering to the client.
• Build the capacity of the place teams to deliver on programme deliverables, reporting, and financial management.
• Experience of closely working with government departments at local and state levels is highly desirable.

Language:

• Fluency in English and French language is required.
• Experience working in Francophone countries is compulsory.