Program Manager (Business Consulting & Project Management Focus) at Elvaridah

Job Description

• We are seeking a highly driven and experienced Program Manager with strong business consulting and project management expertise to lead and execute the company’s enterprise development and women-focused financial inclusion programs.
• The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in business consulting, project management, multi-stakeholder development projects, training delivery, team leadership, and MSME engagement—particularly with a gender and financial inclusion lens.
• This role requires a strategic thinker with strong execution capacity, excellent communication skills, and a passion for entrepreneurship and women’s economic empowerment.

Responsibilities
Program Management & Implementation:

• Design, plan, and manage end-to-end implementation of the company's business support, financial literacy, and loan readiness programs for women entrepreneurs.
• Coordinate curriculum development, facilitator engagement, logistics, and impact tracking across cohorts.
• Lead program reporting (weekly/monthly/quarterly), ensuring timely delivery of donor requirements, KPIs, and success stories.

Stakeholder & Partner Engagement:

• Serve as the primary liaison for program partners including DFIs, government agencies, foundations, and private sector collaborators.
• Represent the company at external meetings, pitch sessions, review panels, and ecosystem convening.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL):

• Develop frameworks and tools for data collection, learning, and program adaptation.
• Track performance indicators (e.g., loan readiness, business growth, financial literacy gains) and prepare impact reports.

Business Consulting & Advisory:

• Provide consulting and advisory services to MSMEs, with emphasis on business strategy, operational efficiency, and financial sustainability.
• Support entrepreneurs in business model design, risk assessment, and growth strategy development.
• Review business plans, pitch decks, and funding applications for quality assurance and alignment with investor/donor requirements.

Business Project Management:

• Lead the planning, execution, and closure of business-related projects ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and budget.
• Develop project charters, work plans, and risk management frameworks.
• Monitor progress, manage resources, and oversee deliverables across multiple projects simultaneously.

Team Coordination & Capacity Building:

• Supervise program officers, trainers, and field agents to ensure seamless execution of projects.
• Deliver training sessions or coaching modules on business planning, access to finance, consulting practices, and project management strategies when needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Finance, Business, or Development Studies (Master’s degree preferred).
• 7+ years of experience in program management, business consulting, and project management with a focus on MSMEs, financial inclusion, or women entrepreneurship.
• Certified Project Manager (PMP/Prince2) or Certified Business Development Service Provider (BDSP) is an added advantage.
• Proven expertise in business consulting, project planning, and execution.
• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficient in business tools (PowerPoint, Excel, Word) and design tools (Canva is a plus).
• Familiarity with donor reporting (e.g., GIZ, World Bank, USAID) and M&E frameworks.
• Ability to work independently and lead cross-functional teams.

Desirable Attributes:

• Deep understanding of the challenges facing micro and small women-led businesses in Nigeria.
• Proven mentorship experience with programs like TEF, SEED, or LSETF.
• Strong professional network within Nigeria’s MSME and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
• Gender lens or social enterprise experience is a strong advantage.