Program Manager at Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria (Caritas Nigeria)

Job Summary

• The Program Manager will be a seasoned professional who can manage the day-to-day aspects of the program and contribute strategically to the success and impact of the overall Project.
• He/She will Plan the program’s goals and objectives while acting as a liaison between program staff and Executive Director (ED) and is critical in driving evidence-based decision-making and fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement.

Key Areas of Accountability
Provide effective support in the following regards:

• Provide strategic leadership in designing, developing, implementing and alignment of activities with organizational & project goals, ensuring activities contribute to program success and impact.
• Manage the program budget in collaboration with the Finance Assistant/Accountant monitoring expenditure and cost allocated for activities, ensuring efficient use of resources and compliance with financial guidelines Donor reporting timelines and policies.
• Ensure timely liquidation of donor funds.
• Ensure the delivery of quality care and/or services is to the appropriate/required level of quality, on time and within budget, in accordance with the program plan, priorities and timelines.
• Collaborate with the team to champion the development of annual workplan and implementation of activities to completion.
• Ensure planning and coordination of program activities proactively monitoring progress, resolving issues and initiating appropriate corrective actions.
• Ensure effective quality assurance and the overall integrity of the program.
• Manage risks.
• Attend GON meetings, as deemed necessary and as assigned by the ED.
• Work closely with Case Managers, assigned program staff in achieving program deliverables and ensuring set targets are achieved.
• Supervise and lead the team providing guidance, mentorship, and support.
• Foster a collaborative and results-oriented team culture.
• Report the progress of the project at regular intervals to the ED.
• Prepare monthly/quarterly program reports for internal and external stakeholders, highlighting key findings, lessons learned, and recommendations.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including donors, government agencies, and partner organizations, to ensure alignment with project goals.
• Establish effective communication channels for ongoing engagement.
• Other responsibilities as may be assigned by the ED that will enhance the achievement of the project’s strategic objectives and organization’s corporate existence

Additional Responsibilities:

• The Responsibilities (Above) are not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee will also perform other related tasks as required and will be responsible for reporting and communicating progress and achievement of the specific assigned tasks.

Qualification and Experience

• Must possess a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field such as Sciences, Arts, Public Health, Social Sciences, International Development, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience in a similar role.
• Experience in roles with progressively increasing responsibilities, demonstrating a track record of success and growth in the field.
• Direct experience in implementing projects or programs, focusing on measurable outcomes and impact.
• Proven experience in community work and familiarity with GON Data capturing tools is required.
• Experience in managing or leading a team, providing guidance and mentorship and ensuring the effective coordination of monitoring and evaluation activities.
• Understanding of project management principles, with the ability to coordinate activities within project timelines, available resources and scope.

Key Competencies:

• Experience in program management, project management, administration, or related field
• Understanding of budget management to effectively allocate and utilize resources for program activities.
• Able to multitask, prioritise, and manage time effectively
• Knowledgeable in program management methodology and techniques; performance evaluation and change management principles
• Ability to think strategically and align activities with the overall goals and objectives of the organization.
• Strong leadership skills to provide guidance, mentorship, and direction to the team and other program staff.
• Proficient project management skills to oversee the planning, execution, and evaluation of activities within the program.
• Proficient computer skills, experience with Microsoft Office.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to convey implementation findings and recommendations to diverse audiences, including stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Ability to lead and manage a team of professionals, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented team culture.
• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively engage with internal and external stakeholders, including donors, government agencies, and partner organizations.
• Commitment to achieving measurable results and using findings for program improvement and decision-making.
• Commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and data protection principles.
• Ability to adapt to changing program requirements, priorities, and external environments.