Program Officer at Sterling One Foundation

Job Summary

• The Program Officer will be a team player working alongside other team members in the implementation of programs and projects in line with the vision and mission statements of the Sterling One Foundation. The target candidate is expected to have a strong skill set in planning, prospecting, and implementation of high-impact projects. With the change in the dynamics of funding across the developmental landscape, the candidate must have a strong mix of analytical, quantitative, monitoring, and evaluation skills that will enable programs under implementation to enjoy robust resource availability in light of the funding squeeze. Hence, the prospect must have a proven track record for double-hatting and also be flexible in the process of undertaking the core deliverable.
• In addition, the Specialist Program Officer is expected to have diverse on-the-field and off-the-field knowledge in the execution of Education, Health, Climate Action, and Food Security, as well as other related programming areas. The candidate must have the ability to mobilize funding through curating actionable proposals that can meet donor requirements for funding. The fund prospecting ability in the mix of skills in the process of implementing programs is required so as to actualize the targeted impact of all social and developmental actions.

Key Responsibilities

Program Planning, Coordination and Implementation

• As an integral team member in the Programs Unit, the Program Officer will be involved in designing high-impact programs and also be involved with the planning of programs that will be executed in line with the annual and multi-year program timeline. In addition, the position holder should be able to continue with the implementation of existing programs being undertaken at the Foundation. In the process of planning for the programs, the prospect will undertake this in the context of a team and also as a lead when required.
• The candidate must display strong knowledge in identifying gaps and opportunities, which will also inform the design, scoping, and framework to be adopted in the implementation of approved programs.
• As a forward-looking Program Officer, the job holder must be able to identify opportunities in the thematic areas of the Foundation. Similarly, the job holder must be able to utilize resources mobilized to realize key metrics and milestones at reduced cost.

Stakeholder Engagement, Partnership Drive & Capacity Building

• Should possess the ability to engage critical stakeholders, which will include local and international development institutions, the private sector, government, and other partners, targeted at fostering depth in the thematic areas of coverage. A critical area is for the job holder to have expertise in building relationships with partners in the Water, Sanitation, and Health landscape, in addition to other sectors.
• Similarly, the job holder must be able to organize robust capacity-building and training programs for targeted stakeholder groups, both internally and in the various communities of program/project interventions. Hence, the outcomes of such training should be measurable and able to positively impact program outcomes.

Program Accountability, Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting

• The job holder must possess a strong duty of care, as the candidate must be diligent in documenting all materials relating to the program, as well as ensuring that resources utilized are duly appropriated for the purposes for which they are earmarked.
• As a prerequisite, the job will entail undertaking mini- to medium-sized surveys, which will help strengthen program delivery when outcomes are analyzed.
• The candidate must be able to monitor and evaluate the efficiency of the diverse programs and also work with the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit to carry out M&E functions and document same. Targeted research to help improve the Foundation’s imprint will also be undertaken as required from time to time.
• The Program Officer will be adept at meeting structured program exigencies, as well as unstructured ones, geared at ensuring quality delivery.

Qualifications and Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies, Economics, Sociology/Social Work, or a related field is required for this position. A Master’s degree is an added advantage.
• Strong competency in Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning, with experience working with an NGO or Development Finance Institution, is compulsory for this role.
• Solid experience in implementing cross-cutting programs in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), Health & Gender, Education, Climate Action, and Food Security across communities within a team context.
• At least 6 years of experience in program/project management in an upscale development organization in the nonprofit space is required.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, partnership, and community management skills.
• Strong analytical, reporting, and communication skills.

Competencies and Skills

• Must possess excellent writing, communication, and convincing skills.
• Must be skilled in communicating intentions and also driving partnership cohesion and sustainability.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and data analysis tools.
• Willingness to travel to program/project sites as required.
• Should be quantitatively inclined and be able to interpret complex data to support good decision-making.