Program Operations Lead at Population Services International (PSI)

• We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Program Operations Lead to join our dynamic team. The Program Operations Lead is a key member of PSI Nigeria(PSI/N) Senior Management Team.
• S/he works with the project leads and support the project teams in management and successful implementation of PSI/N projects by providing strategic and technical inputs during the project lifecycle.
• S/he provides leadership and managerial support in the development of annual business plan, delivery of country program strategies and targets.
• The Program Operations Lead is responsible for managing and optimizing the day-to-day operations of the organisation.

Your contribution

You will be responsible for the following:

Project Implementation:

• Develop and implement project strategies aligned with organisation goals.
• Directs the operational activities of the organisation to ensure effective implementation, continual improvement and strengthening of PSI/N’s service delivery programmes.
• Provides strategic oversight in preparation and execution of operating budgets and work plans ensuring financial, administrative, and logistical resources are available for the programme operations team while adhering to standards and quality of operations in line with annual and long-term strategic goals and objectives.
• Supports the project team leads in development and management of project activities in alignment with the strategic direction for the project.
• Effectively work in collaboration with all departments and function in the organisation towards overall growth the organisation.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure that project activity plans areapproved, implemented, monitored, evaluated, andreported, in line with PSI/N and donor policies and systems.
• Manageand support Team Leads toensure project targets achievedon approved timelines, at approved cost and acceptable quality.
• Lead the co-ordination project teams team to develop time-bound workplans, monitoring plans; regularly monitor project performance.
• Determine and guide the technical support to the projects andparticipate in recruitment of consultants and project staff to ensuretimely completion of alldonor deliverables.
• Ensure clear, timely communication between all departments on all aspects of project design, implementation, and management.
• Ensure clear, timely communication with all relevant project related external stakeholders includingdonors, and implanting partners.
• Foster a positive and productive work environment.
• Analyse and improve operational processes to increase efficiency and reduce costs.

Advocacy and External Relations

• Createand pursue opportunities to advance the missionand goals of the organization by developing productive mutually beneficial relationships with donors, developmentpartners, the government and other stakeholders working within the space of the organization scope.
• Developopportunities for strategic alliances with the government, and other development partners to create an enabling environment for PSI/N to expand its reach and advance its mission.
• Support the Country Representative in fundraising for the expansion of the projects including coordinating PSIN’s fundraisingstrategy and annual plan, identifying new fundraising opportunities,and developing conceptnotes and proposals.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for someone with:

• Master Degree in Management, Administration, Health Science, Social Science, or International Development Management;
• Fluent in both oral and written English
• Over 12 years post NYSC experience in INGO managing, programmes, operations and field support .
• Significant experience in a senior management role of a medium to large organization, with a proven track record of leading and motivating dynamic teams
• Significant experience in managing donor -funded, health related projects, including technical and financial management and compliance.
• Thorough understanding of health interventions and approaches in developing country setting.
• Proven track record in external relations, fundraising and communication
• Excellent leadership skills; with the ability to motivate others to exceed expectations and to up skill other managers to reflect the same behaviours
• Conflict management, negotiation and resolution skills and experience
• Strong management skills; able to manage performance effectively and support others during times of change
• Ability to influence and communicate with stakeholders, both internal and external
• Strong analytical skills – the ability to accurately interpret data both financial and statistical and take relevant actions
• Track record of delivering quality results and impact in previous roles

The candidate we hire will embody PSI’s corporate values:

• Measurement: You use hard evidence to make decisions and guide your work. You set clear goalposts in advance and explain clearly if you need to move them.
• Pragmatism: You will strive to deliver the best possible result with the resources available. You will not be paralyzed by a need to make things perfect.
• Honesty: You own your mistakes and are open about your shortcomings – it is the only way you will learn and improve.
• Collaboration: You will quickly establish a mental map of whom you can rely on for what, on your team, at headquarters, and in our country offices – if you try to do it all yourself, you will not succeed.
• Trust: You accept limits to your sphere of control and give colleagues the benefit of the doubt.
• Commitment: You are in it for the long-haul and want to grow with the organization, just like PSI serves its consumers and partners with host-country governments through thick and thin.