Senior Program Manager (LDS) at TechnoServe

Job Summary:

• The Senior Program Manager is responsible for leading the implementation of LDS activities through the operationalization of the work plan. S/he will lead a multidisciplinary team and orchestrate a consortium of partners to deliver the results in the log frame, holding overall accountability for the program's strategic direction, financial performance, and donor relationships. The ideal candidate should be quite business-oriented and willing to work closely with an offtaker, while reinforcing the capabilities to operationalize multistakeholder governance.

Primary Functions & Responsibilities:

• Lead the strategic refinement and adaptive management of the program design, ensuring interventions remain relevant to the evolving Nigerian dairy context.
• Develop, own and adjust as needed the Detailed Implementation plan, Log Frame, Work plan and other project management documents to ensure efficiency of implementation.
• Oversee end-to-end program delivery, managing the performance of internal operations teams and external delivery partners to ensure synchronized execution of technical milestones (e.g., operationalization of Milk Collection Centres and fodder demo-hubs, partnership with existing farm owners, development of new farms, deployment of artificial insemination interventions, etc…).
• Identify and address implementation challenges with support of program leadership when requiredDrive thought leadership working closely with technical leaders, adapt project approaches and interventions (e.g., technical training materials, gender-responsive strategies), as needed, to reach targets and milestones
• With the MEL Manager and Finance team, ensure high-quality data is being collected to demonstrate project impact and results, as well as financial viability of MCCs to be able to attract operators taking over from the program
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the donors, managing frequent communication, developing high-quality deliverables and data-driven narratives, including quarterly progress reports that meet donor requirements and deadlines
• Serve as the primary liaison with other program counterparts, including private sector partners, local government agencies, and other key stakeholders
• Oversee comprehensive financial management, tracking the project budget, co-investment leverage (partner contributions), and catalytic fund deployment to ensure a healthy burn rate and demonstrate value-for-money to donors. Manage sub-awards and contracts with technical partners, ensuring compliance with donor regulations and rigorous performance tracking against agreed deliverables.
• Prepare and provide presentations to the donors and Steering Committee on project progress at regular frequencies as agreed with the donor and CD.
• Represent the project at external events
• Advise TechnoServe’s Program Development team on project proposals, as needed

Qualifications:

• A master’s degree or equivalent in Business Administration, International development, Economics, or other relevant field with at least 7 years of experience. Alternatively, a bachelor’s degree with 10+ years of experience.
• Within the years of experience, at least eight years should include relevant professional experience in international development.
• Within the years of experience, at least five years should include experience managing and implementing medium to large programs with a rich, complex and demanding stakeholder landscape.
• Extensive experience managing large teams at a high level of leadership (e.g., Team Lead, Chief of Party, Program Director).
• Prior work experience or collaboration with private sector companies and businesses.

Preferred Qualification

• Experience leading large donor-funded projects is highly desirable.
• Experience working in Nigeria is preferred.
• Experience in successfully implementing programs that empower women and youth is a plus.