Our client, a public service institution, is seeking an exceptional Technical Assistant specialising in Programme Management to drive the execution of the organization\'s ambitious mandate to transform Nigeria\'s innovation ecosystem. This role is critical to achieving our 2-year success framework, which includes incubating over 200 high-potential startups, facilitating over $500M in venture funding, producing two or more unicorns, and positioning Nigeria among the top two digital innovation hubs in Africa.
This is a high-impact role for a results-driven professional with proven experience managing national-scale programmes and the self-accountability to deliver measurable outcomes in Nigeria\'s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Strategic Context & Impact
You will be responsible for translating the organization\'s strategic vision into executable programmes across our core operational framework, directly contributing to Nigeria\'s goal of achieving double-digit GDP contribution from the digital sector and creating a thriving ecosystem of 1,000+ registered indigenous innovation-driven enterprises (IDEs).
Responsibilities
Strategic Programme Leadership
- Lead end-to-end programme management for national-scale initiatives across the organization\'s three core desks: Innovation & Ecosystem, Strategy Research & Analytics, and Programmes & Partnerships
- Translate the organization\'s 2-year success framework into executable programme roadmaps with clear milestones, deliverables, and accountability mechanisms
- Drive achievement of ambitious KPIs, including 200+ startup incubations, $500M+ funding facilitation, and development of 2+ unicorn companies
- Ensure programmes align with the organization\'s mandate to increase indigenous innovation-driven enterprises and expand market opportunities for Nigerian tech companies
- Develop and implement programme strategies that support Nigeria\'s ranking among the top 2 African digital innovation hubs
Innovation & Ecosystem Development Programme Management
- Manage sector-specific innovation challenges and regional tech cluster development initiatives
- Oversee programmes supporting innovation hubs, technology parks, and venture capital initiatives in collaboration with global organisations
- Coordinate programmes attracting local venture capitalists and angel investors through tax incentives and matching funds
- Drive the development of shared infrastructure frameworks for tech hubs, startups, and entrepreneurs nationwide
- Manage partnerships with global incubators and accelerators for training, networking, and growth programs
Policy Implementation & Ecosystem Monitoring
- Oversee programmes ensuring effective implementation of the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA) and other innovation-friendly policies
- Manage the development and maintenance of the organization\'s comprehensive database tracking 1,000+ registered startups
- Oversee policy performance tracking systems with real-time monitoring and stakeholder reporting
- Coordinate annual research forums and workforce trend analysis programmes
- Lead development of data-driven policy tools and digital dashboards for ecosystem impact measurement
- Ensure programmes support the proper implementation of at least 2 startup-friendly policies within a 2-year timeframe
Partnership & Trade Programme Coordination
- Manage programmes facilitating 10+ strategic partnerships with global tech hubs, investors, and governments
- Lead roadshows and international trade mission programmes for Nigerian startups
- Oversee the development of digital trade facilitation platforms and cross-border transaction solutions
- Coordinate events and B2B matchmaking programmes
- Drive programmes targeting a 10%+ increase in Nigerian digital product/service exports
- Manage initiatives securing $50M+ in ecosystem support from public and private partnerships
Programme Excellence & Performance Management
- Establish and maintain programme management frameworks, methodologies, and best practices across all initiatives
- Develop comprehensive programme monitoring and evaluation systems with clear KPIs and impact metrics
- Lead quarterly programme reviews and annual impact assessments with stakeholder reporting
- Implement risk management protocols and contingency planning for large-scale programmes
- Ensure programme documentation, knowledge management, and lessons learned processes
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives based on programme performance data and stakeholder feedback
Cross-Functional Coordination & Stakeholder Management
- Coordinate programme activities across the organization\'s 30+ team members and multiple departmental leads
- Manage relationships with government agencies (MDAs), international partners, and private sector stakeholders
- Lead programme stakeholder engagement, ensuring buy-in from policymakers, investors, and development partners
- Facilitate programme funding mobilisation from the government, private sector, and international organisations
- Ensure seamless integration between programmes and the organization\'s operational framework
- Support the Director in high-level programme presentations and stakeholder communications
Qualifications
- Master\'s degree in Programme Management, Public Policy, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field
- 8-12 years of progressive experience managing large-scale, multi-stakeholder programmes
- Proven track record managing national or regional development programmes with budgets exceeding $10M
- Demonstrated experience in innovation ecosystem development, digital transformation, or technology sector programmes
- Strong background in results-driven programme management with measurable impact delivery
- Experience working with government agencies, international organisations, and private sector partnerships
- Expert-level programme management skills with proficiency in PMI, PRINCE2, or equivalent methodologies
- Advanced experience with programme management tools (MS Project, Asana, Monday.com, etc.)
- Strong analytical skills with experience in KPI development, monitoring, and evaluation frameworks
- Proficiency in data analysis and visualisation tools for programme performance tracking
- Experience with stakeholder management across the government, private sector, and international partners
- Knowledge of innovation ecosystem dynamics, startup development, and venture capital processes
- Professional certification in Programme Management (PgMP, MSP) or Project Management (PMP)
- Experience in African innovation ecosystems or emerging market development programmes
- Background in startup acceleration, venture capital, or technology commercialisation
- Knowledge of Nigerian government systems, policies, and regulatory environment
- Experience with international development organisations (World Bank, USAID, DFID, etc.)
- Multilingual capabilities with proficiency in local Nigerian languages
- Advanced degree in Technology Management, Innovation Studies, or related field
Must have skills
- Strategic thinking with the ability to translate vision into executable programme roadmaps
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for executive-level interactions
- Experience presenting to senior government officials, international partners, and private sector leaders
- Demonstrated ability to build consensus and drive collaboration across multiple organisations
- Strong negotiation skills for partnership development and resource mobilisation
- Crisis management and problem-solving capabilities in high-stakes environments
- Resilience and adaptability in fast-paced, high-pressure environments
- Exceptional self-accountability with proven ability to deliver results in complex, ambiguous environments
- High-performance mindset with track record of exceeding targets and expectations
- Strong leadership capabilities with the ability to influence across organisational boundaries
- Results-driven approach with focus on measurable outcomes and impact
- Cultural intelligence and the ability to work effectively across diverse stakeholder groups
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