The People Practice helps startups scale, and accelerate impact by providing bespoke people-centred solutions. The People Practice helps people access employment opportunities by exposing them to relevant knowledge and practical skills.
Read more about this company
Our client, a public service institution, is looking for a Programme Manager (Innovation and Ecosystem Support) who will be responsible for driving the growth, connectivity, and sustainability of Nigeria\'s digital innovation ecosystem in alignment with the organization\'s vision to make Nigeria the foremost technology and innovation ecosystem in Africa. This role leads flagship programmes and hub development initiatives while strengthening relationships with startups, incubators, accelerators, investors, academic institutions, and development partners.
This role requires strategic ecosystem thinking, strong programme delivery capabilities, and a deep understanding of Nigeria\'s innovation landscape.
The Programme Manager ensures that the organization\'s ecosystem interventions increase the number of Innovation-Driven Enterprises (IDEs), foster indigenous technology development, and create pathways for startups to achieve market traction and investment readiness.
This role is essential to the organization\'s mandate of integrating indigenous technology and innovations in all facets of Nigerian society while building the \"Innovation Command Centre\" that positions Nigeria as a continental leader.
Responsibilities
Programme Design, Planning & Delivery
- Lead the end-to-end design, planning, and delivery of innovation and ecosystem support programmes from conception through implementation and evaluation
- Develop programme theories of change, logical frameworks, and implementation roadmaps that align with the organization\'s strategic objectives and national digital transformation priorities
- Design programme curricula, training content, and learning resources covering areas such as MVP development, business model refinement, legal incorporation, go-to-market strategies, investment readiness, and scaling
- Manage programme lifecycles, including stakeholder consultation, beneficiary recruitment, selection processes, onboarding, delivery, graduation, and post-programme support
- Coordinate programme logistics, including venue arrangements, facilitator engagement, materials development, and participant management
- Ensure programmes are inclusive, reaching underserved regions, demographics, and sectors while maintaining quality and impact
- Continuously improve programme design based on feedback, evaluation findings, and emerging best practices
Target: 95%+ on-time programme delivery; 90%+ participant satisfaction; programme designs documented and continuously improved.
Innovation Hub & Ecosystem Support Organisation Development
- Design and implement capacity building programmes that strengthen innovation hubs, accelerators, incubators, and other ecosystem support organisations (ESOs) across Nigeria
- Develop training programmes for hub managers and ESO leaders covering incubation methodologies, ecosystem development, community building, partnership development, and sustainability planning
- Coordinate international exchange and exposure programmes that connect Nigerian ESOs with global best practices and peer networks
- Establish quality frameworks, accreditation standards, and performance benchmarks for ecosystem support organisations
- Facilitate peer learning networks, communities of practice, and knowledge sharing platforms among Nigerian ESOs
- Provide ongoing technical assistance, mentorship, and advisory support to strengthen ESO capabilities
- Support ESO infrastructure development and sustainability planning in collaboration with state governments, development partners, and private sector stakeholders
Target: ESOs equipped across all states; 90%+ satisfaction with capacity building support; 50%+ establishing sustainable partnerships.
Startup Incubation, Acceleration & Entrepreneurship Support
- Lead flagship incubation and acceleration programmes supporting early-stage and growth-stage startups across priority sectors, including fintech, agritech, healthtech, edtech, cleantech, civic tech, and emerging technology domains
- Oversee large-scale cohort-based programmes, ensuring geographic coverage across all 36 states and FCT while maintaining programme quality
- Design and coordinate mentorship programmes connecting entrepreneurs with industry experts, successful founders, technical specialists, and functional advisors
- Facilitate startup access to proof-of-concept opportunities, pilot programmes, early customers, and market validation channels
- Organise showcase events, demo days, and investor engagement sessions that connect startups with funding, partnerships, and visibility opportunities
- Provide post-programme support, including alumni engagement, follow-on mentorship, advanced programme pathways, and continued ecosystem integration
- Track startup progress and outcomes, including product development milestones, revenue growth, customer acquisition, investment raised, and jobs created
Target: Hundreds of startups supported annually; 70%+ achieving key milestones; 30%+ securing funding or strategic partnerships.
Innovation Challenges, Competitions & Talent Mobilisation
- Design and implement innovation challenges, hackathons, competitions, and ideation programmes that mobilise Nigerian talent to address national priorities
- Develop challenge frameworks, including problem definition, sector focus, selection criteria, judging processes, mentorship components, and prize/support structures
- Coordinate sector-specific innovation initiatives addressing challenges in health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, public service delivery, and emerging domains
- Lead programmes promoting inclusion in innovation, including initiatives supporting women entrepreneurs, youth innovators, and underrepresented groups
- Facilitate partnerships with government agencies, corporates, and development partners to source challenge themes, co-fund initiatives, and provide market access for winning solutions
- Coordinate regulatory innovation initiatives, including sandbox programmes that enable startups to test solutions in controlled environments
- Support technology-specific programmes in emerging areas such as blockchain, AI, hardware, and cleantech
Target: Multiple innovation challenges launched annually; broad national participation; solutions piloted with government or corporate partners.
Ecosystem Partnership, Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy
- Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with startups, investors, accelerators, incubators, universities, research institutions, corporate innovation labs, and development partners
- Develop and manage partnership frameworks, including MOUs, collaboration agreements, co-funding arrangements, and joint initiative structures
- Coordinate ecosystem convenings, innovation summits, roundtables, and stakeholder engagement forums that foster collaboration and knowledge exchange
- Build relationships with state governments, regulatory bodies, and MDAs to support policy implementation and local ecosystem development
- Create platforms for dialogue between innovation ecosystem actors, policymakers, and the investment community
- Represent the organization at ecosystem events, conferences, international forums, and partner engagements
- Advocate for innovation-friendly policies and support the implementation of relevant legislation and incentive frameworks
Target: Active ecosystem partnerships across stakeholder categories; 90%+ partner satisfaction; presence across all geopolitical zones.
Beneficiary Management, Monitoring & Knowledge Capture
- Maintain comprehensive databases tracking programme beneficiaries, alumni, ecosystem partners, and stakeholder engagement
- Monitor programme performance and ecosystem health indicators, including startup formation, funding flows, job creation, and innovation outputs
- Track beneficiary progress and outcomes over time, maintaining engagement with alumni networks beyond programme completion
- Document success stories, case studies, and lessons learned from ecosystem interventions for internal learning and external communication
- Produce programme reports, ecosystem briefings, and impact narratives for leadership, partners, and external stakeholders
- Contribute to the organization\'s knowledge management and institutional memory on ecosystem development best practices
Target: 100% of beneficiaries tracked; alumni engagement-maintained 12+ months post-programme; quarterly ecosystem insights delivered.
Key Deliverables
Regular Reporting
- Monthly programme activity and milestone reports
- Quarterly ecosystem and startup portfolio performance reviews
- Bi-annual programme cohort impact assessments
- Annual ecosystem development report with innovation outcome metrics
- Partner and stakeholder engagement reports
Programme Outputs
- Programme implementation plans, curricula, and training materials
- ESO/hub training programmes and accreditation frameworks
- Innovation challenge and competition design documents
- Showcase and demo day event plans and investor engagement strategies
- Mentorship programme frameworks and mentor management systems
- Post-programme support and alumni engagement protocols
- Beneficiary selection criteria and evaluation rubrics
Strategic Products
- Ecosystem partnership strategy and engagement protocols
- ESO/hub capacity assessment and development roadmaps
- Innovation programme pipeline and prioritisation framework
- Success story documentation and impact narratives for communications
- Ecosystem stakeholder mapping and segmentation analysis
Qualifications
- Bachelor\'s degree in Business, Innovation Management, Entrepreneurship, Engineering, or related field; Master\'s degree preferred
- 7–10 years of professional experience in ecosystem development, startup incubation/acceleration, innovation programme management, or entrepreneurship support
- Demonstrated experience designing and managing multi-stakeholder programmes with 100+ beneficiaries
- Track record of delivering innovation programmes that produce measurable outcomes (startup growth, jobs, investment)
- Experience building the capacity of ecosystem support organisations, hubs, or incubators
- Experience working with development partners, government agencies, or international organisations
- Strong network within Nigeria\'s technology and innovation ecosystem across multiple states
- Experience with cohort-based programme delivery and managing geographically distributed initiatives
- Deep understanding of innovation ecosystems, startup lifecycle, incubation/acceleration methodologies, and venture financing
- Experience designing and delivering cohort-based startup support programmes at scale
- Proficiency in Monday.com, Slack, and Microsoft Office Suite
- Knowledge of investment readiness, pitch development, and startup legal/regulatory requirements
- Familiarity with innovation policy frameworks and startup legislation
- Experience with beneficiary management, CRM systems, and programme tracking tools
Must have skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences
- Collaborative leadership with the ability to coordinate across internal teams and external partners
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a genuine understanding of founder challenges and startup dynamics
- Strong programme management with attention to quality, timelines, and beneficiary experience
- Outstanding facilitation, convening, and event management abilities
- Exceptional relationship building across diverse stakeholders (startups, government, investors, development partners, academia)
- Strategic thinking with the ability to design programmes that achieve ecosystem-level impact
- Cultural sensitivity for nationwide engagement across all Nigerian states and diverse demographics
go to method of application »
Our client, a public service institution, is looking for a Programme Manager (Programme Operations) who will be the operational backbone of the organization, responsible for ensuring the effective execution, tracking, and delivery of the organisation\'s entire portfolio of innovation programmes. With multiple concurrent programmes spanning ecosystem development, trade facilitation, policy implementation, and capacity building, this role serves as the \"control tower\" ensuring all initiatives are delivered on time, within scope, and to the highest quality standards.
This role requires exceptional operational leadership, systems thinking, and the ability to drive execution across complex, multi-stakeholder programmes with nationwide reach. The Programme Manager establishes robust programme management frameworks, drives accountability across teams, and ensures seamless coordination that transforms the organization\'s strategic vision into measurable national impact.
This role is critical to achieving the organization\'s strategic objectives through operational excellence, proactive risk management, and systematic programme delivery that positions Nigeria as a continental innovation leader.
Responsibilities
Programme Portfolio Management
- Provide oversight over the organization\'s entire programme portfolio, overseeing all active initiatives across innovation ecosystem support, trade facilitation, policy implementation, and capacity building domains
- Establish and maintain standardised programme management frameworks, methodologies, and governance structures across all initiatives
- Ensure strategic alignment of all programmes with ministry directives, regulatory frameworks, national priorities, and the organization\'s strategic objectives
- Track programme milestones, deliverables, and critical path activities to ensure on-time delivery across all initiatives
- Conduct portfolio-level resource planning and allocation, optimising deployment across concurrent programmes
- Lead programme prioritisation exercises in line with the organization\'s strategic focus and budget constraints
- Provide real-time visibility into programme health through centralised tracking and reporting
Target: 95%+ on-time delivery rate across all programme milestones; 100% alignment with strategic priorities.
Cross-Programme Coordination & Integration
- Serve as the operational \"control tower\" for the organization, flagging early signs of delays, inactivity, bottlenecks, or team misalignment
- Coordinate dependencies and handoffs between programmes, ensuring smooth sequencing and integration of related activities
- Facilitate cross-programme knowledge sharing, resource coordination, and synergy identification
- Manage complex programme workstreams with multiple phases, components, and interdependencies
- Coordinate multi-partner programmes involving government agencies, development partners, state governments, and international stakeholders
- Ensure consistent approaches, quality standards, and operational practices across all programme delivery
Target: Significant reduction in coordination bottlenecks year-on-year; zero critical failures due to cross-programme dependencies.
Operational Excellence & Process Improvement
- Design, implement, and continuously improve operational systems, workflows, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all programme activities
- Apply and adapt relevant programme management methodologies (Agile, Lean, Waterfall, Design Thinking) to optimise programme execution
- Identify operational inefficiencies and implement solutions proactively, targeting measurable reductions in time spent on repetitive tasks
- Lead process automation and digital transformation of operational workflows using project management and collaboration tools
- Develop quality assurance frameworks, deliverable acceptance criteria, and programme checklists
- Conduct post-programme reviews, capturing lessons learned for organisational improvement
- Benchmark against best practices in programme delivery within government, development, and innovation sectors
Target: Process improvements implemented annually; reduced repetitive task time; 100% of programmes with documented SOPs.
Team Accountability & Performance Management
- Coordinate and document internal check-ins, weekly standups, and status reviews with clear action items and responsible persons
- Hold programme leads accountable for deliverables, timelines, and quality standards across all initiatives
- Establish clear accountability frameworks connecting individual contributions to the organization\'s organisational objectives and success metrics
- Manage escalation protocols and facilitate conflict resolution across programme teams
- Monitor team performance and capacity, flagging early signs of overload, inactivity, or misalignment
- Conduct regular performance reviews for programme leads, providing actionable feedback and development support
- Foster a culture of operational discipline, execution focus, and delivery excellence across the organisation
Target: High team adherence to escalation protocols; 100% of programme leads receiving regular reviews; 95%+ follow-up closure rate on action items.
Stakeholder Communication & Reporting
- Prepare regular executive status reports for leadership covering programme health, risks, and strategic recommendations
- Develop and maintain comprehensive programme dashboards, providing real-time visibility to all stakeholders
- Facilitate efficient communication across programme leads, partner organisations, and oversight bodies to minimise information silos
- Ensure consistent messaging and updates flow efficiently between all stakeholder levels
- Generate ad-hoc reports and briefings for leadership decision-making and external engagements
- Coordinate reporting to external partners, including development agencies, government ministries, and oversight bodies
Target: High stakeholder satisfaction with report usefulness; 100% on-time delivery of scheduled and partner reports.
Risk Management & Quality Assurance
- Develop and maintain risk registers for all active programmes with documented mitigation strategies
- Implement systematic early warning systems for delays, cost overruns, scope creep, and quality issues
- Log high-priority risks promptly upon identification with clear ownership and mitigation plans
- Execute mitigation plans with high success rates, tracking outcomes through regular audits
- Conduct regular quality reviews and programme audits
- Escalate risks, delays, or deviations from agreed plans to leadership with clear recommendations and options
- Lead programme contingency planning and crisis response when required
Target: 100% of high-priority risks logged promptly; high mitigation plan success rate; strong team adherence to escalation protocols.
Key Deliverables
Regular Reporting
- Regular executive status reports to leadership
- Weekly programme dashboards updated in project management tools
- Monthly operational efficiency and improvement reports
- Quarterly programme portfolio health assessments
- Regular reports to team leads and partners
- Annual operational excellence review
Programme Management Outputs
- Standardised programme management frameworks, templates, and toolkits for all programmes
- Risk registers and mitigation plans for all active programmes
- Resource allocation matrices and capacity planning documents
- Programme coordination schedules, Gantt charts, and milestone tracking systems
- Quality assurance checklists and deliverable acceptance criteria
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for core operational processes
- Cross-programme dependency maps and integration plans
Strategic Insights
- Analysis of programme delivery patterns and success factors
- Recommendations for operational capacity and capability enhancement
- Lessons learned, documentation, and organisational improvement plans
- Programme portfolio optimisation recommendations
- Benchmarking reports on operational best practices
Qualifications
- Bachelor\'s degree in Project Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field; Master\'s degree or PMP/PRINCE2 certification strongly preferred
- 7–10 years of professional experience in programme management, operations, or project delivery roles
- Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder programmes with multiple team members and concurrent projects
- Track record of implementing operational improvements and process optimisation at the organisational level
- Experience in fast-paced, mission-driven environments, preferably within innovation, government, international development, or consulting sectors
- Proven ability to establish programme management offices or operational excellence functions
- Experience working with development partners and government agencies is a strong advantage
- Familiarity with Nigerian government operations and reporting requirements preferred
- Expert proficiency in Monday.com, MS Project, and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint)
- Strong knowledge of programme management methodologies (PMP, PRINCE2, Agile, Lean, Six Sigma)
- Advanced skills in dashboard development, data visualisation, and performance tracking
- Experience with workflow automation and process optimisation tools
- Proficiency in Slack and collaborative communication platforms
- Familiarity with managing government and development partner programme requirements
Must have skills
- Exceptional attention to detail with a systematic, structured approach to complex operations
- Outstanding organisational and time management capabilities, managing multiple concurrent programmes
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to drive accountability diplomatically across diverse teams
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for multi-stakeholder environments
- Proactive problem-solving with a focus on continuous improvement
- Ability to manage complexity and multiple priorities simultaneously without dropping balls
- High ownership mindset with a track record of delivering results independently
- Calm under pressure with effective crisis management capabilities
- Cultural sensitivity for coordinating programmes across diverse contexts and geographies
go to method of application »
Our client, a public service institution, is looking for a Programme Manager (Trade) who will be responsible for driving digital trade facilitation, export promotion, and international market access initiatives that position Nigerian digital businesses for global competitiveness. This role leads transformative programmes designed to attract foreign investments, accelerate digital trade, facilitate cross-border commerce, and position Nigeria as a global technology leader contributing to national economic growth objectives.
This role leads initiatives including international trade missions, cross-border startup collaboration programmes, market access platforms, and trade agreement utilisation efforts. The Programme Manager ensures that Nigeria\'s digital innovators can successfully scale across borders, access international investment, and compete globally.
This role is critical to achieving the organization\'s objectives of increasing digital export revenue, facilitating significant startup funding, and helping Nigerian tech firms secure international contracts and market presence.
Responsibilities
Digital Trade Programme Design, Planning & Delivery
- Lead the end-to-end design, planning, and delivery of digital trade and export promotion programmes from conception through implementation and evaluation
- Develop programme frameworks covering key pillars of digital trade: policy and regulatory alignment, market access and global expansion, investment facilitation, capacity building, infrastructure support, and compliance readiness
- Design and implement operational systems that connect Nigerian digital businesses with trade facilitation resources, market intelligence, and export support services
- Coordinate with regulatory bodies, trade agencies, and government ministries to create structured support frameworks for technology exporters
- Manage programme communications, stakeholder enquiries, and beneficiary relationships
- Produce regular programme performance reports for leadership and partner organisations
- Ensure supported companies achieve international compliance standards and export readiness benchmarks
Target: 95%+ on-time programme delivery; significant tech firm engagement; high compliance readiness rates among beneficiaries.
International Market Access & Trade Mission Coordination
- Plan and execute international trade missions to priority markets across regions including North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa
- Coordinate Nigerian participation in major global technology and trade events, exhibitions, and conferences
- Develop and manage international market presence initiatives that provide Nigerian startups access to global funding, expertise, partnerships, and customers
- Lead cross-border collaboration programmes connecting Nigerian startups with counterparts in strategic partner countries for sectoral cooperation
- Develop market entry strategies and provide hands-on support for Nigerian tech companies pursuing international expansion
- Facilitate buyer-seller meetings, investor matchmaking, B2B networking, and deal-making at international events
- Build relationships with international tech hubs, accelerators, trade promotion agencies, and market access platforms
Target: Multiple trade missions executed annually; Nigerian tech firms supported in securing international contracts; strong presence at global tech events.
Digital Trade Strategy & Policy Advocacy
- Develop and implement comprehensive digital trade strategies aligned with national export promotion objectives and economic growth targets
- Provide evidence-based policy recommendations on digital trade facilitation, e-commerce regulations, data governance, and cross-border digital commerce
- Analyse and leverage regional and bilateral trade agreements to maximise digital trade opportunities for Nigerian businesses
- Design and deliver trade agreement sensitisation programmes, helping startups and digital enterprises understand and utilise available provisions
- Advocate for policies that reduce barriers to cross-border digital commerce including visa facilitation, foreign exchange access, and regulatory streamlining
- Coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies on trade facilitation initiatives benefiting technology exporters
- Represent the organization at national and international digital trade policy forums, working groups, and negotiations
- Monitor global digital trade trends, regulations, emerging market opportunities, and competitive positioning
Target: Contributions to trade policy initiatives annually; sensitisation programmes delivered; measurable increase in Nigerian digital exports.
Capacity Building & Export Readiness
- Design and deliver trade readiness training programmes, equipping entrepreneurs with essential knowledge for cross-border expansion
- Develop curricula covering international market entry, export compliance, legal considerations, cross-border payments, logistics, and international business development
- Create market intelligence resources including country guides, sector analyses, regulatory summaries, and opportunity assessments for priority markets
- Build internal and external capacity on digital trade regulations, trade agreement provisions, and international compliance requirements
- Coordinate learning exchanges, masterclasses, and peer learning with successful digital export companies and international trade experts
- Produce trade readiness toolkits, export guides, compliance checklists, and self-assessment resources
- Scale capacity building programmes nationwide through partnerships with training providers and development partners
Target: Hundreds of entrepreneurs trained annually; programmes scaled nationally; high participant satisfaction and export readiness improvement.
Partnership Development & Stakeholder Engagement
- Establish and maintain partnerships with international trade organisations, investment promotion agencies, chambers of commerce, and development partners
- Coordinate with Nigerian diplomatic missions globally to leverage trade promotion networks and commercial diplomacy channels
- Build relationships with counterpart agencies, trade desks, and innovation bodies in priority target markets
- Develop and advance bilateral and multilateral digital trade cooperation frameworks with strategic partner countries
- Coordinate with development partners on trade facilitation programme design, co-funding, and implementation
- Facilitate e-commerce ecosystem partnerships, strengthening Nigeria\'s digital commerce infrastructure, including logistics, payments, and platforms
- Represent the organization in trade partnership discussions, MOU negotiations, and joint initiative development
Target: Active trade partnerships established annually; bilateral cooperation frameworks formalised; strong partner satisfaction scores.
Investment Facilitation & Funding Access
- Facilitate startup access to international and domestic capital sources, including venture capital, angel investors, strategic investors, and institutional funders
- Design and implement programmes connecting startups with onshore and offshore funding opportunities
- Coordinate investor engagement activities, including pitch sessions, demo days, investor roadshows, and matchmaking events
- Build relationships with development finance institutions, export credit agencies, trade finance providers, and investment funds
- Track and report on investment facilitation outcomes and funding mobilised for Nigerian digital companies
- Convert investor interest generated through trade missions and international events into concrete investment deals
- Develop pipelines identifying and preparing high-potential startups for international investment readiness
Target: Significant startup funding facilitated; hundreds of startups connected with investors annually; investment outcomes tracked and reported.
Key Deliverables
Regular Reporting
- Weekly trade programme activity reports
- Monthly programme performance and market analysis
- Quarterly digital trade impact assessment
- Bi-annual trade mission outcome reports
- Annual digital trade and export report
- Partner and stakeholder engagement reports
Programme Outputs
- Trade programme operational plans and stakeholder engagement strategies
- Trade mission plans, execution reports, and follow-up tracking
- Export readiness programme curricula and training materials
- Market entry guides for priority target markets and regions
- Investor engagement strategies and matchmaking protocols
- Trade agreement sensitisation workshop materials
- Compliance readiness toolkits and assessment frameworks
Strategic Products
- Digital trade strategy and policy recommendations
- Market opportunity assessments for priority sectors and regions
- Trade agreement analysis and utilisation guides
- Competitive positioning analysis of Nigeria\'s digital trade landscape
- Trade barrier analysis and facilitation recommendations
- Bilateral and multilateral cooperation framework documents
- Investment facilitation pipeline reports
Qualifications
- Bachelor\'s degree in International Trade, Economics, Business, International Relations, or related field; Master\'s degree strongly preferred
- 7–10 years of professional experience in trade promotion, export development, investment facilitation, or international business roles
- Demonstrated experience supporting companies in international market access and expansion
- Track record of building trade partnerships, investment relationships, and stakeholder networks
- Experience executing trade missions, international exhibitions, and investor engagement programmes
- Experience working with trade agencies, investment promotion agencies, diplomatic missions, or development organisations
- Strong network within Nigeria\'s business community, investment circles, and international trade ecosystem
- Experience in digital economy, technology sector, fintech, or e-commerce strongly preferred
- Languages: English required; French advantageous for African markets; Arabic beneficial for Middle East engagement
- Deep understanding of international trade, export promotion, trade facilitation, and investment attraction
- Knowledge of the digital economy, e-commerce, fintech, and cross-border digital commerce
- Familiarity with trade agreements, particularly AfCFTA, and WTO digital trade frameworks
- Proficiency in Monday.com, Slack, and Microsoft Office Suite
- Experience with trade databases, market research tools, and investor management platforms
- Understanding of trade finance, cross-border payments, logistics, and customs procedures
- Knowledge of the Nigerian Startup Act and incentive provisions relevant to trade
Must have skills
- Strategic thinking with the ability to identify and pursue international market opportunities
- Exceptional relationship-building and diplomatic engagement skills across cultures
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills for high-level stakeholder engagement
- Strong analytical skills for market assessment, trade analysis, and investment tracking
- Cross-cultural competency for international stakeholder engagement (US, Europe, Middle East, Africa)
- Commercial acumen with an understanding of business development and deal facilitation
- Network builder with the ability to connect startups, investors, and market opportunities
- Event management skills for trade missions, exhibitions, and investor engagements
- Proactive problem-solver with entrepreneurial orientation
go to method of application »
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
go to method of application »
Our client, a public service institution, is seeking an exceptional Chief of Staff to serve as a strategic partner to the Director, ensuring seamless 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 more than $500M in venture funding, and positioning Nigeria among the top two digital innovation hubs in Africa.
Responsibilities
Strategic Advisory & Executive Partnership
- Participate actively in strategic planning, policy development, and decision-making processes
- Research and recommend new policies and strategies to advance the organization\'s mission and mandate
- Serve as a strategic thought partner, helping team leads cut through complexity and make better decisions
- Evaluate risk factors when making critical business decisions and provide data-driven recommendations
- Steer strategic business initiatives from inception to implementation, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives
Executive Representation & Communication
- Represent the Director in key meetings with government officials, international partners, and private sector stakeholders
- Draft letters, emails, reports, and correspondence on behalf of the Director.
- Amplify the voice of leadership by shaping cohesive, compelling narratives that resonate across internal and external audiences
- Translate complex innovation ecosystem concepts into clear, high-impact messaging for diverse stakeholder groups
- Act as liaison between the Director and other team leads, clients, and stakeholders to ensure consistent communication and proper involvement in decision-making
- Bridge the gap between executives and the broader organisation, ensuring transparency, clarity and shared purpose
Executive Operations & Calendar Management
- Serve as the Director\'s timekeeper, orchestrating their schedule and planning essential travels
- Manage the Director\'s calendar and prioritise their time and schedule for maximum impact
- Support the Director in meetings by taking comprehensive notes and ensuring the completion of action items
- Keep meetings focused and effectively plan and coordinate them for optimal outcomes
- Lead meetings and workshops with meticulous planning and coordination
- Maintain accurate, confidential files and data records
- Ensure the timely and effective completion of projects and initiatives led by the Director
- Act on behalf of the Director to answer inquiries from internal and external stakeholders
Strategic Operations & Program Implementation
- Lead cross-functional coordination of the organization\'s four core pillars: Knowledge Development, Infrastructure Development, Innovation & Capital, and Trade & Digital Economy
- Drive execution across teams, ensuring cross-functional alignment and removing obstacles that slow progress
- Ensure company priorities are clearly defined with owners, timelines and measurable outcomes
- Streamline reporting and surface key insights, ensuring leadership stays focused on what drives business impact
- Establish and maintain standardised processes for program execution, procurement, and reporting
- Drive accountability across teams to achieve ambitious KPIs, including startup incubation targets, unicorn development, and international expansion goals
- Complete special projects and initiatives with skilful oversight and support
- Pinpoint and address core issues within business processes to enhance operational efficiency
Team Leadership & Resource Optimisation
- Coordinate activities across 30+ team members and multiple team leads to maximise organisational efficiency
- Establish standards and procedures for hiring and managing office staff and personnel
- Support the tor in setting key performance indicators to measure and improve team performance across all functions
- Lead the implementation of performance management systems aligned with the organization\'s 2-year success framework
- Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation in line with the organization\'s core values
- Create and maintain systems and processes to streamline operations across all functions
- Identify areas of improvement across the organisation and make actionable recommendations
Stakeholder Relationship Management
- Manage relationships with private sector partners, international organisations and development partners
- Coordinate engagement with government agencies (MDAs) to ensure policy implementation and reduce bureaucratic delays
- Facilitate partnerships with global tech hubs, investors, and incubators to drive ecosystem development
- Support mobilisation of the targeted $50 M+ in ecosystem funding from public and private partnerships
Qualifications
- Bachelor\'s degree in Business Administration, Public Policy, Economics, or related field; Master\'s preferred
- 8-12 years of progressive leadership experience in operations, strategy, or program management
- Proven track record of managing teams of 20+ people and coordinating complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives
- Experience working with government agencies, international organisations or public-private partnerships
- Strong understanding of innovation ecosystems, startup development, or digital transformation initiatives
- Strong executive support capabilities, including calendar management, correspondence drafting, and meeting facilitation
- Proficiency in performance management systems and KPI development
- Experience with stakeholder relationship management across diverse organisations
- Experience in strategic planning, policy development, and organisational systems design
- High emotional intelligence with proven ability to work effectively across cultural and organisational boundaries
- Humble yet confident leadership style with the ability to influence
Must have skills
- Resilience and adaptability in fast-paced, high-pressure environments
- Strategic thinking combined with strong execution capabilities
- Demonstrated ability to drive organisational change and process improvement
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to distil complex information into clear, actionable insights
- Advanced written and verbal communication skills for executive-level interactions and external representation
- Exceptional project management and coordination skills with experience in process standardisation
go to method of application »
Our client, a public service institution, is looking for a Programme Manager (Strategy, Research and Analytics) who is responsible for driving evidence-based decision-making across the organization through rigorous research, comprehensive data analytics, and strategic intelligence. This role leads the development of the organization\'s ecosystem database, programme performance tracking systems, and research initiatives that inform programme design, policy advocacy, and strategic planning—directly supporting the vision of making Nigeria the foremost technology and innovation ecosystem in Africa.
This role ensures that the organization\'s interventions are grounded in robust evidence and aligned with national digital transformation priorities. The Programme Manager provides the analytical backbone that tracks progress toward the organization\'s strategic objectives, measures programme impact, and informs continuous improvement.
This role is critical to ensuring that the organization\'s agenda is shaped by world-class research, compelling evidence, and data-driven strategic foresight.
Responsibilities
Strategic Planning & Policy Intelligence
- Lead the development and continuous refinement of the organization\'s strategic plan, ensuring alignment with national digital transformation priorities, ministry directives, and regulatory frameworks
- Conduct strategic analyses, including environmental scanning, competitive benchmarking against peer ecosystems, scenario planning, and strategic options development
- Develop policy briefs, position papers, and strategic recommendations on digital innovation, startup ecosystem development, indigenous technology promotion, and related policy areas
- Monitor implementation of relevant legislation, tracking incentive uptake, policy effectiveness, and regulatory impact across the innovation ecosystem
- Provide strategic intelligence on global digital innovation trends and translate insights into actionable recommendations for leadership
- Support the formulation and advocacy of innovation-friendly policies through evidence-based analysis and stakeholder engagement
- Coordinate annual strategy reviews, facilitate strategic planning sessions, and ensure organisational alignment with evolving priorities
Target: Annual strategic plan delivered with quarterly performance reviews; contributions to policy advocacy initiatives; strategic recommendations adopted by leadership.
Data Infrastructure & Digital Dashboard Management
- Design, develop, and maintain the organization\'s comprehensive database tracking ecosystem actors including startups, innovation hubs, investors, partners, and programme beneficiaries
- Build and maintain real-time digital dashboards tracking programme performance, ecosystem health indicators, and policy impact metrics
- Ensure data quality, integrity, and governance across all organisational data assets
- Develop automated data collection systems that reduce manual reporting burden and improve data accuracy
- Create visualisations and dashboards accessible to leadership, programme teams, partners, and external stakeholders
- Track key ecosystem metrics, including startup formation rates, funding flows, job creation, export growth, innovation outputs, and sector performance
- Support programme teams with analytics capabilities and reporting infrastructure
Target: Comprehensive ecosystem database maintained with high data accuracy; real-time dashboards operational; weekly leadership intelligence delivered.
Research Design & Implementation
- Develop and execute the organization\'s annual research agenda aligned with strategic priorities, programme needs, and knowledge gaps
- Design and implement primary research initiatives including ecosystem surveys, startup sentiment studies, policy impact assessments, sectoral analyses, and case studies
- Coordinate flagship research events and convenings bringing together researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and ecosystem stakeholders
- Commission and manage research partnerships with Nigerian and international academic institutions, think tanks, and research organisations
- Produce research publications, working papers, and thought leadership content positioning the organization as a knowledge leader in innovation ecosystem development
- Ensure research quality through rigorous methodology design, ethics compliance, peer review, and quality assurance processes
- Translate research findings into accessible formats for diverse audiences, including policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and development partners
Target: Multiple research studies completed annually; knowledge products published; research events convened; research quality standards maintained.
Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL)
- Design and implement comprehensive M&E frameworks for all the organization programmes, ensuring consistent outcome tracking and impact measurement
- Develop programme-specific indicators, data collection tools, and evaluation methodologies aligned with theories of change and logical frameworks
- Conduct programme evaluations including baseline studies, mid-term reviews, endline assessments, and impact evaluations
- Track organisational KPIs and success metrics, providing regular performance reporting to leadership
- Facilitate learning reviews and reflection sessions, ensuring organisational learning from programme implementation
- Create feedback loops, integrating evaluation findings into programme design, iteration, and improvement
- Report on organisational outcomes and impact on internal leadership, oversight bodies, and development partners
Target: 100% of programmes with M&E frameworks; regular performance reporting delivered; programme evaluations completed for flagship initiatives.
Performance Tracking & Benchmarking
- Track Nigeria\'s position on global innovation indices, economic complexity rankings, and regional digital economy benchmarks
- Monitor progress toward the organization\'s strategic targets and national digital transformation objectives
- Benchmark the organization programmes against international best practices and peer ecosystem interventions
- Track the digital industry\'s contribution to economic indicators, including GDP, employment, exports, and investment
- Assess innovation-driven enterprise growth rates, startup survival metrics, and ecosystem health indicators
- Produce benchmarking reports, competitive analyses, and positioning assessments, informing strategic decision-making
Target: Regular benchmarking reports delivered; global index tracking maintained; competitive positioning assessments produced.
Knowledge Management & Dissemination
- Develop and manage the organization\'s knowledge management system, institutional memory, and organisational learning infrastructure
- Organise knowledge sharing events, including research seminars, policy dialogues, ecosystem insights sessions, and stakeholder convenings
- Build partnerships with research institutions, think tanks, universities, and thought leadership platforms
- Ensure research and data insights inform programme design, policy advocacy, communications, and external engagement
- Produce annual reports, impact narratives, evidence briefs, and content for external stakeholder communications
- Support the organization communications and visibility efforts with data-driven content, success metrics, and evidence-based narratives
Target: Knowledge products published annually; knowledge events convened; research cited in external policy discussions and publications.
Key Deliverables
Regular Reporting
- Weekly leadership intelligence briefs on key metrics and ecosystem developments
- Monthly programme performance dashboards
- Quarterly strategic performance reviews and benchmarking updates
- Annual research and impact report
- Annual ecosystem state report
- Partner and stakeholder data reports
Data & Analytics Outputs
- Comprehensive ecosystem database (startups, hubs, investors, partners, beneficiaries)
- Real-time programme performance dashboards
- Policy implementation tracking reports
- Global innovation index and competitive positioning analysis
- Startup funding, job creation, and ecosystem health tracking
Research Products
- Annual research agenda and implementation plan
- Primary research studies (ecosystem surveys, policy assessments, sectoral analyses, case studies)
- Policy briefs and position papers
- Working papers and thought leadership publications
- Programme evaluation reports (baseline, mid-term, endline, impact)
Strategic Products
- Organisational strategic plan and updates
- Environmental scan and trend analysis reports
- Competitive benchmarking studies
- Theory of change and logical framework documentation
- M&E frameworks and indicator guides
Qualifications
- Master\'s degree in Economics, Public Policy, Data Science, Statistics, Development Studies, Innovation Studies, or related field; PhD preferred
- 7–10 years of professional experience in research, strategy, policy analysis, or analytics roles
- Demonstrated experience designing and implementing research studies with published outputs
- Track record of developing M&E frameworks and conducting programme evaluations
- Experience with strategic planning and organisational performance management
- Background in innovation ecosystems, technology policy, startup support, or digital economy preferred
- Experience working with government, international development organisations, or research institutions
- Familiarity with the Nigerian policy environment and digital economy landscape
- Advanced proficiency in data analysis and visualisation tools (Excel, Power BI, Tableau)
- Experience with statistical software (SPSS, Stata, R, or Python)
- Strong research methodology skills (qualitative and quantitative)
- Proficiency in Monday.com, Slack, and Microsoft Office Suite
- Knowledge of M&E frameworks, theories of change, and impact evaluation methodologies
- Familiarity with innovation indices, ecosystem metrics, and startup performance indicators
- Understanding of database management and data governance principles
Must have skills
- Strong written communication with the ability to translate complex data into clear narratives for diverse audiences
- Strategic mindset connecting research to organisational objectives and policy outcomes
- Intellectual curiosity and commitment to evidence-based practice
- Rigorous attention to detail and data quality
- Ability to manage multiple research streams and meet deadlines
- Collaborative approach to knowledge sharing and capacity building
Method of Application
Use the link(s) below to apply on company website.
Build your CV for free. Download in different templates.
Gmail
Yahoomail