Programmes Manager

Reports to: Head, Oando Foundation

Supervises: Programmes Officers

Job Purpose

Oversee the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Foundation’s programmes and resource mobilization efforts, in line with its overall strategic objective.

Job Responsibilities

Programme Management

• Provide technical direction in the development of Education programme strategy in line with the Foundation’s overall strategy.
• Develop policies and procedures relevant for effective programme administration.
• Oversee and provide direction to Foundation’s programme officers in the detailed management of projects and project partners.
• Develop and update strategic approaches and attendant modules for key projects under the LEARNOVATE programme (focus on foundational learning, green skills, and education advocacy).
• Champion the implementation of the LEARNOVATE programme.
• Sound management of the programme team and partners to achieve key objectives and deliverables, including strategic project planning, communications design and development across programmatic areas.
• Develop annual action plan and sustainability mechanisms across all projects.
• Champion the sourcing, selection and management of capable implementing partners to deliver the Foundation’s education and environment programmes,.
• Design Request for Proposal (RFPs) and response specification documents for relevantprojects and identification of potential projects in line with strategic objectives.
• Partner with Corporate Communications Unit to identify and implement internal and external communication needs of ongoing projects as required.
• Stay abreast of education related issues/policy changes at the national and sub-national levels to identify possible impact on ongoing/proposed education programmes/ projects.
• Provide input into the periodic review of the Foundation’s overall processes to ensure continuous relevance and alignment with leading practices in the development sector.

Monitoring & Evaluation

• Oversee the implementation of the Foundation’s Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework.
• Lead the monitoring and evaluation of on-going projects in line with agreed targets and indicators.
• Ensure all Foundation and donor-related requirements for project M&E are fulfilled in a timely manner.
• Support staff and implementing partners to comply with data requirements for internal and external programme reviews.
• Lead on knowledge management and ensure shared project learning and other resources for enhanced organizational effectiveness.
• Assist the Head of Foundation with the production of reporting requirements and presentations to management, partners, funders, and government institutions.

Finance

• Plan and monitor budgetary performance of the Foundation’s projects
• Design and implement cost optimization/reduction measures through counterpart contributions, low-cost alternatives, and replication of tested programme models.

Grants & Partnerships

• Proactively monitor developments in education focused donor agencies, NGOs and the development communities to identify potential funding/technical partners and other opportunities for engagement.
• Provide technical input on proposals and concept notes to potential partners for resource mobilization purposes.
• Establish and maintain strong working partnerships with the key local and international stakeholders’ groups, partners, and government agencies across various programmatic areas.

Perform other duties, as assigned.

Job Requirements

Person Specification

• First degree in any discipline from an accredited institution.
• Relevant post-graduate degree in education will be an added advantage.
• Eight (8) years project management experience with at least five (5) years designing and implementing educational programmes at a managerial level within a Development Aid Agency or a Non-Profit Organisation.
• Project Management Certification required.
• Strong knowledge of the Nigerian Education system particularly at the basic and secondary levels.

Preferred Competencies

• Ability to think strategically and holistically and to appreciate the systemic impact of various policies, issues and solution.
• Excellent understanding of the Nigerian education sector particularly at the basic and secondary levels.
• Strong ability to apply an understanding of the local context to themes of international relevance in global education.
• Ability to project manage complex programmes and workload, set priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Strong resource planning and utilisation skills.
• Ability to prioritise and multi-task effectively.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and ability to present complex issues in an accessible style, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to develop and maintain strategic partnerships and alliances within the Nigerian education sector.
• Strong proficiency in the use of Microsoft office productivity tools particularly PowerPoint, Word, Excel and Project.

Key Performance Indicators

• Project/ programme budget performance/variance between budget and actual expenditure
• Quality and timeliness of progress reports on project deliverables
• Quality of education projects executed.
• Degree of compliance with the Foundation’s policies and procedures.