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Head of Program – Nigeria
INTERSOS is an independent humanitarian organization that assists the victims of natural disasters, armed conflicts and exclusion. Its activities are based on the principles of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equality of rights and opportunities, respect for diversity and coexistence, paying special attention to the most vulnerable people.
Terms of reference
Job Title: Head of Program
Code: SR-49-10177
Duty station: Maiduguri
Starting date: 14/04/2026
Contract duration: 6 months
Reporting to: Country Director
Functional Supervisor: Deputy Regional Director
Supervision of: PMs, Technical Coordinators
Type of Duty Station: Non-family duty station
General context of the project
With over a decade of conflict, there have been devastating humanitarian consequences across North-East (Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe (BAY) states) and the North-West of Nigeria. According to the Humanitarian Needs Overview 2023, an estimated 8.3 million women, men, and children need some form of humanitarian and protection assistance. Over 2 million people have been forced to flee their homes due to persistent violence and remain internally displaced. Food insecurity and malnutrition are exacerbated by inflation, poverty, and restricted access due to insecurity, which impedes livelihood opportunities. Gender-based violence (GBV) has been a significant protection concern faced by IDP women and girls in the area. Numerous basic infrastructures, such as hospitals, clinics, and water supplies, are damaged, posing constraints on essential service provision. Epidemics like cholera arising from flooding and overcrowded settings put extra stress on the already vulnerable communities.
General purpose of the position
The Head of Program is responsible for the overall program strategy across the country and for providing technical input to the team within the different sectors.
S/he is also responsible for developing policies, processes and standards within the respective area of responsibility. S/he will enable and oversee the monitoring and evaluation of the activities across the country and s/he is finally responsible for the development of the portfolio, ensuring consistent donors reporting, internal and external representation. Ultimately, s/he will be active in high level and strategic decision-making, collaborating closely with the Country Director and the Finance and Logistics Managers.
Main responsibilities and tasks:
Strategy and vision
Contribute to the development and update of the country strategy, within INTERSOS overall global strategic plan, values and principles
Work as part of the Senior Management Team to share ideas and program recommendations, supporting and implementing continuous improvement on activities, processes and procedures to optimise results and improve quality of delivery in line with quality standards
Determine, set and deliver goals and objectives for the program team in line with the mission strategic objectives
Develop in collaboration with technical referents, high quality program strategies and proposals in relevance with context and needs
Ensure that program strategies and processes are in place to meet quality implementation and to achieve the targets.
Develop holistic and needs-based programs, identifying funding opportunities and strategic partnerships.
Design and roll-out creative and innovative programming, lead assessments for rapid response or scale-up programming in existing or new areas of intervention
Together with the Country Director and the Finance and Logistics Managers, create and implement best practice program management vision, strategy, policies, processes and procedures to aid and improve organizational performance
Supervise the design of standards and processes with technical referents at Mission level.
Program management
Supervise and guide the program team (Program Managers, Grants & Reporting Managers, Technical Coordinators)
Ensure program coordination and coherence across portfolio
Ensure program and project reviews are regularly and effectively conducted, monitor the delivery of programs based on work plan
Together with the Finance and Logistics Managers, ensure adequate resources allocation are provisioned to deliver programs.
Trigger and oversee the design of concept notes, proposals and budgets for cost-related activities, ensuring the coordination with Program Managers, Grants & Reporting Manager, Technical Units and support functions (HR, Finance, Logistics and Security), in line with INTERSOS and donors’ requirements
Ensure timely communication and information flow on program achievements to internal and external parties
Conduct risk assessments of the program activities and related processes
Accountability and quality control
Oversee and support continuous improvement of program quality standards
Explore innovative solutions to improve the impact on program
Oversee the program development, implementation, ensuring targets and quality are respected in collaboration with MEAL department
Ensure the appropriate systems and procedures are established and followed, ensuring best practices in project management are developed and adopted with appropriate program management frameworks in place
Representation and advocacy
Together with the Country Director and Finance and Logistics Managers, establish strong and efficient partnerships with organisations, donors and authorities, in line with the country strategy
Represent INTERSOS in relevant coordination forums
Contribute to the definition of the country advocacy strategy and represent INTERSOS within national and international media and participate in community activities as appropriate
Upon delegation of authority, act as Country Director when needed
People management
Lead the program team ensuring daily supervision and regular support to maximize efficient performance
Communicate with the program team on program status, risks and issues in an appropriate and timely manner. Ensure regular and timely communication between project team members
Monitor the completion of tasks and ensure good performance and record on appropriate systems
Motivate and coach the program team. Communicate key performance Indicators (KPIs) to the staffs so that they are aware of the strategic annual plan
Consistently promote high standards through personal example and roll out through the team so that each member understands the standards and the behaviours expected
In collaboration with the HR Coordinator, undertake continuous training and staffs’ development. Inspire the team and provide technical expertise
In collaboration with Protection and/or Medical coordinator, support the identification and deployment of the technical skill sets, resource levels and systems to deliver projects, including the engagement of external resources as required
Required profile and experience:
BA in relevant field, Master in Business Administration or equivalent
Essential working experience of at least 5 (five years) in related activities at Senior Management level
Desirable previous experience with NGOs
Experience in setting up new projects and programs and of developing and implementing departmental and organisational strategies
Experience of planning, budgeting and executing complex strategies
Experience in managing medical, protection and interdepartmental technical staffs
Essential computer literacy (word, excel and internet)
English
Strategic vision
Leadership, people management and development
Planning and organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines
Teamwork and cooperation
Negotiation and networking skills
Behavioural flexibility
Innovation and creativity
Decision making and influence
Communication skills written and oral
Excellent budget/financial management skills
Commitment to INTERSOS principles
General conditions and benefits:
Salary range: grade 13 – 4.023€ – 4.627€ monthly gross
Accommodation: Shared Guesthouse
R&R: 7 days of psycho-physical recovery every 12 weeks + 1000€ allowance.
Annual Leave: 2.5 days per month
Medical insurance for the staff
Transportation and visa: Round-trip flights. For missions lasting at least 9 months, an additional flight ticket to the Country of residence and return to the mission will also be provided.
Induction: one week of online induction before the deployment
How to apply
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested candidates are invited to apply following the link below:
Please note that our application process is made of 3 quick steps: register (including your name, email, password and citizenship), sign-up and apply by attaching your CV in PDF format. Through the platform, candidates will be able to track their applications’ history with INTERSOS.
Please also mention the name, position and contact details of at least three references: two line managers and one HR referent. Family members are to be excluded.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for the first interview.