We are looking for a brilliant individual to join our Programs team, on a 6- month fixed term Maternity Cover contract, as Programs Officer – Anglophone West Africa. The successful candidate will report to the Programs Team Lead, providing essential support to Programs and working with other team members to achieve projects’ success
Job Summary:
The main responsibility of this role is to oversee the development of the organisation’s programs in Anglophone West Africa. To organize, coordinate and manage programs and activities relevant to accomplishing the organisation’s strategic goals and objectives, as well as to establish networks with relevant stakeholders and build and manage Paradigm Initiative’s network in Anglophone West Africa.
This includes project management, stakeholder management, project strategy, budget management and identification and monitoring of relevant policy developments within the scope of Paradigm Initiative’s strategic focus.
Roles and responsibilities:
Programs Planning and Implementation
Team Focus: Paradigm Initiative Programs team covers three areas, namely, LIFE Legacy, Policy and Capacity Building.
- Plan and design programs and events; proactively monitor its progress, resolve issues and initiate appropriate corrective action, where required
- Impact the organisation’s output by developing and interpreting initiatives and new trends in program development
- Render advisory services to the Senior Manager, Grants and Programs Strategy on contextual dimensions to program planning, implementation, development and sustainability
- Ensure effective quality assurance and the overall integrity of the program – focus inwardly on the internal consistency of the program and outwardly on its coherence, interface with other programs and Paradigm Initiative’s community and advocacy work.
- Provide essential support services to the team on a regular basis
- Provide regular updates on all planning processes, practices and program methodology
- Prepare, collect and collate all reports of completed programs and events
Administration
- Interpret the organisation’s program strategies and policies as applicable in your region
- Develop and manage the administrative need of the regional office in coordination with the Administrative team
- Assist in administering training for other support staff and team members
- Monitor and document policy development around digital inclusion and digital rights in your region
- Log complaints and problems associated with running the programs effectively
- Support the administrative team when the need arises
- Ensure timely completion of programs within set deadlines
- Effectively use the organisation’s work tools such as calendars, Smartsheet and timesheets to document project plans, project and activities schedules and project reporting
Resource Control and Financial Management
- Effectively manage tools and resources for program implementation
- Keep records of all financial transactions associated with program processes and completion
- Ensure proper management of all budgetary allocations for program management
- Send accurate monthly financial records to the Finance unit while staying within the limits of approved budgets.
- Collaboratively work with the team to ensure effective usage of resources
Research and Fundraising
- Research and develop materials and reports that outline the successful completion of programs
- Identify and work with the Senior Manager, Grants and Programs Strategy to contact potential funders and identify other income streams for the program
- Work with the Senior Manager, Grants and Programs Strategy and the rest of the team to write grant applications
- Develop a budget and operating plan for each program
- Contribute to the analysis and communication of key digital policy developments in the region by developing at least two (2) policy briefs within the period
- Contribute to reports and research on Digital Policy developments
- Total research and activities output must have at least a 25% Digital Inclusion element to reflect the ongoing merger of Paradigm Initiative’s programs
Community Relations
- Identify, develop and promote partnerships with other external organizations
- Manage communications with all stakeholders
- Provide the communities with relevant information about Paradigm Initiative’s programs and events
- Represent the organisation in key and strategic events relevant to the organisation’s industry
- Plan and conduct outreach activities to enhance and sustain existing and future networks with potential partners and funders
- Strengthen Paradigm Initiative’s networking with funders, foundations and other relevant organisations to develop grant-making and programmatic partnerships and collaborations
- Promote the use of Paradigm Initiative tools such as RIPOTI and AYETA
Communications
- Identify communications opportunities and strategies to raise awareness about Paradigm Initiative
- Document all programs activities in your region and work with the communications team to ensure visibility for them
- Write periodic blog posts documenting project activities and interventions by Paradigm Initiative in your region
- Maintain consistent communication with your team lead and the Senior Manager, Grants and Programs Strategy on all program activities
- Collaborate and communicate with other team members towards achieving program efficiency
- Represent Paradigm Initiative at media engagements, interviews and other required media representation, communicating the organisation’s work, values and objectives through such opportunities.
Competencies
- Effective writing, listening and speaking communication skills
- Attention to detail and error-free reporting
- Organisation and task management
- Punctuality
- Use of productivity tools – Google calendar, time sheets, Smartsheet
- Integrity and honesty
- Courtesy and respect for others
- Respect for constituted authority
- Managing and embracing change
- Fosters teamwork
- Patience
- Self-development
- Creativity and taking initiative
- Achieving results
- Risk management and quality
- Prompt feedback on tasks and acknowledgement of official communication
Qualification and Experience:
- A strong background in research
- Preferably a fully qualified lawyer with a license to practise law in their country.
- Candidates with other relevant qualifications will be considered for the role
- A background in Policy or equivalent experience
- Work experience of 3-5 years in supporting programs with multiple stakeholders
- Flair for and experience in budgeting, writing and reporting
- Project management and proposal development experience strongly preferred
- Experience in program design and training
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Must be a strong communicator; have excellent written, presentation and oral communication in English
- Ability to understand, write and speak French will be an added advantage
- Vast knowledge and understanding of program planning, analysis, implementation and development
- Ability to professionally engage and work with key stakeholders in various settings
- Demonstrated ability to draft proposals, reports and results of research or other organisational documents with minimal supervision
- Strong understanding of digital rights advocacy issues
- Time management and administrative skills
- Proven ability to set priorities, work independently, take initiative, manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines
- Good knowledge of research methods and practices
- Competence in the usage of computer systems, software, data and IT applications
- Good interpersonal skills
The successful candidate must be resident in Abuja, Nigeria
Remuneration is between N250,000 and N400,000 per month depending on years of quality and relevant experience.
The application closes on February 03, 2023, but the position will be filled as soon as we find the right fit. If you think you are the right fit, do not delay sending in your application.
Please note that submission of more than one application for this job opening may reduce your chances of being shortlisted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
How to apply
Apply using the link below –