Head of Programmes at VSO Nigeria

VSO is the world’s leading independent international development organisation that works through volunteers to fight poverty in developing countries by delivering innovative development programmes in over 40 countries around the world. VSO has been operating across Nigeria since 1958 and has accompanied the country through complex social change and growth. As part of its current country strategy 2012 15, VSO Nigeria works with poor and marginalized young men and women in an integrated way.

Position Overview
VSO Nigeria is seeking a dynamic, experienced, and competent Head of Programmes to guide the overall Country Programme strategy and implementation of related activities within the country Programme. The position manages the development, implementation and successful delivery of VSO’s programmes within the agreed Country Strategy: manages programme teams and partnerships to maximise VOS’s impact in reducing poverty, This position also is responsible for fund raising to support the growth of the Nigeria programme. S/he will report to the Country Director and will be located in Abuja, Nigeria (With frequent travels to project locations); it also will have line management responsibility for at least 7 programmes staff.

Job Title: Head of Programmes

Location: Abuja

Key responsibilities:
Programme Development and Management
Develop and design overall programme delivery activities and proactively monitor overall programme progress by developing and overseeing the implementation of the programme Monitoring & Evaluati6n Framework for the country programme.

Fund Raising:
Develop a funding plan that maximises and increases VSO’s external funding base and ensures compliance with funding and donor requirements. Proactively identify funding opportunities, and lead in the development of concepts and proposals. Responsible for donor relationship management to ensure high standard of performance in all aspects of resource management.

Strategic Leadership
As a member of Senior Management Team, support the development of an organisational culture that reflects our values, promotes accountability and high performance, encourages a team culture of learning, creativity and innovation and empowers staff, volunteers, partners and communities maximize their potential to achieve significant impact in our programmes.

People Management
Effectively lead and develop a high performing programme team within the performance management framework: act as a mentor and contribute to development of shared vision among key stakeholders.

Financial Management
Budgeting and Forecasting: Develop and manage overall programme budget, providing accurate and timely reports on expenditure, monitoring expenditures and costs against benefits realised as programmes progress.

Required qualification and experience
Applicants are expected to have the following skills, qualification and experience.

• Degree in social science or any related field, preferably at post graduate level.
• At least ten years relevant senior level work experience in Programme Management, Resource Mobilization and management: Team Leadership and Partnership.
• Must have demonstrated capacity for fund raising especially in proposal writing, analyzing and report writing skills
• Experience and knowledge in Youth Focused programming in the context of developing countries.
• Excellent understanding of project cycle management tools to ensure effective planning, resourcing, implementation and review of Programmes
• Experience in successfully developing and managing large and complex programme budgets.
• Strong leadership and people management skills: managing within large complex global teams
• Ability to work as an effective team member in a multi cultural environment
• Excellent networking, facilitation and interpersonal skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with ability to vary communication content and Style to suit audience.
• Experience of the financial management of budgets, including building a budget, monitoring and Managing expenditure
• Confidence and experience in external representation.

Application Closing Date
27th May, 2013

How To Apply
To apply, please send your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and covering letter to vsonigeria@vsoint.org not later than May 27, 2013. CV should include three names of your nominated referees. We respect all candidates but we can only respond to shortlisted candidates.