Program Manager at Medico Legal AID Foundation (MELAF)

Medico-Legal Aid Foundation (MELAF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing access to health, the right to health, and human rights within the framework of health. Established with a mission to champion the rights of survivors, MELAF operates at the intersection of healthcare and legal advocacy. The foundation boasts a dynamic team comprising healthcare professionals, legal experts, and dedicated support staff, all unified by a common commitment to advocate for and empower survivors in their pursuit of justice and well-being.

Currently, MELAF operates as a sub-recipient of the Caritas Nigeria ACCESS Project, which focuses on delivering a comprehensive HIV program in Abia State, Nigeria. This partnership allows MELAF to contribute to a broader initiative addressing health challenges within the region and aligns with the foundation's commitment to promoting health and human rights.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Program Manager

Location: Umuahia, Abia
Employment Type: Full-time

Job Summary

• The Program Manager will be a seasoned professional who can manage the day-to-day aspects of the program and contribute strategically to the success and impact of the overall Project.
• He/She will Plan the program’s goals and objectives while acting as a liaison between program staff and Executive Director (ED) and is critical in driving evidence-based decision-making and fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement.

Key Areas of Accountability
Provide effective support in the following regards:

• Provide strategic leadership in designing, developing, implementing and alignment of activities with organizational & project goals, ensuring activities contribute to program success and impact.
• Manage the program budget in collaboration with the Finance Assistant/Accountant monitoring expenditure and cost allocated for activities, ensuring efficient use of resources and compliance with financial guidelines Donor reporting timelines and policies.
• Ensure timely liquidation of donor funds.
• Ensure the delivery of quality care and/or services is to the appropriate/required level of quality, on time and within budget, in accordance with the program plan, priorities and timelines.
• Collaborate with the team to champion the development of annual workplan and implementation of activities to completion.
• Ensure planning and coordination of program activities proactively monitoring progress, resolving issues and initiating appropriate corrective actions.
• Ensure effective quality assurance and the overall integrity of the program.
• Manage risks.
• Attend GON meetings, as deemed necessary and as assigned by the ED.
• Work closely with Case Managers, assigned program staff in achieving program deliverables and ensuring set targets are achieved.
• Supervise and lead the team providing guidance, mentorship, and support.
• Foster a collaborative and results-oriented team culture.
• Report the progress of the project at regular intervals to the ED.
• Prepare monthly/quarterly program reports for internal and external stakeholders, highlighting key findings, lessons learned, and recommendations.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including donors, government agencies, and partner organizations, to ensure alignment with project goals.
• Establish effective communication channels for ongoing engagement.
• Other responsibilities as may be assigned by the ED that will enhance the achievement of the project’s strategic objectives and organization’s corporate existence

Additional Responsibilities:

• The Responsibilities (Above) are not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee will also perform other related tasks as required and will be responsible for reporting and communicating progress and achievement of the specific assigned tasks.

Qualifications and Experience

• Must possess a minimum of Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field such as Sciences, Arts, Public Health, Social Sciences, International Development, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience in a similar role.
• Experience in roles with progressively increasing responsibilities, demonstrating a track record of success and growth in the field.
• Direct experience in implementing projects or programs, focusing on measurable outcomes and impact.
• Proven experience in community work and familiarity with GON Data capturing tools is required.
• Experience in managing or leading a team, providing guidance and mentorship and ensuring the effective coordination of monitoring and evaluation activities.
• Understanding of project management principles, with the ability to coordinate activities within project timelines, available resources and scope.

Key Competencies:

• Experience in program management, project management, administration, or related field
• Understanding of budget management to effectively allocate and utilize resources for program activities.
• Able to multitask, prioritise, and manage time effectively
• Knowledgeable in program management methodology and techniques; performance evaluation and change management principles
• Ability to think strategically and align activities with the overall goals and objectives of the organization.
• Strong leadership skills to provide guidance, mentorship, and direction to the team and other program staff.
• Proficient project management skills to oversee the planning, execution, and evaluation of activities within the program.
• Proficient computer skills, experience with Microsoft Office.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to convey implementation findings and recommendations to diverse audiences, including stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Ability to lead and manage a team of professionals, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented team culture.
• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively engage with internal and external stakeholders, including donors, government agencies, and partner organizations.
• Commitment to achieving measurable results and using findings for program improvement and decision-making.
• Commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and data protection principles.
• Ability to adapt to changing program requirements, priorities, and external environments.

Key Working Relationships
Internal:

• Executive Director, Case Managers & CBO staff

External:

• Assigned ACCESS partners and partner field offices and centers, State Agency for AIDS Control (SACA), Local Agency for AIDS Control (LACA), State Ministries of Health (SMOH), Other State Agencies and other implementing partners

Application Closing Date
25th January, 2024.