Programme Manager, UK-Nigeria Tech Hub HEO at the British High Commission (BHC) Nigeria

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer.  We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Programme Manager, UK-Nigeria Tech Hub HEO

Location: Lagos
Employment Type: Full-time

Main Purpose of Job

• The UK-Nigeria Tech Hub is part of the International Tech Hub Network, which is delivered by the Department for Science ,Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office under the UK Government's Digital Access Programme (DAP) . The DAP programme promotes digital inclusion and inclusive growth in partner countries. The International Tech Network in Africa consists of Hubs located in South Africa, Kenya, Indonesia and Brazil.
• The Hub teams work with players in the science, technology and innovation ecosystem to find innovative solutions to local development challenges, thereby driving sustainable economic growth to serve women, marginalised youth and disabled people in particular. The Hubs forge innovative partnerships between the UK and international tech sectors, stimulate local digital economies, and build high-end digital skills to drive sustainable jobs and growth.
• The job holder will be required to support the Tech Hub Director in the development and delivery of the programme plan, manage risks, monitor implementation and reporting on project progress against set intervention targets for the Digital Access Programme (DAP) and the International Technology Hub Network.

The aims of the Hub are to:

• Identify, develop, and deliver tailored interventions responding to the needs and opportunities for inclusion in the local tech sector, for example promoting opportunities for youth and women. Interventions will generally be delivered by local and/or international partners.
• Support tech entrepreneurship through partnerships with local digital ecosystem stakeholders including incubators, accelerators and private sector firms, Nigerian government departments and agencies and non-profit organisations, to improve the technology and innovation ecosystem in Nigeria.
• Facilitate partnerships and linkages between local tech firms (including tech start-ups) and UK businesses (across all sectors) in the form of commercial partnerships or joint ventures.
• This role is a fixed term contract based in Lagos.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Supporting the Tech Hub Director and align with other parts of the DAP and the UK’s digital work more broadly to build on the Hub’s successes and projects in the landscape.
• Deputise for the Director in pursuit of new strategic opportunities for the Hub; cultivate new leads; understand business and innovation needs across all sectors; and present on the opportunities for collaboration via the Hub
• Develop and manage the UK – Nigeria Tech Hub communications strategy, which include externally-facing marketing and communications materials and platforms aligned with the FCDO and DSIT communications teams
• Work in collaboration with wider HMG government departments, taking responsibility for delivering delegations (both inward and outward) and events that support the development of the local tech ecosystem, including collaboration with other tech hubs and its offerings
• Deliver tailored interventions to cultivate digital skills responding to the needs and opportunities for inclusion in the local tech sector. For example, promote opportunities for youth and women in the local tech sector, tech entrepreneurship through partnerships with local digital ecosystem stakeholders including incubators, accelerators and private sector firms, Nigerian government departments and agencies. and non-profit organisations
• Develop and manage relationships with local government, local tech firms, start-ups and wider tech sector stakeholders, using these to support the development of new partnerships and programmes
• Lead on selected operational management responsibilities, including project oversight, budget management, impact assessment (monitoring and evaluation), HR supervision, or as further defined according to need in order to support the work of the Hub’s Director and new strategic directions for the Hub
• Deputise for the Director in various leadership roles within the team, including representing the Hub and the British Embassy externally (media, speaking opportunities, and event representation)
• Act as a gender champion by ensuring Gender Equality Act (2014) compliance and support implementation of gender policy and guidance. Actively support ambitions on women’s economic opportunities, inclusive growth and poverty reduction
• Regularly join key meetings and record outcomes – remotely and in-person, where required - and support the Tech Hub Director in providing regular updates on the progress of the Digital Access Programme and the Tech Hub.
• Support the prosperity outcomes of the programmes by helping the wider team British Deputy High Commission team to identify opportunities to expand the digital/cyber/tech market and help international (including UK) companies trade with and/or invest into it, including through close collaboration with the Department for Business and Trade (country-level team).
• Develop a strong understanding of PROF rules and stay up to date with latest changes and be able to advise the team on relevant programme delivery issues connected to PROF Rules and Guidelines
• As all other staff at post, the job holder is expected to participate in key High Commission / Nigeria network activities. These may include being active on committees and in other corporate roles, as well as play a role in crisis management activities on an ad hoc basis.

Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience 

• This role will suit individuals with experience of the UK/Nigeria tech and startup space.
• The applicant would ideally bring a network of business contacts in Nigeria, using this to expand the Hub’s network.
• Experience in, and knowledge of, the tech sector and startup scene within Nigeria
• Strong track record of leading successful delivery in either industry or government
• Proven track record of developing and running programmes and partnerships from the ground up
• Proven project management and budget management skills
• Strong organisational skills   
• Confident writer and experience managing communications materials including social media messaging and newsletters
• Well networked within the tech sector (private sector firms and/or start-up's)
• Knowledge of the Nigerian business landscape
• Ability to engage credibly with senior government and senior industry stakeholders
• Willingness to travel within Nigeria
• Highly motivated, passionate about innovation and technology
• Open and clear communicator, excellent networking skills including across international environments
• Experience of working in an international development context, including managing/working with development programmes, including in Nigeria.
• Experience of working in or with government in Nigeria.
• Experience of working in the private sector or organised civil society in relevant fields.
• Experience at policy, regulatory as well as field level will be considered relevant.

Required behaviours:

• Seeing the Big Picture, Delivering at Pace, Communicating and Influencing, Working Together

Application Closing Date
3rd April, 2024.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online