Program Manager, IGNITE at TechnoServe

TechnoServe works with enterprising people in the developing world to build competitive farms, businesses, and industries. We are a non-profit organization that develops business solutions to poverty by linking people to information, capital, and markets. Our work is rooted in the idea that given the opportunity, hardworking men and women in even the poorest places can generate income, jobs, and wealth for their families and communities. With more than four decades of proven results, we believe in the power of private enterprise to transform lives.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Program Manager, IGNITE

Requisition Number: PROGR004795
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Job Type: Full-Time
Reporting to: Program Director, IGNITE
Job Category: Programs

Job Summary

• The Program Manager will lead the implementation of the Inspiring Good Nutrition IGNITE program in Nigeria, driving the rollout of M4N activities.
• This includes fostering engagements with local processors (wheat flour, edible oil, salt, and sugar) and government agencies, establishing business cases for fortified foods, and building the capabilities of millers to adopt improved fortification practices.
• Working closely with partner organizations and stakeholders, the Program Manager will ensure alignment with IGNITE’s strategic objectives to motivate and develop the capacity of food processors to improve their performance in fortifying selected staple foods.
• Reporting to the Program Director, with a dotted line to the Country Director, the Program Manager will oversee bilateral initiatives, support the expansion of the M4N coalition, and contribute to global program strategies. 

Primary Functions & Responsibilities
Program Strategy & Implementation:

• Develop and validate impact strategies, budgets, and operational plans in collaboration with internal teams and relevant stakeholders.
• Drive coordination efforts between industry and government partners to align M4N activities with program objectives and priorities.
• Identify business and fortification challenges faced by food processors, design tailored TA projects, and facilitate knowledge and technology transfer to address gaps.

Stakeholder Engagement & Capacity Building:

• Represent TechnoServe in country-level meetings with food processing executives, regulators, technical experts, universities, NGOs, and government agencies.
• Identify and onboard prospective companies to the program, ensuring alignment with program objectives and expectations.
• Design and lead stakeholder convenings and sector-wide training workshops, capturing and reporting key outputs and action items.
• Provide guidance and training to the country team to enhance their capacity for achieving program goals.

Data Management, Communication, & Reporting:

• Lead data mapping and ongoing validation processes, incorporating insights through key informant interviews and other external resources.
• Alongside the M4N Program Manager, regularly monitor, update, and maintain LSFF resources on the program’s digital platform.
• Collaborate with the Communications Specialist to update national fortification resources, generate success stories, and communicate program achievements.
• Develop and present reports, updates, and materials for donors, stakeholders, and internal teams, supporting program visibility and transparency.

Requirements
Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor' Degree in Food Technology, Nutrition, Business Administration, or related fields with 7+ years of relevant experience, OR a Master’s Degree with 5+ years of experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating PPP programs in developing countries.
• Experience working with financial and project management systems.
• Background in Nigeria’s food processing industry preferred.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong cross-sectoral relationship management skills.
• Analytical with commitment to quality; rigorous approach with high attention to detail.
• Clear and systematic thinking that demonstrates creative problem solving.
• Food processing experience, preferably in staple foods with an understanding of fortification technology will be an advantage.
• Strong project management, budget management and strategic thinking abilities.
• Proven ability to work in an environment requiring collaboration with the private sector, government, and national and international organizations.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Flexible, proactive, goal-oriented and with a willingness to travel in challenging environments.
• Ability to use initiative, prioritize, multi-task, and work well under pressure to meet deadlines.

Required Languages: 

• Fluency in English is required.

Travel:

• Willingness to travel is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural collaboration skills Ability to work with tight deadlines while managing multiple tasks and projects.
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and projects under tight deadlines.
• Ability to work and represent TNS in a multicultural and technical environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and quantitative skills with attention to detail.
• Outstanding written communication skills, including editing and proofreading.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.