Senior Program Officer at Grassroot Researchers Association (GRA) - 2 Openings

Grassroots Researchers Association (GRA) is a nonprofit and non-political rights-based organization registered in 2016 with the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria as a local content hub aimed at facilitating evidence- based grassroots initiatives and actions that promote development, justice and victims support in the communities. Our mission is to be an active grassroots mobilizer towards improving the total quality of human life and social justice in Nigeria. Our programmes are spread across Climate Change, Conflict, Security and Justice, Social Economic Development and Governance. For more information, visit: www.grassrootresearchers.org

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Senior Program Officer

Reference Number: GRA/BAY/2025/08/SPO
Locations: Adamawa and Yobe
Employment Type: Contract
Project Duration: 18 Months (renewable)
Resumptions Date: September 15th, 2025

Project’s Overview

• GRA is the implementing partner for a portfolio of survivor-centered projects across 18 local government areas in northeast Nigeria.
• These projects are strategically funded by a diverse group of international partners: the Mukwege Foundation, the Global Survivor Fund (GSF), the French Embassy, and We Are Not Weapons of War (WWOW).
• Through these strategic collaborations, we are working to strengthen the network of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) survivors by providing integrated support.
• This includes offering tailored livelihood empowerment and essential trauma-informed psycho social services to facilitate healing and economic stability.
• We are also building the capacity of survivor-led networks, enabling them to become powerful advocates for their own rights.
• A key component of our work involves utilizing innovative technology by combining direct survivor support with strategic capacity building and cutting-edge technology, we are helping to build a sustainable foundation for resilience and long-term empowerment in the region.

Job Summary

• As a Senior Program Officer, you will play a critical role in advancing GRA's mission by managing and implementing our core programs.
• You will be responsible for the strategic oversight of project activities, ensuring they are not only well-managed but also directly contribute to the empowerment of women and girls, particularly survivors of gender-based violence.
• This position requires a proactive and strategic thinker who can ensure programs effectively address community needs while aligning with donor requirements and our organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the assigned program portfolio with a focus on strategic planning, effective implementation, and impact-oriented monitoring and evaluation.
• Develop and execute strategic program work plans, budgets, and timelines in collaboration with key stakeholders to achieve project goals.
• Oversee the implementation of survivor-focused activities, ensuring strict adherence to project proposals and donor requirements.
• Coordinate and provide strategic guidance to program staff and volunteers.
• Monitor and evaluate program progress against established indicators and objectives to measure impact and inform future strategies.
• Identify and address programmatic challenges proactively, proposing innovative and strategic solutions.
• Prepare high-quality, data-driven program reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Build and sustain strong, collaborative relationships with program beneficiaries and community partners.
• Conduct targeted trainings and capacity-building workshops for program participants to enhance their skills and empowerment.
• Manage program budgets and ensure efficient and strategic allocation of resources.
• Stay current on best practices in humanitarian and development programming within the field.
• Champion the rights of program participants and advocate for a survivor-centred approach.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field such as gender studies, international development, program management, or a related social science. Amaster's degreeis a significant advantage.
• A minimum of five years of progressive experience in program and project management, with a proven track record of designing, implementing, and overseeing humanitarian or development initiatives.
• Strong command ofprogram monitoring and evaluation (M&E)principles, including data collection, impact measurement, and reporting.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills in English, with the ability to write for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and working effectively with multicultural teams in challenging, fast-paced environments.

Most Preferred Skills:

• Extensive experience managing and implementing field-based programs in theBAY states(Borno, Adamawa, Yobe).
• Proven ability to write high-qualitytechnical and donor reports.
• Highly proficient in usingMS Office(Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Advanced planning, time management, and project management skills.
• Strong leadership, mentorship, and people management skills.
• Familiarity with program and M&E data management systems.
• Highly professional, accountable, and proactive, with a strong focus on achieving results.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a proven ability to meet strict deadlines.
• Ability to work autonomously and make sound decisions with minimal supervision.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and decision-making skills.

Application Closing Date
5th September, 2025. 

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their application to the Joint Recruitment Committee (JRC) via: jobs@grassrootresearchers.org and copy to: a.livinus@grassrootresearchers.org using their Name / Position Title / Location (Example "Rukaiya Aminu / Senior Program Officer / Borno") as the subject of the mail.

Note

• Applications that do not follow this format will not be considered.
• Your application must include aone-page application letterand acurriculum vitae (CV) of no more than 4 pages.
• All documents must be converted into asingle PDF fileand submitted as an attachment by12:00 PM (WAT) on September 5, 2025.
• Please be aware that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply early.
• Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.