Programme Specialist at Centre for Community Development and Research Network (CCDRN)

Center for Community Development and Research Network (CCDRN) is a local Non-governmental organization (NGO) in Nigeria with its head office in Kaduna. CCDRN partners with communities, philanthropists, government, and donors to provide sustainable community development services in the areas of conflict resolution, peace building, economic empowerment, agriculture, health, education, and governance. With funding from humanitarian donors, programs are implemented to engage in several interventions, including but not limited to food assistance, livelihoods, cash transfers, and capacity building of humanitarian response actors.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Programme Specialist

Locations: Kaduna North, Kaduna and Yobe
Employment Type: Full-time

Position Overview

• The Programme Specialist will support the Project Director in coordinating program implementation across CCDRN operations by working closely with project leads, M&E, and other technical teams to effectively implement projects.
• S/he will provide strategic and technical leadership across program design, implementation, monitoring, and reporting, while ensuring quality delivery of projects in Livelihood, Nutrition, Education, and Peacebuilding interventions.
• The Specialist will embed strong MEAL practices and play a key role in supporting Programme Associates and field teams through capacity building, mentorship, and technical guidance to enhance programme effectiveness and impact.

Key Responsibilities
Programme Planning and Implementation:

• Support the Project Director in the design, planning, and execution of projects in alignment with organizational strategy and donor requirements.
• Coordinate with project leads and technical teams to oversee the implementation of project activities, ensuring high quality and timely delivery of outputs.
• Assist in the development of work plans, implementation strategies, and budgets for assigned projects.
• Ensure programme activities are context-specific, gender-responsive, inclusive, and conflict-sensitive.

Technical Leadership and Support:

• Provide technical guidance on Livelihood, Nutrition, Education, and Peacebuilding interventions to ensure integrated and holistic programming.
• Identify and promote innovative approaches and best practices to enhance project quality and impact.
• Build the capacity of team members through regular mentoring, on-the-job training, and knowledge sharing sessions.
• Support programme teams to mainstream cross-cutting issues such as protection, gender, climate change, and disability inclusion in project activities.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL):

• Collaborate with the MEAL unit to develop and implement effective monitoring frameworks and tools.
• Work closely with M&E teams to ensure programmes are guided by evidence and learning through regular monitoring, field visits, and data review sessions.
• Contribute to the development and review of logical frameworks, indicators, and results frameworks.
• Support the documentation of lessons learned, success stories, and best practices to inform programme adaptation and scale-up.

Coordination and Representation:

• Facilitate effective internal coordination between programme teams, support units, and management, in support of the Project Director.
• Represent the organization in external coordination meetings, technical working groups, and donor engagements as required.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, community structures, and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to proposal development, concept notes, and strategic positioning of the organization in relevant sectors.

Compliance, Reporting, and Accountability:

• Ensure project implementation aligns with donor regulations, organizational policies, and relevant standards.
• Prepare timely and quality narrative and technical reports to donors, partners, and internal management.
• Support effective risk management and compliance mechanisms across projects.
• Uphold and promote accountability to affected populations (AAP) in all aspects of programme implementation.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced university Degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Education, Peace and Conflict Studies, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years progressive experience in programme design and management within the NGO/INGO sector.
• Proven technical expertise in at least two of the following thematic areas: Livelihood, Nutrition, Education, or Peacebuilding.
• Demonstrated experience in applying MEAL approaches, tools, and frameworks.
• Solid understanding of humanitarian and development contexts.
• Experience in donor reporting and proposal development.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong project management skills, including planning, budgeting, and reporting.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities with a proven capacity to mentor and build the capacity of programme teams.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of gender equality, protection mainstreaming, and Do-No-Harm principles.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with project management or MEAL software is an asset.

Application Closing Date
31st October, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their cover letter and resume detailing their qualifications and experience relevant to the role to: hr@ccdrn.org using the job title as the subject of the email.

Note

• Late applications will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• CCDRN strongly encourages women to apply.
• CCDRN is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from qualified female candidates.
• All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability status, or any other protected category.