Senior Program Manager 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: Senior Program Manager

Requisition number: SENIO005257
Location: Abuja / Lagos with regular travel to the states where the project is being implemented (Anambra, Lagos and Kano)
Job Type: Full time (On-site)
Job category: Programs
Project: The Plastics Recycling Program in Nigeria (PReP 2.0).
Reports to: Country Director

Program Overview
The Plastic Recycling Program in Nigeria (PReP 1.0 and PReP 2.0):

• Nigeria generates an estimated 2.5 million metric tons (MT) of plastic waste annually. Less than 12% of that waste is recycled, while the rest is dumped, incinerated, burned in open fields, or discarded into the waterways.
• The Plastic Recycling Program in Nigeria (PReP 2.0) is a two-phase initiative funded by the Coca-Cola Africa Foundation. The project aims to reduce plastic waste in Kano, Lagos and Anambra states by increasing the volume and quality of recycled plastics through inclusive, market-driven interventions along the value chain and by fostering an enabling environment.
• The project will  strengthen the capacity of collectors, aggregators, and recyclers to reduce plastic waste through improved business competitiveness, sustainability, profitability, and inclusive job creation, ultimately driving growth in the circular economy, for a cleaner, healthier Nigeria. The project will run through May 2027, with the possibility of extension.

Job Summary

• The Senior Program Manager is responsible for the implementation of PReP (and may be involved in other projects if needed).
• Managing a team of 20+ people across Kano, Kaduna, Anambra and Lagos states, s/he will execute the overall strategy of the project to reach its goals and targets. The Senior Program Manager will operationalize the work plan, adapting technical approaches and interventions as needed, and oversee project resources.
• S/he will also serve as the primary liaison with public and private sector counterparts and other key stakeholders, including donors.
• This role requires expertise in project management and a deep understanding of Nigeria’s unique waste ecosystem and regulatory landscape. The ideal candidate will be motivated and able to provide critical leadership of the project.

 Primary Functions & Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of activities through the operationalization of the work plan
• With the MEL Manager and Senior MEL Specialist, ensure high-quality data is being collected to demonstrate project impact and results
• Adapt project approaches and interventions, as needed, to reach targets and milestones
• Develop high-quality deliverables, including quarterly progress reports, that meet donor requirements and deadlines
• Identify and address implementation challenges
• Support the development of training materials
• Monitor the project budget to ensure a healthy burn rate and allowability of costs
• Serve as the primary liaison with public and private sector counterparts, including local government agencies, and other key stakeholders
• Prepare and provide a quarterly presentation to the donors on project progress
• Represent the project at external events
• Advise TechnoServe’s Program Development team on project proposals, as needed

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Ecosystem Development Manager, Senior Business Advisors, Business Advisors, Technical Consultants.

Qualifications

• A Master’s Degree or equivalent in Business, International Development, Economics, or other relevant fields with at least 7 years of experience. Alternatively, a bachelor’s degree with 10+ years of experience.
• At least eight years of relevant professional experience in international development.
• At least four years of experience managing and implementing medium to large programs.
• Extensive experience managing large teams at a high level of leadership (e.g., Team Lead, Chief of Party, Program Director).
• Prior work experience or collaboration with private sector companies and businesses.
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively and collaboratively with a broad range of public and private sector counterparts and other key stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of the plastic waste sector.
• Experience leading United States Government funded projects is highly desirable.
• Experience working in Nigeria is preferred.
• Experience in successfully implementing gender-integrated programs is a plus.

 Required Languages: 

• Fluency in English is required.

Travel: 

• Local travel 40-50%

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Extensive project management skills, including strategic planning, stakeholder coordination, resource allocation, compliance monitoring, and performance tracking
• Deep understanding of waste management, particularly the Nigerian plastic waste sector.
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills in a multicultural environment.
• Ability to work with tight deadlines while managing multiple tasks and priorities.
• Ability to develop well-written, cohesive analyses and reports.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.