Head of Programs at Vision for Inclusive Solutions and Transparency Initiative (VISTA Initiative)

Vision for Inclusive Solutions and Transparency Initiative (VISTA Initiative) is a national non-governmental organization with a strong focus on women and girls, established in response to the humanitarian crisis in Nigeria. The organization prioritizes interventions in the Northeast, Northwest, and North Central regions, where communities face the impacts of armed conflict, natural disasters, climate-induced displacement, and deep socio-economic marginalization.

VISTA Initiative delivers life-saving humanitarian assistance while advancing sustainable development, climate-resilient programming, and peacebuilding solutions for crisis-affected and underserved populations. The organization places particular emphasis on addressing the needs of women, children, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and the elderly, ensuring that disability inclusion is fully mainstreamed across all programs.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Head of Programs

Location: Maiduguri, Borno State (with frequent travel to project locations across Northeast, Northwest, and North Centra Borno,
Employment Type: Full-time

Purpose of the Position

• The Head of Programs provides strategic, technical, and operational leadership across all organizational programs.
• This position is responsible for, leading program design, implementation, and oversight across sectors, driving proposal development and donor engagement, ensuring compliance with donor, statutory, and organizational standards, strengthening partnerships, program quality, and staff capacity.
• The role is critical for ensuring VISTA Initiative delivers high-impact, evidence-based, and sustainable programs that meet donor expectations and community needs.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Program Leadership:

• Lead the development and execution of the organizational program strategy, ensuring alignment with national priorities and donor frameworks.
• Translate the VISTA Initiative strategic plan into actionable, high-impact programs.
• Provide strategic guidance to the Executive Director and Senior Management Team on programmatic decisions.

Proposal Development and Donor Engagement:

• Lead the development of concept notes, project proposals, budgets, and implementation plans for funding opportunities.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities, ensuring proposals are technically sound, inclusive, gender-responsive, conflict-sensitive, and results-oriented.
• Represent VISTA Initiative in donor meetings, negotiations, and funding presentations.
• Strengthen the organization’s visibility, credibility, and donor confidence.

Program Design, Implementation, and Quality Assurance:

• Oversee all program implementation to ensure timely, cost-effective, and high-quality delivery.
• Establish and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and quality assurance mechanisms.
• Conduct field visits, program reviews, and performance assessments to ensure programs meet objectives and standards.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL):

• Oversee robust MEAL systems to track program performance, outcomes, and impact.
• Ensure data-driven decision-making and adaptive programming.
• Promote documentation of lessons learned, good practices, and success stories.
• Ensure timely and high-quality donor reporting (narrative and results-based).

Leadership and Capacity Building:

• Lead, mentor, and build the capacity of program and field staff.
• Promote a culture of accountability, ethical conduct, inclusiveness, and teamwork.
• Ensure staff adherence to safeguarding, PSEA, child protection, and organizational policies.

Partnerships, Coordination, and Advocacy:

• Represent VISTA Initiative in coordination forums, clusters, and stakeholder meetings.
• Strengthen partnerships with government ministries, UN agencies, INGOs, CSOs, and community structures.
• Support the development of MOUs, partnership agreements, and joint initiatives.
• Advocate for inclusive, transparent, and community-driven programming.

Risk Management and Compliance:

• Identify programmatic risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, PSEA, donor regulations, and statutory requirements.
• Support audits, evaluations, and donor compliance.

Key Deliverables

• High-quality, donor-compliant proposals and concept notes submitted on time.
• Timely and accurate program reports (narrative and results-based).
• Strengthened MEAL and program management systems.
• Enhanced staff capacity and performance across programs.
• Increased visibility, impact, and credibility with donors and partners.
• Strong multi-sectoral partnerships and coordination.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Public Administration, Business Administration, International Development, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of program management experience in NGOs/INGOs, with at least 3 years in senior leadership.
• Proven experience in multi-sectoral humanitarian and development programs.
• Demonstrated success in proposal development, donor engagement, and resource mobilization.
• Experience managing donors including UN agencies, INGOs, NHF, ECW, UK-Aid, bilateral donors, and government partner

Core Competencies and Skills:

• Strategic thinking and leadership.
• Excellent proposal writing, fundraising, and analytical skills.
• Strong understanding of humanitarian principles, development programming, and compliance standards.
• Effective communication, coordination, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects in fragile or insecure environments.
• High integrity, accountability, and transparency.

Safeguarding and Code of Conduct:

• The Head of Programs is required to adhere to VISTA Initiative Code of Conduct, Safeguarding Policy, and PSEA Policy. Any form of exploitation, abuse, harassment, or misconduct will not be tolerated.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

• VISTA Initiative is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds.

Application Closing Date
10th February, 2026; by 12:00 PM.

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

Submission Instructions:

• Submit in a single PDF file, including at least two professional references, Cover letter detailing suitability for the role, Updated CV and Copies of academic and professional credentials.

Note

• Important: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.