Zonal Program Officer at Yiaga Africa

Yiaga Africa is a non-profit civic hub of change-makers committed to promoting democratic governance, human rights, and civic engagement. Based in Abuja, Nigeria, Yiaga Africa conducts in-depth research, analyzes democratic and governance issues, develops practical solutions, and empowers citizens to drive change in their communities. The organization has a presence in all 36 states and 774 LGAs of Nigeria and implements innovative programs to promote active citizenship, protect human rights, and deepen democracy.

Yiaga Africa fosters a diverse, vibrant, and inclusive workforce. We encourage applications from young women and persons with disabilities. All applications are treated with strict confidentiality. We do not tolerate any form of sexual exploitation, harassment, abuse, or discrimination. Selected candidates will undergo thorough background checks and training.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Zonal Program Officer

Location: Abuja, (FCT)
Employment Type: Contract
Type of Contract: Full-time
Department: Programs
Post Level: Support
Languages Required: English
Duration of Initial Contract: Short Term (6 Months)

Background

• To promote broad public participation and enhance public confidence in the conduct of elections, Yiaga Africa will undertake a comprehensive observation of the 2027 Nigerian general election, including systematic observation of voting and counting at a representative random sample of polling units using the Process and Results Verification for Transparency (PRVT) methodology and employing information and communication technologies (ICTs).
• The observation will provide the public, political parties, and electoral authorities with systematic, state-wide information on the conduct of the opening of polling stations, the voting process, and the counting of ballots, as well as verification of the official results based on statistical estimates using official results from a nationwide representative random sample of polling stations.
• The Zonal Program Officer will support the implementation of its election observation project for the 2027 general election, including the deployment of the Process and Results Verification for Transparency (PRVT) to enhance electoral integrity in Nigeria.
• The position is for six (6) months, subject to renewal based on performance and funding availability. The post holder would be expected to work 40 hours a week. The position has a competitive salary as obtainable in the industry.
• Yiaga Africa is committed to achieving a diverse, vibrant, innovative, and engaged workforce working to achieve the organization’s vision of “a people-driven, developed, and democratic Africa.” Yiaga Africa promotes diversity in terms of gender, nationality, religion/belief, culture, and other forms of diversity.
• For this role, young women and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
• Yiaga Africa does not tolerate sexual exploitation and harassment, abuse, or any harassment or discrimination. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference, background checks, and training.
• If you have the required skills and experience to excel as a Zonal Program Officer in our organization, do apply now!

Duties and Responsibilities

• The zonal program officer shall work with the Watching The Vote Team in Yiaga Africa’s office based in Abuja and shall oversee the activities of the state focal persons in the assigned zone for effective implementation of the election observation Project.
• The zonal program officer shall take the lead in developing and maintaining a database for members of Local Government Area Supervisors and polling unit observers in the assigned zone.
• He/she shall work with other team members at the Yiaga Africa office to schedule, plan, and execute all training programs in the assigned zone.
• He/she shall work with other members of the Watching The Vote team to compile and generate a draft report for the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration Exercise, Presidential Elections, and the final project report.
• He/she shall manage the State Focal Points, local government supervisors, and election observers in the assigned zone and ensure the accreditation and deployment of observers on election days.
• He/she shall work as a data manager at the National Data Center on Election Day.
• Other Responsibilities as Assigned.

Required Skills and Experience

• A minimum of five (5) years of cognate experience in democracy and good governance, or a related field.
• Degree in Law, Political Science, Social Sciences, Humanities, or any related field.
• Experience in working on elections or democratic governance is an advantage
• Proven experience and knowledge in PRVT or other forms of election observation models would be an advantage
• Excellent facilitation skills
• Excellent knowledge of project management and development
• Strong analytical and report-writing skills
• Ability to multitask and work under pressure
• Ability to manage logistics
• Excellent IT skills with proficiency in MS Office
• Excellent time-management and organizational skills
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills
• Detail-oriented and efficient
• Self-motivated and able to work without close supervision.

Competencies:
Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the values and ethical standards of Yiaga Africa.
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of Yiaga Africa.
• Displays gender, regional, religion/belief, race, nationality, culture, age sensitivity, and adaptability.

Functional Competencies:
Knowledge Management and Learning:

• Shares knowledge and experience.
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more practice areas, acts on the learning plan, and applies newly acquired skills.

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

• Ability to perform various standard tasks related to the provision of program support.
• Good IT skills.

Leadership and Self-Management:

• Focuses on results and responds positively to feedback.
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
• Remains calm, in control, and good-humored even under pressure.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in written and spoken English. Proficiency in French and/or any other language will be a plus.

Application Closing Date
27th February, 2026.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should: 
Click here to apply online

Note

• Candidates should fill out the job application form and upload their detailed resume containing their LinkedIn ID, Age, Address, and the contact information of referees in the document
• Application will be considered on a rolling basis.
• Only applications sent in the required format will be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.