Program Manager, Nigeria

Position: Program Manager, Nigeria
Reports to: Country Director, Nigeria
Location: Lagos, Nigeria (Hybrid Remote/Office)
Scope: CIPE’s Africa team is seeking a full time Program Manager for the CIPE Nigeria Office. This position is responsible for the development and implementation of CIPE’s strategic focus on democratic governance through private sector collective action initiatives to improve business participation, economic freedom, and opportunity across the region by developing country strategies in alignment with regional strategy, communications strategies, project implementation, and support grants to local business organizations, think tanks, and chambers of commerce.
CIPE Africa works with local partners to combat corruption, promote corporate governance reforms and build frameworks that foster accountability in both the private and public sectors. The Program Manager will lead the successful implementation of projects and programs related to CIPE Africa's strategic areas in Nigeria: Accountability, Governance and Integrity; Business Leadership and Entrepreneurship; Business for Peace; Digital Space; and Trade and Inclusion.
Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement strategies to advance CIPE’s objectives in improving democratic governance, economic reforms, and private sector development in Nigeria and across the region.
• Design, manage, and oversee a portfolio of grants and projects supporting chambers of commerce, business associations, and other stakeholders.
• Create project concept papers, proposals, reports, and correspondence tailored to CIPE’s mission and donor guidelines.
• Represent CIPE at functions, events, and meetings to promote market-oriented institutional reforms, including delivering training programs, public speaking, and facilitating meetings with partners and stakeholders.
• Conduct political and economic analysis of Nigeria’s landscape to identify opportunities for CIPE programs and partnerships.
• Collaborate with chambers of commerce, associations, professional associations and institutions, civil society organizations and other civic and private sector entities to design effective programs for democratic and economic reform.
• Evaluate project proposals in line with CIPE’s strategic priorities, regional context, and grant criteria.
• Develop and refine monitoring and evaluation plans, project budgets, and implementation strategies with partners.
• Establish and maintain regular communication with grantees, contractors, and consultants to ensure program objectives and financial compliance.
• Monitor and evaluate project progress through on-site visits, data analysis, and regular reporting.
• Coordinate with CIPE’s country representatives and internal teams to support all project activities, budgets, and evaluations.
• Establish and maintain relationships with other donor organizations to identify linkages with CIPE strategies, monitor trends, and assess new funding opportunities. Work with the CIPE donor community to develop joint projects, grants and/or contracts to further democratic and economic reform initiatives.
• Collaborate with CIPE’s internal departments, including Grants and Finance, Communications, and Policy and Program Learning, to achieve programmatic goals.
• Stay informed about political and economic developments in Nigeria and the region and assess their impact on CIPE’s ongoing and planned projects.

Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s degree in political economy, post graduate degree in Law, International Relations and diplomacy, or a related field is required.
• Master’s degree (MBA, Political Economy, Law, or related fields) is strongly preferred.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in international assistance programs, non-profits, chambers of commerce, or business associations, preferably in Nigeria or the region.
• Proven experience in project management and program implementation, including designing, monitoring, and evaluating programs.
• Familiarity with private sector development, democratic governance, business association advocacy, anti-corruption, and related themes.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain strong relationships with partners, donors, and colleagues.
• Fluency (written and spoken) in English is required; knowledge of French is preferred.
• Excellent communication skills, including public speaking, writing, and proposal development.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with attention to detail in reporting and documentation.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and project management tools.
• Prior experience with donor-funded programs (e.g., USAID, European Union) is highly desirable.
• Cultural competence and the ability to work in diverse, fast-paced environments.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally for project oversight and partner engagement.
• Commitment to CIPE’s values of innovation, integrity, inclusion, and respect

Benefits and Perks

CIPE offers a salary competitive with other international non-governmental organizations and an excellent benefits package. Applicants must be legally able to work in Nigeria.

CIPE is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

CIPE offers a salary competitive with other international non-governmental organizations.
 

Applications will be accepted and interviews will be conducted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls or emails, please.