Senior Program Manager

Job Title: Senior Program Manager

Project: The Plastics Recycling Program in Nigeria (PReP 2.0).

Reports to: Country Director

Location: This position is based either in Abuja or Lagos state with regular travel to the states where the project is being implemented (Anambra, Lagos and Kano).

About TechnoServe:

Everyone deserves the opportunity to build a better future. This simple idea has been at the heart of TechnoServe’s work around the world for over 50 years. TechnoServe is a pioneer in leveraging the power of business and markets to create sustainable pathways out of poverty.

The low-income communities in which we work are full of enterprising people. Their small-scale farms and businesses are the keys to economic development. But they face many challenges: low literacy, lack of access to jobs and markets, unpredictable political dynamics and, increasingly, the effects of climate change. For many women and young people, the challenges are even more daunting. Working with TechnoServe staff, people around the world are lifting themselves out of poverty. The results are amazing…when incomes increase and living conditions for families get better, they can access health care and education previously out of reach. Communities and even whole countries are better off. 

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

Qualifications:

• A master’s degree or equivalent in business, international development, economics, or other relevant field 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.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Ecosystem Development Manager, Senior Business Advisors, Business Advisors, Technical Consultants.

Closing Statements:

We encourage all qualified individuals who share TechnoServe's vision of improving the lives of others through proven business solutions to apply.

With our commitment to diversity, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and affirmative action employer and do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, HIV/AIDS status, protected veteran status, disability and all other protected classes.

We are also proud of our commitment to protecting staff, partners, and beneficiaries from abuse and exploitation and thoroughly vet all final candidates through rigorous background and reference checks.

If you have a disability that affects your ability to use our online system to apply for a position at TechnoServe please contact the Human Resources at [email protected] or call +1 202 785 4515.