PROGRAM OFFICER, KANO OFFICE

The Program Officer will support the Program Manager in the strategic design, implementation, coordination, and monitoring of project activities. The role requires strong program management capacity, donor engagement skills, and the ability to ensure quality, compliance, and impact across all project components.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Project Development & Implementation

•    Identify and respond to relevant grant and funding opportunities to support program expansion and sustainability.

•    Lead and support the development and review of high-quality project proposals, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and donor requirements.

•    Contribute to the design, implementation, and monitoring of annual work plans, budgets, and deliverables.

•    Coordinate and oversee project activities to ensure timely execution in line with approved plans and objectives.

•    Proactively identify implementation risks and challenges and develop appropriate mitigation strategies.

2. Grants, Donor Engagement & Financial Management

•    Support donor mapping, engagement, and relationship management to strengthen funding opportunities.

•    Manage and monitor project grants, ensuring timely preparation of narrative and financial reports in line with donor requirements.

•    Support budget development and oversee expenditure tracking to ensure cost efficiency and accountability.

•    Ensure accurate tracking of project expenditures, accruals, and financial documentation in compliance with organisational and donor standards.

3. Stakeholder Engagement & Representation

•    Represent the organisation at conferences, stakeholder engagements, and public events.

•    Maintain strong working relationships with partners, stakeholders, and beneficiaries to ensure effective coordination.

•    Identify and engage new partners and stakeholders to support program growth and scaling.

•    Participate in advocacy initiatives and community engagements related to human rights, governance, and social justice.

4. Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting & Learning (MERL)

•    Conduct regular project monitoring and support evaluation processes to track performance and outcomes.

•    Prepare high-quality periodic reports detailing progress, results, challenges, and lessons learned.

•    Document best practices and facilitate knowledge sharing to improve program effectiveness.

•    Coordinate the development and dissemination of program reports, learning materials, and strategic documents.

5. Operations, Compliance & Administration

•    Prepare and manage project-related agreements, including sub-grants, MOUs, and purchase orders.

•    Maintain organised and accessible project documentation using digital systems (e.g., SharePoint).

•    Ensure full compliance with donor regulations, organisational policies, and partner requirements.

•    Support procurement processes and serve as a liaison with field teams to ensure smooth operations.

•    Collaborate with HR, Finance, and Operations teams on all programmatic and administrative matters.

6. Strategic & Organisational Support

•    Provide strategic input to enhance program design, delivery, and overall impact.

•    Contribute to organisational learning, planning, and continuous improvement initiatives.

•    Perform any other duties as assigned by the Executive Director or designated supervisor.

7. Qualifications and Experience

•    Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Public Health, International Relations, or a related field (Master’s degree is an advantage).

•    Minimum of 2–5 years of experience in program implementation within an NGO, UN agency, or similar development organisation.

•    Demonstrated experience in project cycle management.

•    Familiarity with donor reporting requirements (e.g., USAID, EU, DFID, UN agencies) is an asset.

8. Skills and Competence COMPETENCIES

•    Strong project management and organisational skills.

•    Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

•    Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); experience with data tools (e.g., Kobo Toolbox, ODK) is a plus.

•    Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.

•    Strong interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity.

•    Commitment to the organisation’s mission, values, and safeguarding principles.

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