Senior Programs Officer at Accountability Lab Nigeria

At Accountability Lab Nigeria, we have intensified our efforts in making governance work for people through our CivActs work and Accountability Incubator. We’re also working hard on encouraging narrative shifts, positive behaviours, and reforms through the work of Integrity Icons in the public service - giving people the knowledge and tools to help them push for better governance.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Senior Programs Officer

Location: Abuja (FCT)
Employment Type: Full-time

Job Description

• Accountability Lab (AL) Nigeria is looking to hire an experienced and proactive Senior Programs Officer.
• This role is essential to advancing AL’s mission in Nigeria by addressing critical issues such as procurement integrity, environmental justice, and digital governance.
• The position will design and implement programs that build power for citizens, particularly young people and marginalized groups, to actively participate in governance processes.
• By supporting capacity building and providing technical support, the role will contribute to strengthening transparency and accountability in governance systems, ensuring that decisions on procurement, environmental policies, and digital governance work for people.
• The position will also focus on developing evidence-based solutions to tackle these governance challenges, promoting best practices, and advocating for policy reforms.
• Through strategic leadership and collaboration with stakeholders, the role will support the Lab’s efforts in creating sustainable impact in these key areas, ensuring that citizens’ voices are heard and institutions remain accountable.

Responsibilities
Capacity Building and Technical Support:

• Design and facilitate training programs for project teams, partners, and stakeholders to enhance program outcomes and sustainability
• Support the network of Integrity Icons through Integrity Innovation Lab.
• Provide technical guidance to ensure program quality, leveraging insights from public policy research;
• Develop and implement strategies to empower marginalized groups to engage in governance processes, improving citizen participation and inclusion;

Leadership and Team Management:

• Provide mentorship and leadership to program staff, supporting a collaborative and high-performing team environment that encourages innovation and creativity;
• Contribute to the development and execution of AL Nigeria’s organizational strategies and operational plans.
• Support resource mobilization efforts, including proposal writing and donor engagement, in collaboration with the Program and Learning Manager.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL):

• Coordinate with the Storytelling Development Officer and MEL Officer to document and disseminate lessons learnt, success stories, and best practices to inform ongoing and future programming, and contribute to public policy research and knowledge sharing;
• Develop and implement MEL frameworks to track program progress, evaluate impact, and identify areas for improvement, incorporating community feedback loops and evidence-based solutions;
• Conduct regular evaluations to ensure AL programs address governance challenges effectively;
• Utilize community feedback mechanisms, such as Civic Action Teams, to strengthen accountability and open governance practices.

Program Development and Implementation:

• Leverage campaigns such as Integrity Icon and Voice2Rep to drive positive narratives and actions around accountability.
• Design, plan, and execute programs that align with AL Nigeria’s strategic objectives, incorporating innovative and evidence-based approaches informed by policy research;
• Integrate cross-cutting themes, including gender equity into all program designs and activities;
• Provide strategic direction for AL Nigeria programs focused on public accountability and citizen engagement;
• Ensure timely and effective achievement of project milestones and objectives, delivering measurable results;

Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy:

• Build and maintain strong partnerships with government agencies, NGOs/CSOs, and community groups to promote inclusive and accountable governance;
• Facilitate collaboration among stakeholders to drive collective action and align efforts with policy insights for systemic change;
• Advocate for policies and reforms that enhance transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance processes;
• Represent AL Nigeria in forums, coalitions, and public events.

Qualifications and Competencies
Educational Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Public Administration, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred;
• At least 5 years of experience in governance programming, advocacy, or related fields, with a minimum of 2 years in a senior programmatic role;
• Proven expertise in managing complex projects, from planning to evaluation.

Skills and Competencies:

• Deep understanding of governance issues in Nigeria, including procurement integrity, environmental justice, and digital governance;
• Strong knowledge of global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions);
• Exceptional facilitation, capacity-building, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to analyze complex governance challenges and propose innovative solutions;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including report writing and presentations.

Attributes:

• Passionate about accountability, governance, and human rights.
• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Adaptable, self-motivated, and capable of managing multiple priorities effectively.
• Collaborative team player committed to promoting inclusive governance practices.

Salary
N400,000 - N500,000 Monthly.

Application Closing Date
28th January, 2025.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV and a Cover Letter detailing their qualifications and experience to: nigeria@accountabilitylab.org using the Job Title as the subject of the mail.

Note

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• AL Nigeria is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly women and marginalised groups.