Signature Program Technical Lead at Heifer International

Heifer International is an international development organization dedicated to improving food security and income opportunities for rural families while promoting sound stewardship of natural resources. As a private, non-governmental organization based in Little Rock, Arkansas, Heifer has created lasting change for farming households in over 125 countries across Latin America, Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe for over 70 years.

Heifer International does so much more than put food in the mouths of hungry people. Heifer helps people feed themselves. The goal of every Heifer project is sustainability - project partners achieving self-reliance. And year after year, as partner families Pass on the Gift of knowledge and one or more of their animals' offspring to others in need, they become links in a network of hope, dignity and self-reliance that helps hundreds of others care for themselves.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Signature Program Technical Lead

Job ID: 1284
Location:  Abuja

Function

• The Signature Program Technical Lead will provide oversight in the design and implementation of the Nigeria Country Office Signature Program and constituent projects in line with program strategy to achieve the country’s strategic objectives. 
• S/he will ensure alignment of the Nigeria Country Office’s program management processes with Heifer International’s program/project management principles and standards, donor guidelines, and industry best practices. 
• The successful candidate will also be accountable for setting up and ensuring quality standards on professional excellence in signature program design and project execution excellence, impact measurement, learning, and reporting on defined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). 
• S/he will maintain focus on management, communication, and strategy and drive towards sustainability that achieves scale and permanent impact through long-term partnerships. 
• The Signature Program Technical Lead – Nigeria will report to the Country Director but will work collaboratively with the Signature Program Technical team at the regional level. The role supervises Project and Program Managers and Coordinators.

Responsibilities & Deliverables
Signature Program Design (15%):

• Engage in designing/co-designing and implementation of market systems and value chain development programs and projects, facilitate access to innovative finance, access to relevant technology, and premium markets for smallholder farmers. Facilitate capacity-strengthening trainings for farmers and other value chain actors and build organizational relationships with relevant stakeholders.
• Provide technical leadership for the preparation, design, submission, and approval of project concepts and full-fledged proposals. Act as an in-country technical proposal developer, while integrating donor strategies, priorities, and technical requirements into Heifer’s approach.
• Enable strong relationships with donors, peer organizations, research, and other institutions to enhance program quality.
• Develop and adopt standardized approaches, practices, tools, and measurements in co-design and capacity strengthening.
• Guide the in-country program team in developing comprehensive plans, materials, and capacity-strengthening strategies in program and project areas.

Program Management and Quality Initiatives (40%):

• Maintain excellent oversight of all program components and meet expectations for program success.
• Provide strategic leadership to the Country Signature Program team and ensure excellent management of the approved program, schedules, and budgets.
• Ensure the application of best standards, practices, partnership principles, processes, and tools toward high-quality implementation of signature programs.
• Develop and implement strategies, standards, tools, and best practices in program quality that effectively engage partners, donors, and governments.
• Roll out capacity-strengthening initiatives in program quality for staff and partners, develop learning and training strategies, and conduct workshops.
• Analyze program data, capture and share lessons learned, and identify best practices to facilitate improved decision-making.
• Monitor and provide feedback on program quality through regular meetings, field visits, and communication.
• Ensure Program Managers and Coordinators execute approved workplan activities and operations, recommending adjustments as needed to achieve program objectives.
• Effectively manage program risks in each phase of program implementation, ensuring objectives are fulfilled.
• Ensure accountability and compliance with donor requirements.
• Provide program-related reports and make presentations as required.
• Ensure adherence to compliance standards within Heifer and donor program guidelines, including transparency, accountability, and communication with stakeholders.
• Maintain strong communication with all relevant stakeholders throughout program implementation and manage a matrix program management structure when necessary.

Sustainable Locally Led Development Initiative (15%):

• Promote local ownership of projects and activities by local stakeholders and Country Office staff.
• Engage local stakeholders in participatory project design and development.
• Provide stakeholders with regular feedback and engage them in decision-making processes.

Budget Management and Monitoring (15%):

• Ensure all program teams develop annual budgets and workplans consistent with program documents and donor contracts.
• Support program teams in reviewing and updating workplans and budgets in response to challenges or reviews.
• Undertake quarterly budget monitoring and variance analysis with Program Managers, reviewing spending against annual budgets.
• Plan and undertake corrective actions arising from budget monitoring reports.
• Approve program-related cash advance requests and reconciliations in line with plans and financial procedures.

Strengthen Core Global Operating System (10%):

• Ensure compliance with Heifer International policies, procedures, and accountability standards through training, event participation, and field visits.
• Liaise with the Regional Signature Program Technical team and HQ departments on behalf of the Country Program.
• Ensure proposals and concept notes are entered into HQ tracking systems to avoid delays in activation.
• Ensure adequate development, implementation, evaluation, and systematization of signature programs.
• Obtain and review program monitoring and evaluation reports and make recommendations.
• Maintain program files and documents.

Any Other Assigned Function (5%):

• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements 

• Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture, Business Management, International Development, Social Sciences, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of 10–15 years of program management experience, including at least five years in designing and managing market systems, value chain development, and large, complex programs.
• Evidence-based experience working with governments, the private sector, and local and international institutions.

Preferred Requirements:

• Master’s degree preferred.
• At least seven years in technical signature programming leadership.
• At least five years in management.

Most Critical Proficiencies:

• Knowledge of strategic planning, program and project development and implementation processes (including planning, monitoring, and evaluation).
• Knowledge and work experience in agriculture and community development in a developing country context (market systems, value chains, access to market, access to finance, etc).
• Excellent knowledge of monitoring and evaluation of programs and projects.
• Excellent organizational and administrative skills including strong attention to detail.
• Knowledge of grant acquisition and management.
• Basic knowledge of finance controls and systems.
• Proficiency in basic statistics sufficient to analyze data.

Key Behavioural Competencies:

• Accountability
• Professional Excellence
• Humility
• Customer Orientation
• Empathy
• Innovation.

Application Closing Date
25th February 2025. 

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