Program Lead - WAVES Program at Bridge Connect Africa Initiative

Bridge Connect Africa Initiative (BCAI) is committed to empowering and amplifying the rights of girls, women and young people through equitable access to education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and environmental sustainability. Founded in 2018, BCAI uses strategies for policy-level activism, community engagements, capacity building, digital campaigns and research to address barriers that limit progress for these groups.

We work closely with communities to co-create innovative solutions and collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies to build a future where women and young people are empowered to live safe and dignified lives. Over the past six years, BCAI has developed and implemented programs that advance education, health, and safety for women, girls, and young people to delay early marriage, combat gender-based violence, and promote economic growth.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Program Lead - WAVES Program

Location: Kano (On-site)
Employment Type: Full-time

About the WAVES Project

• The Women Against Violence Empowered through Sustainability (WAVES) program uses a survivor-centered approach to address Gender-based violence (GBV) by equipping at-risk, vulnerable, and survivor women with practical skills and opportunities to build economic resilience and break cycles of violence. 
• Through a strategic blend of sustainable agriculture, entrepreneurship, and environmental stewardship, the WAVES model fosters a supportive ecosystem of empowered women entrepreneurs in Nigeria, where economic security and sustainability serve as transformative tools for Gender-based violence (GBV) prevention.
• The WAVES project focus is on the prevention of and response to Gender-based violence (GBV), with a strong emphasis on empowering women and girls, enhancing community support systems, and advocating for systemic change. The project prioritizes survivor-centered programming, evidence-based interventions, and meaningful partnerships with local actors.

Position Overview

• The Programs Lead (Gender-based violence (GBV)) will spearhead the planning, implementation, coordination, and oversight of WAVES program and other related GBV interventions within BCAI.
• This role involves constantly innovating, designing, implementing, and coordinating high-impact activities on the program while leading and building the capacity of project teams and other stakeholders. 
• The ideal candidate is a skilled program manager, gender advocate and team worker who is deeply committed to the rights, safety, and dignity of women and girls and will bring strong technical expertise in Gender-based violence (GBV) programming, leadership experience, and a commitment to survivor-centered and rights-based approaches.
• This is an exciting opportunity for a proactive and dynamic professional to contribute to advancing gender equality and ending violence against women and girls.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead innovation, design, planning, execution, and monitoring of Gender-based violence (GBV) activities across project locations.
• Provide strategic leadership for all Gender-based violence (GBV)-related programming and activities under the WAVES Project and other related ones within BCAI.
• Oversee survivor-centered case management, psychosocial support services, and referral pathways.
• Supervise and support Gender-based violence (GBV) Officers, Case Managers, and field teams to ensure high-quality service delivery and adherence to ethical standards.
• Design and oversee the implementation of Gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response initiatives in collaboration with local communities, partners, and stakeholders.
• Establish and maintain effective referral pathways for survivors, ensuring timely and confidential access to psychosocial, legal, health, and protection services.
• Develop training modules and facilitate capacity-building workshops for project staff and community actors.
• Collaborate with M&E teams to track progress, evaluate impact, and ensure data confidentiality and quality. Also track project outcomes, document lessons learned, and inform adaptive programming.
• Research grant, funding and partnership opportunities and lead proposal efforts on Gender-based violence (GBV) and the WAVES program.
• Strengthen partnerships with stakeholders including government agencies, NGOs, and service providers to enhance Gender-based violence (GBV) response systems.
• Represent the project in Gender-based violence (GBV) coordination platforms and policy dialogue forums.
• Ensure timely and high-quality reporting of project outcomes and lessons learned.
• Build the capacity of staff, volunteers, and partners through training, mentorship, and continuous technical support.
• Represent the WAVES Project in Gender-based violence (GBV) coordination platforms and contribute to advocacy and policy engagement efforts.
• Prepare timely reports, success stories, and documentation for internal use and donor reporting.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or its equivalent in Gender Studies, Social Work, Psychology, Public Health, Development Studies, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of progressive experience in Gender-based violence (GBV) program implementation, ideally in an NGO or humanitarian context.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing multi-component GBV projects.
• Solid understanding of GBV case management, referral systems, and international standards (e.g., IASC GBV Guidelines).
• Proven ability to train and supervise teams and work in multicultural, community-based environments.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and problem-solving skills.
• Fluency in English and Hausa (written and spoken) is an added advantage.

Application Closing Date
8th May, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV and Cover Letter to: recruit@bridgeconnectafrica.org using the position and location as the subject of the email.

Note

• Only Shortlisted Candidates Will Be Contacted.
• Equal Opportunity:
  • BCAI is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer. 
  • We are dedicated to upholding diversity, equity, and fairness across all levels of our organization. 
  • We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences — including but not limited to gender, age, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, religion, and socio-economic status.
• Safeguarding and Child Protection:
  • We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of abuse, exploitation, harassment, or misconduct. 
  • Safeguarding is at the core of our work. 
  • All staff, interns, and partners are expected to uphold our safeguarding and child protection standards, ensuring the safety and dignity of children, vulnerable populations, and everyone we work with and for.