Director of Programs
Role Summary
Job Title: Director of Programs
Department: Management
Travel Clause: As required
Job Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Contract Duration: Indefinite
Reporting Mechanism: Executive Director
ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND
The Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative (PLSI) invites applications from highly qualified and experienced professionals for the position of Director of Programs.
PLSI is a civic organization dedicated to strengthening public sector accountability, advancing evidence-based policymaking, and empowering citizens, oversight institutions, and reform-minded actors to improve governance outcomes. As PLSI continues to scale its work across multiple thematic areas, we seek an accomplished leader to provide strategic oversight and operational leadership across our program portfolio.
ROLE PURPOSE
The Director of Programs is a senior management position responsible for providing strategic direction, leadership, and quality assurance across all PLSI programs. The role ensures coherence between organizational strategy, program design, implementation, monitoring, learning, and impact. The Director of Programs will work closely with the Executive Director, program teams, partners, and donors to strengthen PLSI’s effectiveness, visibility, and policy influence.
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Strategic Leadership and Program Oversight
- Provide strategic leadership for the design, implementation, and scaling of PLSI’s programs.
- Ensure alignment of all programs with PLSI’s mission, strategic plan, and theory of change.
- Lead program planning, annual work plans, and performance tracking across portfolios.
- Program Quality, Learning, and Impact
- Ensure high-quality program delivery, evidence-based approaches, and measurable results.
- Oversee monitoring, evaluation, learning, and adaptation (MEL) processes.
- Promote innovation, learning, and cross-program synergies.
- Team Leadership and Management
- Supervise and mentor program officers and senior program staff.
- Foster a collaborative, high-performing, and values-driven organizational culture.
- Support capacity development of program teams.
- Partnerships, Policy Engagement, and Fundraising Support
- Strengthen relationships with government institutions, civil society, media, development partners, and donors.
- Support proposal development, donor reporting, and strategic fundraising efforts.
- Represent PLSI in high-level policy, donor, and stakeholder engagements.
- Institutional Coordination
- Work closely with finance, administration, and communications teams to ensure effective program delivery and compliance.
- Contribute to organizational leadership, risk management, and strategic decision-making.
QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE & REQUIREMENTS
Education
- A minimum of a master’s degree in public policy, Development Studies, Governance, Political Science, Economics, Law, or a related field.
Experience
- At least 8–10 years of progressive experience in program management, with a minimum of 4–5 years in a senior leadership role.
- Proven experience working in public finance and policy domains.
- Proven experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder programs in governance, accountability, public policy, or development.
- Demonstrated experience working with donors and managing grants.
Skills and Competencies
- Strong strategic thinking and leadership skills.
- Excellent analytical, writing, and communication abilities.
- Proven people management and team leadership experience.
- Strong understanding of governance, accountability, and policy processes.
- Ability to work effectively in dynamic, fast-paced environments with multiple priorities.
- High level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to public interest values.
REMUNERATION
Compensation will be commensurate with experience and in line with organizational salary structure.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Interested and ONLY qualified candidates should submit Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter explaining suitability for the role to [hr@plsinitiative.org] using the subject line: Application – Director of Programs.
Application Deadline: [January 23, 2026]
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.