Deputy Director, Economic Opportunity, Nigeria

Deputy Director, Economic Opportunity, Nigeria

Gates Foundation

December 22, 2025February 5, 2026AbujaNigeria
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The organization is the largest nonprofit dedicated to combating poverty, disease, and inequity globally. Founded on the principle that all individuals, regardless of their identity or circumstances, deserve the opportunity to lead healthy and productive lives, the organization emphasizes the importance of diversity among its employees to reflect the global populations it serves. It offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage without premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, retirement contributions, regional holidays, and opportunities for employee engagement in various communities. The organization is committed to fostering a work environment that supports both personal and professional growth.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director, Economic Opportunity, Nigeria plays a crucial role in supporting the foundation's objectives across various programmatic areas in Nigeria, particularly within the Global Growth and Opportunity (GGO) and Gender Equality (GE) divisions. This position encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including agriculture development, digital public infrastructure, inclusive financial systems, water, sanitation and hygiene, global education, women's economic empowerment, and addressing social norms affecting adolescents. The Deputy Director will work closely with program strategy teams to align with their priorities and enhance impact in these areas. The role involves managing a team based in the Nigeria Country Office (NCO) and ensuring effective performance management. The Deputy Director will also be responsible for pipeline and portfolio development, providing insights on content and partner engagement, and identifying collaborative opportunities to maximize value across portfolios. As a member of the Nigeria Leadership Team, the Deputy Director will contribute to the strategic and operational performance of the NCO.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Deputy Director will develop and shape a strategy for economic opportunity in Nigeria, ensuring alignment with the priorities set by program strategy teams. Responsibilities include managing the landscaping and tracking of portfolios, grantees, and partners within the GGO and GE divisions, and actively participating in the development and implementation of joint workplans. The Deputy Director will foster synergies across GGO and GE programs, represent the foundation to external constituencies, and engage in high-level meetings with key stakeholders. The role also involves overseeing the implementation of the Nigeria country strategy, managing office staff, and ensuring adherence to the foundation's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion framework. Additional duties may be assigned as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates should possess an advanced degree (Master’s, MBA, PhD) in relevant fields such as international development, economics, business administration, management, or social sciences. A minimum of 12 years of professional experience is required, with at least 8 years in a senior program management role, ideally leading large-scale multimillion projects across Nigeria or multiple regions. Experience in a global organization with complex structures is advantageous. Candidates must demonstrate experience managing economic growth programs in areas such as agriculture development, digital public infrastructure, women's economic empowerment, inclusive financial systems, and global education. Strong relationships with policymakers, donors, and the private sector are essential, along with a deep understanding of government and international development organizations in Nigeria.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in a relevant field is preferred, with a focus on international development, economics, business administration, management, or social sciences. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of economic opportunity programs and for effectively managing diverse teams and projects.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 12 years of professional experience, with at least 8 years in a senior program management capacity. Experience leading large-scale projects and working within a global organization is highly desirable. The role requires a proven track record in managing economic growth programs and building partnerships with various stakeholders in Nigeria.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the regions and communities served by the foundation.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Abuja, Nigeria, and may require domestic and international travel up to 30%. The application deadline is set for 9 January 202
  • The hiring process will include a background check, and accommodations are available for candidates with disabilities. The organization is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its hiring practices, ensuring equal opportunity for all applicants.
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