Project Director - Digital Advancement for Women Now (DAWN)

Job Posting Organization:
Prosper Global, formerly known as Mercy Corps, is a humanitarian organization that was established to address the urgent needs of communities facing conflict, climate change, and economic hardship. The organization operates in over 40 countries and has built a reputation for innovative economic development programming, particularly in collaboration with start-ups. In 2026, the organization rebranded to Prosper Global to reflect its mission of enabling every community to prosper, thereby advancing humanity as a whole. Prosper Global launched the Jobtech Alliance in late 2021, which focuses on creating inclusive job opportunities through digital platforms in Africa. The organization is committed to building partnerships that deliver real results and aims to empower underserved populations, particularly young women, refugees, and persons with disabilities, through its initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Project Director for the Digital Advancement for Women Now (DAWN) project is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the implementation of the project in Nigeria. This position is crucial for achieving the project's goal of supporting 132,000 financially disadvantaged young people, with a focus on young women, refugees, and persons with disabilities, in accessing safe and dignified work through jobtech startups. The Project Director will lead a one-year Learning Pilot to generate evidence for scaling up the project. This role involves managing relationships with consortium partners, including BFA Global and ImpactHER, and ensuring that the project remains aligned with its approved workplan, budget, and targets. The Project Director will also be the primary point of contact for the Mastercard Foundation, responsible for maintaining high-quality communication and reporting, and adapting the project based on emerging evidence.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Director will have a range of responsibilities, including:

• Donor Management (50%): Leading the relationship with the Mastercard Foundation, ensuring clear communication and documentation of progress, risks, and issues. Preparing for and leading governance meetings, managing approvals and changes, and ensuring timely and high-quality reporting.
• Project, Budget, and Implementation Management (35%): Overseeing the delivery of the DAWN project against its workplan and budget, advising on local adaptations, managing the Senior Project Manager, and ensuring financial controls are in place.
• Country Operations (10%): Leading the social and performance culture of the Nigeria team, ensuring they have the necessary resources to thrive.
• Risk, Compliance, and Safeguarding (5%): Ensuring safeguarding measures are integrated into all activities and that compliance with the Foundation's Code of Conduct is maintained. The Project Director will also supervise the Senior Project Manager and work collaboratively with various teams within the Jobtech Alliance.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have a minimum of 10 years of experience in program or project management, with at least 5 years leading complex donor-funded programs involving multiple partners. A proven track record in managing relationships with institutional donors on large grants is critical, including experience with the Mastercard Foundation being an advantage. Candidates should possess strong skills in results-based management, monitoring and evaluation (MEL), and donor financial management. Experience in youth employment, gender, livelihoods, or the digital economy is preferred, along with the ability to work independently and build trusted relationships with stakeholders.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Social Work, Development Studies, Business, Law, or a related field is required. A postgraduate degree is considered an advantage. Candidates should also have equivalent practical experience that demonstrates their capability to fulfill the role's requirements.

Experience:
The position requires extensive experience in managing programs or projects, particularly those funded by institutional donors. Candidates should have a strong background in youth employment and livelihoods programs, with a focus on safeguarding and protection. Experience working with marginalized populations, such as young women, refugees, and persons with disabilities, is preferred. The ability to navigate ambiguity and adapt to evolving priorities in a new program is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory. Strong communication skills are necessary for writing clear and persuasive donor reports and briefings. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time national position based in Lagos, Nigeria, with the expectation of working in a shared office approximately three days per week. The role requires up to 40% travel to various program areas, which may include locations with limited amenities. The organization promotes ongoing learning, allowing team members to dedicate 5% of their time to personal and professional development activities. Prosper Global is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a safe and inclusive work environment, adhering to safeguarding principles and ethical standards.