Senior Program Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is the largest nonprofit dedicated to combating poverty, disease, and inequity globally. It was founded on the principle that all individuals, regardless of their identity or circumstances, should have the opportunity to lead healthy and productive lives. The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity among its employees, reflecting the varied 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 funded by the foundation, regional holidays, and opportunities for employees to engage in various community initiatives. The organization is committed to fostering an environment that supports both personal and professional growth for its employees.

Job Overview:
The Senior Program Officer position is a new addition to the existing Agriculture Senior Officer role in Nigeria, designed to address the expanded scope and scale of work necessary for implementing the Nigeria Inclusive Agricultural Transformation (IAT) roadmap. This role involves supporting the effective execution of the Nigeria IAT roadmap, coordinating investments across various teams, and strategically managing relationships with government entities, donors, and the private sector. The Senior Program Officer will report to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director of AgDev Enabling Country Systems Africa and will collaborate closely with the current Nigeria Senior Officer for Agricultural Development to achieve the objectives outlined in the country strategy. The position requires a strong focus on providing technical guidance, improving policy environments, and fostering evidence-based policy formulation and implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Program Officer will be responsible for providing technical guidance on strategies and investments in Nigeria aimed at enhancing the policy-enabling environment for agricultural development. This includes being the focal technical person for AgDev investments that drive IAT in Nigeria, co-owning and being accountable for achieving AgDev targets at the national level, and co-leading the formulation and execution of comprehensive plans to meet agricultural sector goals. The role also involves establishing robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track progress toward AgDev targets, improving alignment and coordination of core intervention areas, leveraging resources from government and private sector partners, and expanding partner networks. The Senior Program Officer will provide advice and support to key foundation partners, represent the foundation in strategic meetings, analyze data to prioritize intervention areas, and coordinate closely with the existing Nigeria Senior Officer to ensure complementary approaches and shared learning.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree or equivalent work experience relevant to agriculture, such as agribusiness, agricultural economics, or rural development. A minimum of 10 years of experience is required, including at least 5 years working in Sub-Saharan Africa with partners in the agricultural sector, ideally with experience in commercial roles within the private sector. Familiarity with the Nigerian agricultural sector is essential, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) is preferred. Candidates should demonstrate broad knowledge of agricultural systems, entrepreneurial skills, proven ability to engage in policy dialogue, and outstanding analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced degree in a relevant field such as agribusiness, agricultural economics, rural development, or a closely related discipline. An MBA is preferred, indicating a strong foundation in business principles as they apply to agricultural development.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience, with at least 5 years specifically in Sub-Saharan Africa, working with partners in the agricultural sector. Experience with private sector organizations in commercial roles is highly desirable, as is familiarity with the agricultural landscape in Nigeria.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the context of the position in Nigeria. Additional languages relevant to the local context may be beneficial but are not explicitly stated as requirements.

Additional Notes:
The position requires the ability to travel approximately 40% of the time. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Nigeria without the need for visa sponsorship. The hiring process includes a standard background check, and accommodations are available for candidates with disabilities during the application or recruitment process. The organization is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all applicants and employees are treated fairly and equitably, regardless of their background.