Program Manager

Heart for Humanity Initiative (HHI) is a non-profit, women-led and youth-driven organization committed to improving the well-being and resilience of vulnerable populations across Northeast and Northwest Nigeria. With a current operational presence in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe (BAY) States as well as parts of the Northwest, we provide critical humanitarian aid, advance human capital development, and strengthen systems for sustainable change.

Dedicated to protecting the dignity and rights of vulnerable populations in Nigeria, we deliver life-saving assistance and sustainable solutions to communities affected by conflict, poverty and inequality — with plans to expand further across the Northwest.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Program Manager

Location: Maiduguri, with field travel to Dikwa LGA, Borno
Employment Type: Full-time
Reports to: Executive Director
Supervises: All project staff
Duration: 3 months
Contract type: Fixed-term, full-time

Purpose of the Role

• Provides overall leadership of the project, making sure activities are delivered on time, within budget, to quality standards and in line with donor and organisational requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Lead project planning, including the work plan, budget phasing and staffing plan for the 3-month period.
• Monitor budget use with the Finance & Compliance Officer and approve expenditure within delegated authority.
• Represent the organisation at sector and coordination meetings with government (SEMA, LGA authorities), UN agencies and other partners.
• Oversee implementation in Dikwa LGA and make sure activities meet humanitarian standards (Sphere, Core Humanitarian Standard).
• Maintain relationships with donors; review and sign off progress and final reports.
• Lead project close-out, including lessons learned and handover.
• Identify risks (security, access, financial, safeguarding) and put mitigation plans in place.
• Ensure safeguarding, protection and do-no-harm principles are applied across all activities.
• Supervise, coach and appraise project staff; hold weekly team meetings.

Qualifications and experience

• Experience managing donor-funded projects in North-East Nigeria.
• PMP, PMD Pro or similar certification is an advantage.
• Master’s degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Project Management, Public Health or a related field. A Bachelor’s degree with substantial extra experience is acceptable.
• At least 5 years in humanitarian or development programming, with at least 2 years in a management role.

Skills and competencies:

• Excellent report writing and communication in English; Hausa or Kanuri is an advantage.
• Strong leadership, planning and decision-making.
• Ability to work under pressure in an insecure environment.
• Budget management and donor compliance knowledge.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV and a cover letter to: [email protected] using “Application – Program Manager” as the subject of the email.

Note

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• We have zero tolerance for sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, fraud and corruption; successful candidates must sign the Code of Conduct and safeguarding policy. We never charge any fee at any stage of recruitment.
• Equal opportunity and safeguarding: Heart for Humanity Initiative is an equal opportunity employer. Women and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Deadline: 13th November, 2026.