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Chief of Party, Nigeria

More than half the world lives in poverty. Christian Aid has a vision – an end to poverty – and we believe that vision can become a reality. We are striving to bring lasting change to the lives of the poorest communities. We work wherever there is great need, helping people to find their own solutions to the problems they face, irrespective of their religion, caste or creed. If you’re passionate about positive change across the world, then this job might be for you.

USAIDProgramme‘Scale-Up of Care and Support Services for Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Selected States in Nigeria’

A country of vast human and natural resources, Nigeria has influence over the political, social and cultural agenda throughout Africa. Yet it has a history of political instability, religious and ethnic conflict, corruption and mismanagement which have left the majority of its population still living in poverty. Nigeria has one of the largest numbers of orphans and vulnerable children in the world, estimated at 17.5 million in 2008, of which 2.3 million are orphaned due to AIDS.

We are looking for an exceptional ‘self-starter’ who is able to lead a large ($32 million) and complex USAID project to scale up care and support services for orphans and vulnerable children. You must have significant experience of managing large-scale, multi-partner development programmes, have worked at a senior level on a USAID or other large donor project and, ideally, you will have first-hand knowledge of Nigeria. At least you must have a positive outlook about contributing to change here. Nigerian candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

The ideal candidate must possess a Master’s degree in social sciences, public health or a related field; and must have at least seven years field-based development experience. You will need;

· Experience in managing a large and complex programme for an international NGO

· Demonstrated skills in strategic and programme planning

· Demonstrated knowledge of and familiarity with USAID policies, rules, regulations and procedures or of another similar large donor agency

· Experience in undertaking high-level policy dialogue with a multitude of stakeholders

· Ability to demonstrate strategic vision, with strong leadership qualities, depth and breadth of technical and management expertise and experience

· Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to lead and work effectively in a team

· Excellent oral and written communication skills. Fluency in English is essential. Knowledge of local languages desirable.

Note: Recruitment is contingent upon successful award of the project

Please show your suitability for this post by giving answers to the following questions. Using the guidance notes may help you formulate your answers.

Innovation and creativity

Describe a situation where you came up with an improved approach to getting work done or addressing an issue.

Decision making

Describe a time when you decided on a course of action even though you knew it would please some of your staff but disappoint or upset the rest.

Strategic thinking

Describe a situation where you had to develop a policy or proposal on a strategic issue when key elements affecting the policy or proposal were still evolving.

Initiative

Describe a time when the initiative that you took was key to advancing an organisational goal or enhancing organizational performance.

We value the contribution each person makes to the success of our organisation, so you can expect a range of rewards and benefits that will ensure you enjoy a good work/life balance.

Download the role profile (76 KB pdf)

To apply for this post, please download an application pack and email your completed International application form to: nigeriarecruit@christian-aid.org quoting the reference number below.

Please note that CVs will not be accepted and that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Job reference: PD-OVC/NG/01/2011A

Closing date: 12 noon, Friday 9 September 2011

Interview date: Week commencing Monday 12 September 2011

Christian Aid values diversity and aspires to reflect this in our workforce. We welcome applications from people from all sections of the community, irrespective of race, color, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief.