Project Coordinator Job at Self Help Africa
JOB OPPORTUNITY AT SELF HELP AFRICA
Position: Project Coordinator
Location: Kano State, Nigeria, with regular travel to Kura, Garun Malam and other project locations
Employment Type: Full-time, fixed-term contract
Contract Duration: 18 months
Reports To: Head of WASH Programmes
Application Deadline: 25 October 2026
ABOUT THE ORGANISATION
Self Help Africa is an international development organisation working to reduce hunger, poverty, social inequality and the effects of climate change. Through community-led and sustainable approaches, the organisation supports access to clean water, improved livelihoods and stronger community systems.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
Self Help Africa is implementing the Improving and Sustaining Safe Water Access and Water Security in Kano programme, funded by The Coca-Cola Foundation.
The 18-month programme aims to improve access to safe and reliable drinking water for approximately 217,500 people across 195 communities in Kura and Garun Malam Local Government Areas.
The programme will rehabilitate non-functional water schemes, improve water quality through inline chlorination, strengthen rural water service delivery and introduce a professionalised, performance-based maintenance model. It will also strengthen local government WASH structures, engage Local Area Mechanics and use digital tools such as mWater to monitor water facility functionality and service performance.
JOB PURPOSE
The Project Coordinator will provide operational, technical and strategic leadership for programme implementation. The successful candidate will coordinate project staff, manage activities and resources, engage government and community stakeholders, monitor performance and ensure that project objectives are achieved within the approved work plan, budget and donor requirements.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Programme Coordination and Management
Lead day-to-day programme implementation and coordinate project staff, activities, work plans and delivery schedules. Monitor progress, identify implementation challenges and take corrective action to ensure agreed targets are achieved.
- Technical Implementation and Quality Assurance
Coordinate water facility assessments, rehabilitation works, inline chlorination, water quality testing and commissioning. Support the implementation of preventive maintenance systems and performance-based service delivery arrangements.
- Stakeholder Engagement
Maintain effective working relationships with Kano State RUWASSA, LGA WASH Departments, local government authorities, traditional leaders, community structures, Local Area Mechanics and other relevant stakeholders.
- Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Reporting
Work closely with the MEAL Officer to monitor project indicators, verify data, track water facility functionality and service performance, prepare donor reports and document lessons for future programme improvements.
- Financial and Resource Management
Monitor expenditure against approved budgets, coordinate with Finance and Procurement teams, ensure timely availability of project materials and maintain compliance with organisational policies and donor requirements.
- Team Leadership and Safeguarding
Provide leadership, coaching and performance support to team members. Promote transparency, accountability, inclusion, safeguarding, child protection and the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Applicants should have:
- A university degree in Civil Engineering, Water Engineering, Public Health, Social Sciences, Development Studies or a related field.
- At least 7 years of relevant programme or project management experience with an NGO or INGO, preferably in the WASH sector.
- Demonstrated experience managing complex WASH programmes involving multiple stakeholders, technical activities and implementation locations.
- Strong knowledge of rural water service delivery, water facility functionality, preventive maintenance and water quality management.
- Experience working with government institutions, community structures and local service providers.
- Experience coordinating field teams and managing implementation across multiple local government areas.
- Experience in programme monitoring, reporting, budget management, donor compliance and adaptive management.
- Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office.
DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE
Experience in WASH systems strengthening, performance-based financing, service contracts, professionalised maintenance models, digital monitoring tools such as mWater, or working with Local Area Mechanics will be an advantage.
Knowledge of the Kano State WASH context is desirable.
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
Excellent written and spoken proficiency in English and Hausa is required.
KEY SKILLS
Project planning and implementation
Leadership and team management
Coordination and organisational skills
Stakeholder engagement and negotiation
Problem-solving and decision-making
Monitoring, evaluation, learning and data use
Budget monitoring and financial accountability
Report writing and documentation
Commitment to safeguarding, gender mainstreaming and inclusion of vulnerable populations, including persons with disabilities
HOW TO APPLY
Interested and qualified candidates should apply through the official Self Help Africa vacancy page:
Applicants must complete the Self Help Africa application form and submit their cover letter and CV together in a single document of no more than 3 pages.
IMPORTANT NOTES
Application deadline: 25 October 2026
This is a full-time, 18-month fixed-term position for local recruitment.
No relocation support is provided.
Applications are processed on a rolling basis, so interested candidates are encouraged to apply early. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
