Program Manager at The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) Foundation

Program Manager at The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) Foundation

The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) was established in the United Kingdom in 1997 and subsequently registered in Lagos, Nigeria in 1999 as an independent, not-for-profit research, training, advocacy, and capacity-building organisation. The Centre was founded to mobilise global opinion and resources for democratic development and to provide an independent platform for critical reflection on the challenges facing democratization and development processes in the West African sub-region.

As one of the foremost think tanks on democratization and development in West Africa, CDD provides evidence-based policy alternatives, innovative solutions, and best practices in support of democracy, good governance, peacebuilding, and sustainable development across the region.

We are recruiting a highly motivated and experienced professional to join our team in the capacity below:

Job Title: Program Manager

Location: Abuja (FCT)

Employment Type: Full-time

Job Summary

The Program Manager is responsible for leading the design, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of CDD Foundation’s community-centered programs. The role plays a critical function in driving program strategy, securing funding, and ensuring the effective delivery of interventions across key thematic areas including education support, youth empowerment, orphanage and widow assistance, and community health outreach.

The ideal candidate will combine strong program management expertise with excellent fundraising, partnership development, and stakeholder engagement skills. The Program Manager will ensure that all projects are delivered on time, within scope and budget, and aligned with organizational objectives and donor requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Program Strategy & Design

• Lead the development of program strategies aligned with CDD Foundation’s mission and thematic priorities.
• Design scalable and impactful interventions targeting vulnerable populations across Nigeria.
• Conduct needs assessments and contribute to evidence-based program planning.
• Translate organizational goals into clear program plans, workplans, and implementation frameworks.

Grant Writing & Fundraising

• Identify funding opportunities from bilateral agencies, multilateral institutions, private foundations, and corporate CSR initiatives.
• Develop high-quality concept notes, proposals, and funding applications.
• Maintain a pipeline of prospective donors and manage donor engagement processes.
• Support resource mobilization efforts to ensure sustainable program funding.

Program Implementation & Oversight

• Provide overall supervision of all program activities from inception to completion.
• Coordinate field teams, implementing partners, and community-based organizations.
• Ensure adherence to timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
• Monitor progress and make adjustments to ensure optimal impact.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)

• Establish and maintain robust monitoring and evaluation systems.
• Track program performance indicators and measure impact.
• Facilitate learning reviews and integrate feedback into program improvement.
• Ensure data-driven reporting and accountability mechanisms.

Reporting & Compliance

• Prepare high-quality narrative and financial reports for donors and stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with donor requirements, organizational policies, and regulatory standards.
• Document success stories, case studies, and lessons learned.

Partnership Development & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, NGOs, CSOs, academic institutions, and private sector partners.
• Represent CDD Foundation in meetings, conferences, and stakeholder forums.
• Strengthen community engagement and promote local ownership of programs.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Public Administration, International Relations, or related fields.
• A Master’s degree will be an added advantage.
• Minimum of 5–8 years of progressive experience in program management within the non-profit, development, or humanitarian sector.
• Proven experience in grant writing, donor management, and project implementation.
• Strong understanding of development programming in Nigeria or West Africa is highly desirable.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in project management tools and reporting systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• High level of integrity, accountability, and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse stakeholders.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to shape and expand CDD Foundation’s program portfolio during a dynamic phase of growth.
• Competitive compensation package commensurate with experience.
• Direct engagement with high-impact donors, policymakers, and international partners.
• A collaborative and mission-driven work environment.
• The chance to contribute meaningfully to improving the lives of vulnerable communities across Nigeria.

Application Closing Date

21st April, 2026.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their CV and a detailed cover letter to: mail@cddfoundation.com using the Job Title as the subject of the email.