Terms of Reference – Head of Programme and Operations

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Terms of Reference: Head of Programme and Operations

Location: FCT, Abuja

Duration: February – December 2025 (Possibility of extension)

Background

Youth Network for Community and Sustainable Development (YNCSD) catalyzes social change by engaging young people and amplifying their voices to speak for human rights through targeted advocacy to crucial players, capacity building and development, communications and media engagements, partnerships, and programme implementation. We also work on other sexual and reproductive health and rights issues, including governance and the environment. However, our priority over the years has been on Sexual and Reproductive Health & Rights.

Since its inception, YNCSD has been catalyzing efforts of young people towards ending Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) and gender-based violence, through effective programming that transforms social norms underpinning these practices as well as promoting reproductive health and rights for women and girls. Part of our activities is to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted and that women and girls have access to reproductive health services and are given the opportunity to exercise full agency over their bodies. We pride ourselves to be a leading youth-led organization delivering quality programs and interventions for our donors and partners based in Nigeria and globally.

YNCSD seeks a fierce feminist to join us as a Senior Programme and Operations Manager  who will be responsible for the management of our portfolio of projects ensuring that donor requirements and organizational requirements are met. The successful applicant will have a track record of ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.

Role Purpose

The Senior Programme Manager and Operations role is a senior leadership position responsible for steering the overall programmatic and operational strategies of YNCSD. Reporting to the CEO, this role will provide strategic oversight, program development, and operational management to ensure the successful implementation of impactful and sustainable initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

  • Strategic Program Leadership
      • Design, lead, and manage all comprehensive programs that advance YNCSD’s mission in line with strategic goals of the organisation. 
      • Drive the development of programmatic strategies and annual plans, ensuring alignment with donor expectations and organizational objectives.
      • Provide guidance on program innovation, promoting initiatives that address the evolving needs of our target populations.
  • Operational Management
      • Oversee daily operations to ensure smooth program delivery and effective use of resources, focusing on operational efficiencies and process optimization.
      • Develop and implement robust systems for tracking project performance and assessing program impact.
      • Manage budgets for programs and operational activities, ensuring fiscal accountability and resource stewardship.
  • Team Leadership and Development
      • Lead, mentor, and support the program and operations teams, fostering a collaborative work environment that values innovation and results-driven work.
      • Conduct regular performance assessments and facilitate professional development opportunities for team members.
      • Encourage a culture of accountability, diversity, and inclusivity within the organization.
  • Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Building
    • Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including local and international partners, donors, government agencies, and community leaders.
    • Represent YNCSD at national and global forums, ensuring high visibility and advocacy for youth-led initiatives on SRHR and other core focus areas.
    • Drive the development of new partnerships and alliances to support YNCSD’s mission and scale program impact.
  • Compliance and Risk Management
    • Ensure compliance with YNCSD’s policies, donor requirements, and regulatory guidelines across all program and operational activities.
    • Conduct risk assessments to proactively address potential challenges that could impact program implementation or organizational reputation.
    • Implement risk mitigation strategies and ensure that all programmatic and operational risks are documented and addressed.

Qualifications and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Public Health, or a related field; Master’s degree is optional.
  • Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience, with a strong focus on program management, operations, and leadership within the NGO sector.
  • Proven track record in managing SRHR, FGM/C, or gender-based violence programs, especially in Nigeria or similar contexts.
  • Demonstrated experience in team leadership, capacity building, and partnership development.
  • Exceptional communication, negotiation, and project management skills.

Core Competencies

  • Strategic Leadership: Ability to develop and implement strategic programmatic and operational plans.
  • Stakeholder Management: Strong relationship-building skills with proven success in partnership development.
  • Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Capacity to analyze complex data, generate insights, and drive program improvements.
  • Cultural Competency: Sensitivity to diverse cultural contexts and a commitment to inclusive programming.

Benefits & Perks

  • Reporting to the CEO
  • Salary scale: 250,000 – 450,000 (negotiable based on experience)
  • Contract duration: 1-year contract with the intention of extension if need be. 
  • Start date: ASAP 
  • Hybrid work arrangement (Mon-Wed onsite)
  • Professional development budget
  • Opportunity to travel
  • Comprehensive medical coverage
  • Pension contribution

Equal Opportunities

YNCSD is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women, people of color, and members of underrepresented groups.

The position holder is required to carry out the duties in accordance with the YNCSD Equal Opportunities and Diversity policies and procedures.

How to apply 

To apply for the position, please send your resume /CV by email to recruitment@yncsd.org. Documents must be in English, stating “Head of Programme and Operations” in the email subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the role is filled.