Apply for the Country Lead, Nigeria position with Palladium Group’s WISH Dividend Policy & Systems Programme. Leadership opportunity for experienced development professionals in Abuja.

Country Lead, Nigeria – WISH Dividend Policy & Systems Programme at Palladium Group

Palladium Group is recruiting an experienced Country Lead, Nigeria to support the Women’s Integrated Sexual Health (WISH) Dividend, Policy & Systems Programme in Abuja.

This senior leadership position is suited to professionals with extensive experience managing donor-funded programmes, engaging government stakeholders, and overseeing complex health or development initiatives. The successful candidate will lead programme implementation in Nigeria while strengthening partnerships with government institutions, development partners, and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Job Overview

---

About Palladium Group

Palladium Group is an international consulting and impact organization that partners with governments, businesses, investors, and development agencies to deliver sustainable social and economic outcomes.

Operating in more than 90 countries, Palladium designs and manages programmes across public health, governance, education, climate resilience, economic development, and institutional strengthening. The organization works closely with international donors and national governments to implement evidence-based solutions that create long-term impact.

About the WISH Dividend Programme

The Women’s Integrated Sexual Health (WISH) Dividend, Policy & Systems Programme supports governments in strengthening health systems, improving policy implementation, and expanding access to sexual and reproductive health services.

In Nigeria, the programme collaborates with government institutions, development partners, and technical experts to improve health outcomes through policy reform, technical assistance, and sustainable institutional capacity development.

About the Role

The Country Lead will serve as Palladium’s principal representative for the programme in Nigeria.

The successful candidate will oversee programme planning, technical delivery, stakeholder engagement, financial management, and reporting while ensuring activities remain aligned with government priorities and FCDO objectives.

The role requires strategic leadership, strong programme management skills, and the ability to manage relationships with senior government officials, donors, and technical partners.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Programme Leadership

The successful candidate will:

• Lead the development of annual programme workplans.
• Align implementation activities with government priorities and donor objectives.
• Translate strategic plans into practical technical assistance initiatives.
• Ensure programme sustainability and long-term institutional impact.

Technical Oversight

Responsibilities include:

• Overseeing implementation of programme activities.
• Developing Terms of Reference (TORs) for technical assistance.
• Managing consultants and technical experts.
• Monitoring programme deliverables and performance indicators.
• Maintaining high standards of technical quality throughout implementation.

Stakeholder Engagement

The Country Lead will:

• Serve as the primary liaison with FCDO and government counterparts.
• Build productive relationships with ministries, development partners, and consortium members.
• Represent the programme during policy discussions and donor coordination meetings.
• Promote collaboration among national and international stakeholders.

Financial and Operational Management

Key duties include:

• Managing country-level budgets and expenditure.
• Supporting financial forecasting and cost monitoring.
• Ensuring value for money across programme activities.
• Monitoring programme risks and implementing mitigation measures.
• Supporting financial and technical reporting requirements.

Monitoring, Learning and Knowledge Sharing

The role also involves:

• Supporting monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) activities.
• Contributing to programme reporting and documentation.
• Identifying lessons learned and success stories.
• Promoting adaptive programme management and continuous improvement.

Required Experience

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Significant experience leading large donor-funded programmes in Nigeria.
• Experience managing technical assistance programmes, particularly within the health sector.
• Strong understanding of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), demography, or related policy areas.
• Experience working with FCDO-funded programmes or similar international donor initiatives.
• Proven ability to manage programme budgets and financial performance.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and consortium partnerships.
• Strong relationships with government institutions and development partners in Nigeria.

Essential Skills and Competencies

Successful candidates should possess:

Programme Leadership

• Strategic planning and programme management.
• Results-based management.
• Adaptive programming.
• Risk management.

Stakeholder Management

• Strong government engagement skills.
• Partnership development.
• Donor relationship management.
• High-level negotiation and influencing abilities.

Financial Management

• Budget development and monitoring.
• Financial forecasting.
• Cost control.
• Value-for-money management.

Professional Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Strong analytical thinking.
• Decision-making and problem-solving.
• Ability to work in complex and changing environments.

Why This Role Stands Out

This position offers an opportunity to lead a nationally significant programme focused on strengthening health systems and public policy in Nigeria.

Professionals in international development, public health, governance, or donor-funded programme management will gain valuable experience working with senior government officials, international partners, and one of the world’s leading development consulting organizations.

The role also provides exposure to high-level policy engagement, institutional reform, and sustainable development initiatives that can enhance long-term leadership careers.

Before submitting your application, ensure your CV demonstrates your leadership in donor-funded programmes, government engagement, policy implementation, financial oversight, and team management.

Senior roles with international organizations typically require applicants to present measurable achievements rather than listing responsibilities. Our How to Write a Professional CV in Nigeria That Gets Interviews provides practical advice on tailoring your CV for NGO, UN, and international development leadership positions.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should Go to Palladium Group on palladium.csod.com to apply.

Application Deadline

Not Specified

Related NGO, Public Health, and Programme Management Jobs You May Like

If you’re interested in leadership roles within international development, humanitarian assistance, or public health, you may also explore these opportunities:

• Project Assistant (AVM) Jobs at IOM Nigeria.
• Head of Finance and Accounts Jobs at MSI Nigeria Reproductive Choices.
• Young Professional in Communication and Knowledge Management Jobs at IFDC .
• Project Manager (Intern) Jobs in Nigeria .
• NGO and International Organization Jobs in Nigeria .

Tips for a Strong Application

When preparing your application:

• Highlight leadership experience managing donor-funded programmes.
• Demonstrate experience working with government ministries, FCDO, or international development partners.
• Showcase programme management achievements using measurable results.
• Include examples of financial oversight, budget management, and risk management.
• Emphasize experience in health systems strengthening, policy reform, SRHR, or demographic programmes.
• Mention experience leading multidisciplinary teams and coordinating complex partnerships.

A well-structured CV that demonstrates strategic leadership, technical expertise, and successful programme delivery will strengthen your application.

If you’re invited for an interview, be prepared to discuss your experience leading donor-funded programmes, managing stakeholder relationships, overseeing budgets, and delivering measurable development outcomes.

Interview panels may also assess your leadership style, strategic thinking, and experience working with government institutions and international donors. To prepare confidently, read our 30 Common Job Interview Questions in Nigeria (With Sample Answers and Expert Tips) and practice using examples from your programme management experience.

Conclusion

The Country Lead, Nigeria – WISH Dividend Policy & Systems Programme position at Palladium Group is an excellent opportunity for experienced development professionals seeking to lead a nationally important health programme. Candidates with strong expertise in donor-funded programme management, government engagement, and public health policy should carefully review the role requirements and submit their applications through the official Palladium recruitment portal.