Regional Program Operation Manager

Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
Full Time
East Africa
Manager/Supervisor

Company Overview

The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) strengthens democracy around the globe through private enterprise and market-oriented reform. CIPE is one of the four core institutes of the National Endowment for Democracy and an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Since 1983, CIPE has worked with business leaders, policymakers, and civil society to build the institutions vital to a democratic society. CIPE’s key program areas include enterprise ecosystems, democratic governance, business advocacy, anti-corruption & ethics, and trade.

Position: Regional Program Operation Manager

Reports to: Africa Regional Hub Director

Scope:  CIPE is seeking a full-time Program Operation Manager that will ensure the highest standards of program quality, delivery and effectiveness and coordination across CIPE’s Africa portfolio. Bringing a process-oriented approach to maintain quality control for all aspects of program design, execution, and reporting. From the earliest stages of concept development and theory of change formulation to the practical realities of implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL), this role embeds the rigor, coherence, and accountability throughout the program cycle efficiently.

The Program Operation Manager will ensure that CIPE’s interventions are evidence-based, results-oriented, and aligned with both regional priorities and global standards of excellence. This role works collaboratively with program teams, technical advisors, and HQ departments, to ensure consistency, learning, and adaptive management and that every project reflects CIPE’s commitment to impact, integrity, and innovation.

This position ensures the highest standard of operational support is given in leading CIPE’s regional program execution. Demonstrable progressive experience in one or more of the following areas is required:

  • Strengthening organizational governance and institutional capacity of business associations, advancing regulatory and economic reforms that improve the business environment, and promoting SME and entrepreneurship ecosystem development. Skilled in business advocacy, public–private dialogue, and coalition building to drive systemic change, competitiveness, and integration into global value chains
  • Entrepreneurship and SME ecosystem development, digital economy transformation, women’s economic security, and access to finance and enabling policies that expand market participation, enhance competitiveness, and build skills among underrepresented groups.
  • Advancing integrity-based economic reforms through corporate governance and compliance systems, transparent and accountable public–private practices, and policy initiatives that strengthen financial integrity, prevent illicit financial flows and corruption, and embed ethics, transparency, and resilience across trade, investment, and development finance and economy systems.

Reporting to the Africa Regional Hub Director and collaborating with Country Managers, this position works closely with the entire Program Management Team, the Senior Directors for Strategy & Impact, technical advisors, and HQ teams to ensure that programs are well-executed, contextually grounded, and strategically aligned. Under supervision, the Program Operation Manager represents CIPE in the region with donors, partners, government agencies, and other key stakeholders. The Program Operation Manager will promote the organization’s mission and cultivate relationships that support CIPE’s vision: a world where democracy delivers freedom and opportunity for all to prosper.

This position is based in the Regional Hub Office in Lagos, Nigeria. The position would require travel throughout the country and on some occasions the region.

Responsibilities:

Leadership and Program Implementation

  • Provide strategic support and quality assurance for all stages of the program cycle from concept development and theory of change design to implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.
  • Ensure that all regional programs meet CIPE’s standards of excellence in quality, delivery, and impact, applying evidence-based and results-oriented approaches.
  • Oversee the preparation, review, and approval of work plans, budgets, and deliverables, ensuring alignment with donor requirements and CIPE’s strategic objectives.
  • Promote adaptive management by identifying implementation challenges, facilitating problem-solving, and guiding course corrections based on data and learning.
  • Coordinate across the team and organization to integrate thematic expertise and institutional learning into program design and delivery.
Public Relations and Program Development
  • Support the Regional Hub Director in representing CIPE before donors, government agencies, private sector partners, and civil society organizations.
  • Participate in strategic outreach, conferences, and forums to enhance CIPE’s visibility and strengthen its reputation as a leader in private sector–led democratic development.
  • Contribute to business development efforts, including scoping new opportunities, drafting concept notes, and supporting proposal development in coordination with HQ.
  • Provide political, economic, and operational insights to inform donor engagement and strengthen the design of regional programs.
  • Cultivate and maintain strong professional relationships with key stakeholders to advance CIPE’s mission and expand its partnerships across Africa.
Program and Team Management
  • Supervise and mentor regional program officers, project staff, and implementing partners to ensure effective program execution and professional growth.
  • Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and learning-oriented work culture that reflects CIPE’s core values of impact, integrity, and innovation.
  • Coordinate regular program performance reviews and learning sessions to share lessons, strengthen accountability, and improve program outcomes.
  • Ensure that MEL frameworks are effectively applied to capture, analyze, and communicate results and impact across the regional portfolio.
  • Support HR processes related to recruitment, onboarding, and staff capacity development within the regional program team.
Operational Management and Compliance 
  • Ensure all regional programs comply with CIPE policies, donor regulations, and local legal requirements.
  • Monitor program budgets and expenditures to ensure financial accountability and alignment with project objectives.
  • Support the development and implementation of regional procedures that promote transparency, accountability, and operational excellence.
Qualifications
  • University degree or equivalent in International Development, International Relations, Law, Political Science, Economics, Public Administration, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
  • Professional training in management is preferrd.
  • At least 8 years of progressively responsible experience in private sector development, governance reform or related functions including managing projects and program portfolios and teams. 
  • Minimum of 5 years experience managing donor relationships.
  • Minimum of 5 years experience managing donor relationships especially U.S. government-funded programs (e.g., NED, DRL) and working with international donors is preferred. 
  • Reliable understanding of the political, economic, and institutional dynamics in the country. 
  • Proven ability to build and maintain a diverse network of development partners particularly in the private sector, civil society and the policy making space in Nigeria and internationally.
  • Demonstrated experience developing and implementing impactful programs with NGOs, businesses, associations, and governments.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills, with a proven ability to represent an organization to high-level stakeholders. 
  • Demonstrated experience in program design, donor engagement, and organizational representation. 
  • Experience working on issues related to business advocacy, organizational management, digital economy, trade and investment, women economic empowerment and business integrity
  • Strong financial acumen and the ability to develop, manage, and monitor budgets.
  • Proven ability to work in a remote team environment and manage organizational growth and sustainability.
  • Strong organizational and financial management skills. 
  • Fluency in professional written and spoken English; proficiency in any other major language spoken in Africa is preferred.
  • Willingness and ability to travel extensively within country and the region is required.
  • Legal authorization to work in Country is required
  • Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook required.

Applications will be accepted and interviews will be conducted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls or emails, please.

CIPE offers a salary competitive with other international non-governmental organizations

CIPE is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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