• Application Deadline:
• Position: Lead, Program Operations



• Job Type Full Time



• Qualification BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA



• Experience 10 years



• Location Lagos




• Job Field Project Management 
  
  

The Opportunity

• Reporting to the Head, Operations – Country Programs, the Lead, Program Operations will support a Country Programs Team by driving program planning, pipeline management, and operational efficiency.


• This role oversees program implementation processes, policies, and guidelines while enhancing capacity building across platforms.


• It also ensures rigorous monitoring and acceleration of program execution for effective delivery.

Ways You can Contribute

• Manage the country’s program-wide 24-month rolling calendar of priorities and activities.


• Lead the coordination of country program activities, ensuring effective prioritization and execution.


• Work with the Country Director, Program Leads, and Finance to oversee all programs forecast planning, budgeting, and the annual planning cycle.


• Track and collate program-wide portfolio implementation plans, progress, and status reports.


• Organize and lead the country review and planning retreats, coordinating with committees across functional units to develop annual operational delivery plans and trackers linked to budgets.


• Develop, implement, and govern programming guidelines, tools, policies, and processes to ensure standardization, quality assurance, and efficiency.


• Manage revisions to the Country Integrated Team's programmatic processes, policies, and guidelines.


• Implement process improvements and drive efficiencies in program delivery.


• Maintain and report on turnaround time (TAT) trackers for partnership development and pipeline acceleration.


• Drive process excellence and capacity building within program teams through training, workshops, and learning initiatives in coordination with Research, Knowledge Management, and Foundation Academy.


• Facilitate knowledge sharing and strategic cohesion among Country Directors and program operations teams.


• Accelerate program execution and delivery through active monitoring, tracking, and status reviews.


• Develop and manage integrated plans, tracking progress and milestones through regular status updates.


• Lead the execution of complex country initiatives and enterprise-wide projects involving country team members and external stakeholders.

Who You Are

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Economics, Statistics, or a related field; a master’s or postgraduate degree is an asset.


• Relevant professional qualifications in program management and planning. Certifications in Project Management, Change Management, and Process Management are added advantages.


• Minimum 10 years of experience in project and program management across both private and public sectors.


• Proven ability to develop and operationalize tools for planning, monitoring performance indicators, and ensuring operational excellence.


• Expertise in developing, implementing, and tracking strategic, portfolio, and operational plans, including roadmaps and partnerships.


• Experience in process design and improvement using globally recognized frameworks such as Lean Six Sigma.


• Familiarity with diverse planning frameworks, particularly those emphasizing inclusion (youth, marginalized groups, and women).


• Experience in capacity building and stakeholder engagement to enhance skills and competencies.


• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills to define root causes, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.


• Detail-oriented, methodical, and process-driven approach to delivering high-quality results under pressure.


• Strong prioritization and organizational skills to manage multiple tasks effectively.


• Ability to listen actively, provide and receive constructive feedback, and build strong, collaborative relationships.


• Tech-savvy with an aptitude for learning new information design and communication technologies.


• Agile, adaptable, and comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced, and ambiguous environment.


• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal, written, and presentation), with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders across cultures.


• Professional maturity, cultural sensitivity, and integrity in all interactions.


• Demonstrate a commitment to Mastercard Foundation’s values and vision.