Everyone deserves the opportunity to build a better future. This simple idea has been at the heart of TechnoServe’s work around the world for more than 50 years. TechnoServe is a pioneer in harnessing the power of business and markets to create sustainable pathways out of poverty. The low-income communities where we work are full of entrepreneurial people. Farmers and their small businesses are the key to economic development. But they face many challenges: low literacy levels, lack of access to jobs and markets, unpredictable political dynamics and, increasingly, the effects of climate change. For many women and young people, the challenges are even more daunting. Working with TechnoServe staff, people around the world are lifting themselves out of poverty. The results are astonishing… as incomes rise and families’ living conditions improve, they can access healthcare and education that were previously inaccessible. Communities and even entire countries are doing better. Program Summary:
Nigeria generates approximately 2.5 million metric tons (MT) of plastic waste annually. Less than 12% of this waste is recycled, while the rest is dumped, incinerated, burned in open fields or released into the Atlantic Ocean, causing major climate and health risks.
The Nigeria Plastic Solutions Activity (NPSA) is a two-year, $4 million project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Coca-Cola Africa Foundation. The project aims to reduce plastic waste in Lagos and Anambra states by 49,000 MT by increasing the volume and quality of recycled plastic through comprehensive, market-led interventions along the value chain and promoting an enabling environment. The project will strengthen the capacity of 9,500 collectors, 24 collectors and 10 recyclers to reduce plastic waste through business competitiveness, sustainability, profitability and inclusive job creation, thereby stimulating the growth of the circular economy, for a cleaner and healthier Nigeria. The project will run until December 2025, with the possibility of extension.
Job Summary:
The Senior Program Officer is responsible for the implementation of the NPSA (may also be involved in other projects as required). Managing a team of over 20 people in Anambra and Lagos states, he/she will execute the overall project strategy to achieve its goals and objectives. The Senior Program Officer will implement the work plan, adapt the approach and technical interventions as needed, and oversee project resources. He/she will also serve as the primary liaison with public and private sector counterparts and other key stakeholders, including donors. This position requires project management expertise and a deep understanding of Nigeria’s unique waste ecosystem and regulatory landscape. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated and able to provide essential leadership during the final year of the project.
Key roles and responsibilities:
To drive the implementation of activities through the operationalization of the work plan
With the Senior MEL Specialist, ensure high-quality data collection to demonstrate project impact and outcomes
Adjust the project approach and interventions, as necessary, to achieve objectives and milestones
Develop high-quality products, including quarterly progress reports, that meet donor requirements and deadlines
Identify and address implementation challenges
Support the development of training materials
Monitor the project budget to ensure a healthy burn rate and cost accountability
Serve as a key liaison with public and private sector counterparts, including local government agencies and other key stakeholders
Prepare and deliver quarterly presentation to donors on project progress
Represent the project at external events
Advise the development team on TechnoServe’s program on project proposals as needed.

Qualifications:
A Master’s degree or equivalent in business, international development, economics or another relevant field with at least 7 years of experience. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree with 10 or more years of experience. At least eight years of relevant professional experience in international development. At least four years of experience in managing and implementing medium- to large-scale programs. Extensive experience in managing large teams at a senior management level (e.g., team leader, project manager, program director). Previous professional experience or collaboration with private sector companies and enterprises. Demonstrated ability to interact effectively and collaboratively with a wide range of public and private sector counterparts and other key stakeholders. In-depth knowledge of the plastic waste sector. Experience leading U.S. government-funded projects is highly desirable. Experience working in Nigeria is preferred. Experience in successfully implementing gender-sensitive programs is a plus.
Required Languages: Fluency in English is required.
Travel: Local travel 40-50%
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Strong project management skills including strategic planning, stakeholder coordination, resource allocation, compliance monitoring and performance tracking.
In-depth knowledge of waste management, particularly the Nigerian plastic waste sector. Strong interpersonal and communication skills in a multicultural environment. Ability to work to tight deadlines while managing multiple tasks and priorities. Ability to develop coherent and well-written analyses and reports.
Supervisory Responsibilities: Senior Business Specialist, Senior MEL Specialist, Communication Specialist, Technical Consultant.

Final Statements:
We encourage all qualified individuals who share TechnoServe’s vision of improving the lives of others through proven business solutions to apply: https://recruiting.ultipro.com/TEC1006TESER/JobBoard/18180d88-ced0-4361-bd09-d5eef66dab24/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=805fa624-d3f4-4af3-8d09-5d8608a3cd17.
With our commitment to diversity, we are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and do not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, HIV/AIDS status, protected veteran status, disability, and all other protected categories.
We also pride ourselves on our commitment to protecting staff, partners, and beneficiaries from abuse and exploitation and thoroughly evaluate all final candidates through rigorous background and reference checks.
If you have a disability that affects your ability to use our online system to apply for a position at TechnoServe, please contact Human Resources at recruiting@tns.org or call +1 202 785 4515.