Director of Programs

~ Position Closed ~

Abuja, Nigeria

Job Description

The Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH) is one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous non-governmental organizations implementing high-impact public health and development interventions across reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health and nutrition (RMNCAH+N), HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), malaria, health systems strengthening, and other development sectors.

With decades of experience managing large donor-funded programs, ARFH works in partnership with government, donors, communities, civil society, and the private sector to improve health outcomes and strengthen systems for sustainable impact.

ARFH provides a professional and enabling work environment with opportunities for growth, innovation, and leadership.

Position Summary

The Director of Programs is a senior leadership position responsible for providing strategic direction, technical oversight, and operational leadership for ARFH’s portfolio of public health and development programs.

The position will oversee the design, implementation, quality assurance, performance management, and expansion of programs across RMNCAH+N, HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria, health systems strengthening, and related development sectors.

The Director of Programs will drive institutional program strategy, strengthen donor and government partnerships, support resource mobilisation efforts, and ensure high-quality implementation and impact across all program areas.

The role requires a seasoned public health and development professional with strong strategic, technical, managerial, and stakeholder engagement skills, as well as demonstrated experience managing complex donor-funded programs and multidisciplinary teams.

Reporting Line

The Director of Programs will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and will provide supervision and strategic guidance to Program Managers, Technical Leads, and other program staff.

Specific Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership and Program Oversight

Provide strategic leadership for the planning, implementation, and growth of ARFH’s program portfolio
Ensure alignment of programs with ARFH’s strategic priorities, donor requirements, and national health priorities
Lead program quality assurance and performance improvement initiatives
Drive innovation, learning, and sustainability across program areas
Ensure integration and coordination across programs and technical units

2. Program Implementation and Technical Leadership

Provide overall technical oversight for program implementation across all thematic areas
Ensure timely achievement of program deliverables, targets, and milestones
Oversee development and execution of annual workplans, budgets, and implementation strategies
Ensure compliance with donor regulations, organizational policies, and quality standards
Support problem-solving and risk mitigation across projects

3. Grant Management and Donor Engagement

Oversee management of donor-funded projects and grants
Maintain strong relationships with government, donors, implementing partners, and other stakeholders
Serve as a senior institutional representative in strategic meetings, technical forums, and high-level engagements
Ensure timely submission of high-quality technical reports and deliverables

4. Resource Mobilisation and Business Development

Lead strategic business development and institutional fundraising efforts
Identify and pursue new funding opportunities aligned with ARFH’s strategic direction
Oversee development of competitive proposals, concept notes, and partnership opportunities
Strengthen relationships with bilateral, multilateral, philanthropic, and private-sector donors

5. Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Knowledge Management

Promote data-driven decision-making and use of evidence for program improvement
Strengthen systems for monitoring, evaluation, learning, and adaptive management
Ensure effective documentation and dissemination of program achievements, lessons learned, and best practices
Support institutional learning and knowledge management processes

6. Team Leadership and Organizational Development

Provide leadership, supervision, mentorship, and performance management for program staff
Build and maintain high-performing multidisciplinary teams
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement
Support staff capacity strengthening and professional development

Required Experience

Master’s degree in Public Health, Medicine, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Health Policy, or a related field. A PhD or relevant professional certification will be an added advantage.
Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in public health and development programming

Minimum Qualifications

At least 5 years of senior leadership or management experience
Demonstrated experience managing large and complex donor-funded programs
Strong understanding of Nigeria’s public health and development landscape
Proven experience working with major donors such as USAID, Gates Foundation, Global Fund, UN agencies, FCDO, and other development partners
Strong strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and leadership skills
Excellent communication, report writing, and presentation skills
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities

Method of Application

Applicants should complete the online form at https://forms.gle/KNYPVEnFPpVPyLXB9 and should submit their:

Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Cover Letter

as one MS Word document to: programs@arfh-ng.org

Please use “Director of Programs” as the subject of the email.

Application Deadline: 23^rd May 2026

Equal Opportunity Statement

ARFH is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Qualified women and persons from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

~ Position Closed ~