Deputy Country Director

SNV is a global development partner deeply rooted in the African and Asian countries where we operate. With 60 years of experience and a team of approximately 1,600 people, we strengthen capacities and catalyse partnerships that transform agri-food, energy and water systems. Working on the core themes of gender equality and social inclusion, climate adaptation and mitigation, and strong institutions and effective governance, we tailor our approaches to different contexts to achieve large-scale impact and create sustainable and more equitable lives for all.

For more information on SNV, visit our website: www.snv.org

SNV Nigeria started operations in 2022 and has since grown in operations and project portfolio. SNV Nigeria has a team comprising of 15 staff and associates based across two offices in Abuja and Kano. Since the start of operations, SNV Nigeria has scaled up its profile to include a focus on energy through initiatives in solar power and biodigesters. The Soil Values and 2SCALE projects, both of which are multi-country in nature focus on soil conservation improvements and inclusive agribusiness; both projects have a strong gender and social inclusion emphasis. The Dutch Fund for Climate Adaptation (DFCD) is also a multi-country initiative managed globally by SNV in a consortium. SNV Nigeria has a team developing and supporting the origination aspect of the project.

Scope of Role

SNV is hiring Deputy Country Director (DCD). The DCD is responsible for overseeing the SNV country operations in Nigeria. The responsibilities will include day-to-day management of the overall Nigeria operations reporting to the Country Director based in Accra, Ghana. The Deputy Country Director is responsible for developing and managing strong external relationships with relevant (national) stakeholders (including donor clients, and well as government and other development partners) and to ensure SNV remains strategically targeted and responsive to the needs of the country in the sectors of Agricultural Food Systems, Water and Renewable Energy. In addition, the Deputy Country Director will lead on developing selective Concept Notes and proposals to clients in order to grow the SNV project portfolio in Nigeria.

The Deputy Country Director can act in representation of the Country Director in his/her absence. The Country Director can delegate part of his areas of responsibility to the Deputy Country Director to act on their behalf. The result areas for the Deputy Country Director as described below are therefore variable and depend on the actual delegation of responsibilities.

The position is based in Abuja, Nigeria.

SNV representation:  Leads on maintaining and utilising the network with government officials and national authorities and maintains relationships with external stakeholders, ensuring a high level of visibility.

Communications and business development:  Leads on the country communications plan and business development actions to promote SNV’s work in the country. Acts as a contact point (in coordination with SNV Operations Manager) between SNV and relevant external stakeholders to ensure project goals and objectives are met, in full compliance with relevant rules. Maintains and grows productive relationships

with relevant external stakeholders to contribute to business growth – which includes leading on Concept Notes and Technical and Financial Proposals. 

Project/programme delivery: The Deputy Country Director will be responsible for the oversight delivery of projects, meeting multiple donors and internal requirements. The position requires contractual compliance are maintained, projects are delivered in a robust way with the highest levels of quality integrity including timely donor reporting, meeting gross margins targets and avoiding losses.

Planning, budgeting and reporting: Leads on the development of the country strategic and annual plans and budgets and reports on progress/performance against targets, within the requirements of the corporate planning process. Supervises planning and reporting to donors and coordinates internal and external reporting processes, including Mid-Year and Annual Reports, based on corporate guidelines and formats.

Governance and National Compliance: The Deputy Country Director supports the Country Director with the engagement of government offices as well as legal and tax advisors on matter of organisational requirement to ensure compliance with and the highest standards in ethical operations according to Nigerian law.

Country Operations:  In conjunction with the Operations Manager, the Deputy Country Director oversees, manages and organises integrated process delivery, optimising the use of guidelines and procedures within projects and/or the offices. This is related to one or more of the operation services: the effective functioning of all administrative functions and operations in the SNV country offices and effective support to all the projects. This includes safe and reliable logistics, procurement, asset management, IT support and infrastructure, financial monitoring/auditing and HR service delivery. The position is also responsible for ensuring the country is aligned to the SNV Code of Conduct/integrity, regularly informs internal units and projects on operations and support progress.

People Management and Leadership:  In representing the Country Director, the Deputy Country Director position acts as employer of national staff, oversees implementation of HR policies in the country and manages country workforce in consultation with Human Resources. Guides, lead, inspire, develop, coach and motivate the country workforce. In particular, the Country Management Team, appraises performance and creates resource estimation based on forecast in order to attract and recruit.

• Master’s degree in international development, project management, development studies or related field;
• Proven track record with about 10 years in leadership positions of which at least 8 years in managing professional teams. Solid management experience of donor compliance, organisational risk management, project execution processes and security management.
• Experience in project based organisational models with multiple financing sources is desirable.
• Proven track record in successfully acquiring competitive funding for projects; Experience in strategy and policy development in an international organisation; Experience in managing multidisciplinary and multicultural teams;
• A strong, insightful and influential leader who can drive processes in a decentralised, matrix environment. Ability to operate at different levels and to translate strategy into action. Strong people skills and willingness to provide hands-on support when needed. Energetic, highly motivated, with an enquiring mind and passion for excellence and innovation in pursuit of business growth and success. High integrity and openness combined with commitment to good governance.

Additional requirements:

• Direction: In a management role, ensure that fellow workers attain agreed objectives. Be direct and vigorous in the interaction. Have authority over others.
• Result orientation: Undertake actions with effort, energy and tenacity, aimed at the achievement of objectives and concrete results.
• Vision: Have an image of future developments and see the opportunities for the organisation for taking advantage of these.
• Organisation sensitivity: The capability of sensing what is going on in one’s own organisation. Have an understanding for the interests and feelings of others.
• Decisiveness: Be able to act quickly and decisively, even if the alternatives are unclear.
• Integrity: Generating confidence and displaying integrity in contact with others. Treating others fairly and in a consistent way by keeping high ethical standards and by doing so contributing to the trustable corporate image of the company.

Application and Selection Process

Application Guidelines: Please read these carefully. Failure to comply will adversely affect your application.

• This is a national employment.
• Initial contract will be for one year and it is renewable. Salary is competitive, commensurate with qualifications and experience and includes a competitive secondary benefit package.
• SNV offers a challenging work environment, opportunities to lead and innovate, and a commitment to growing your skills in a fulfilling and diverse working environment. Our staff benefit from, and contribute to, an internal and global network of experts. 

If you believe that your credentials meet the above profile, we invite you to apply by submitting through upload applications in English in the form of a one-page letter and current CV outlining experience, qualifications and three reference contacts, not later than 5:00pm, March 10th, 2025.

• Expected Start Date: May 1, 2025.
• This position is open to internal and external applicants.
• Only those applicants whose work experience and education meet the mandatory requisites above, would be considered for the position.
• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.