Chief of Party, Programs - Nigeria

About the role

Mercy Corps Nigeria, based in Abuja, is looking for a Chief of Party to lead its market systems and youth employment investment. The CoP will advance sustainable pathways to work for young women and men through climate-smart agrifood systems and private sector engagement, acting as the chief architect and strategic leader of the program. The position is full-time and contingent on donor funding.

Key responsibilities

• Set the strategic direction of the flagship investment and act as principal steward of the program, aligning donor ambitions, partner contributions and market opportunities with long-term impact.
• Lead a diverse ecosystem of partners, government institutions, private sector actors, financial institutions and research organisations, and champion cross-cutting priorities such as youth empowerment, gender equality, safeguarding and climate resilience.
• Represent the program at the highest levels with donors, government leaders and industry stakeholders, advocating for systems change and inclusive economic opportunity.
• Provide executive oversight of program performance, resources and risk management, and oversee operational, financial, compliance, safeguarding and reputational risk.
• Drive innovation, adaptive management and strategic learning, and lead periodic program reviews and reflection processes.
• Ensure interventions are market-driven, evidence-informed, youth-centered, climate-smart and gender-transformative.
• Build, lead and inspire a multidisciplinary leadership team.