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 senior-most leader, chief architect and strategic influencer of the program. The position is full-time, in Abuja, 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 (operational, financial, compliance, safeguarding, reputation).
• Design and implement partnership, investment and capacity-strengthening approaches, ensuring interventions are market-driven, evidence-informed, youth-centered and climate-smart.
• Oversee program learning and adaptive management, lead periodic reviews, and communicate results and lessons learned to partners, government and the wider sector.
• Build and lead a high-performing multidisciplinary leadership team, mentoring senior staff.