Management Consultant- Associate
Job summary
Position: Program Associate
Reports to: Senior Associate/Engagement Manager (depending on the project team structure)
Job type: Full time
Location: Abuja
Travel requirement: Up to 50%
Role description
As part of the Sydani team, the Program Associate will work as the project/workstream lead under the supervision of the Senior Associate or Engagement manager (depending on the project structure). S/he will provide technical leadership in the development of evidence-based strategies and in the implementation of these strategies towards achieving project objectives. Also, s/he will ensure the timely achievement of the project deliverables and milestones and will be responsible for providing project updates to the client/donor.
Job Responsibilities
Note: The duties and responsibilities described below are not exhaustive. Additional tasks may be assigned as necessitated by business demands.
Project Management
- Oversee project design and planning, and lead the development of project work plan with clear timelines and deliverables
- Facilitate project inception meetings with key stakeholders to align project objectives, scope, and implementation timelines, and routine project check-in meetings to provide updates to clients/donors
- Build and maintain trust-based relationships with relevant government stakeholders, development partners, and other stakeholders on assigned projects through sustained engagements
- Provide technical leadership in the development of project execution approach and tools
- Provide on-the-job mentoring to the project team
- Delegate roles/tasks to teammates and provide technical oversight to ensure the timely achievement of project deliverables
- Provide technical leadership to the team on the analysis of project data and in monitoring and evaluation of the project activities outlining insights to optimize performance
- Oversee the development and submission of project reports in line with client/donor requirements and facilitate project closeout
Business development
- Lead the development and submission of grant applications, and technical response to RFPs or expression of interest (EOIs)
- Facilitate brainstorming sessions to pool ideas for developing proposals
- Develop networks and partnerships to promote an understanding of Sydani’s work and ensure the sustainability of Sydani operations
- Develop the capacity of the team to respond to RFPs and develop proposals
- Provide support to senior management as needed, with brand representation and management, staff capacity development, and general leadership and oversight
Leadership development and performance management
- Participate in the Sydani problem-solving, ideation and capacity-building sessions including new staff onboarding and staff mentoring program
- Participate in Sydani’s periodic performance reviews and provide feedback to team members for performance improvement as applicable
Required Qualifications and Competencies
- Required: Bachelor’s degree (First- or second-class upper) from a recognized university with at least 4 years of professional experience in the health or development sector; or
- Desirable: Master’s degree in public health, Health Financing, Health Economics, Health Policy and Management, Health Systems Strengthening, Health Management/Administration, International Development, Business Administration or related fields with at least 4 years of progressive relevant experience
- Demonstrated experience managing development programs, strategy design and systems strengthening initiatives
- A strong record of leadership in an academic, professional, or extracurricular setting (Management consulting experience is an advantage).
- Exceptional diplomacy and interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to build strong professional relationships with a range of stakeholders.
- Must be a results-oriented individual with experience in developing and tracking self, clients, and team with clear KPIs.
- Must possess strong strategic thinking, problem-solving and thought-leadership abilities
- Outstanding quantitative, qualitative, statistical analysis, data synthesis, and report writing skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; strong teamwork and interpersonal skills
- Advanced proficiency with MS Office suite
- Fast learner, open to learning and taking feedback from peers, subordinates, and supervisors
- Must be able to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
- Flexibility to travel, work schedule and assignments
Performance management
For performance management and accountability, the Program Associate will work with the Program Senior Associate/Engagement Manager (as appropriate) to develop and agree on the program-specific scope of work, results framework, work plan, and deliverables. These would inform the development of program-specific KPIs to be tracked, along with the technical responsibilities of the Program Associate for performance review and improvement.
What we offer
Sydani offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical insurance, competitive compensation, generous bonuses, rapid career growth, and the opportunity to work with a team of seasoned consultants and an ever-expanding network of industry experts.