Program Director – Nigeria

Location: This role is based in Abuja or Benin City, Nigeria

Scope: Fixed term contract until October 2024

Annual salary: USD 45,000 to 50,000
Other: You must have the right to work in Nigeria. We are unable to sponsor visas on this occasion.

We are Public Digital, a digital transformation consultancy and we help global institutions that matter thrive in the internet era. We apply the culture, processes, business models and technologies to help teams build and run excellent services. Working with the leaders doing strategy, and the teams doing delivery, we operate globally, advising large organisations and governments on six continents. 

We’re values-driven and we articulated them in our ‘positions’ on the Public Digital website. 

Attitude as much as skill, is critically important to us as a team and we look for entrepreneurialism, initiative, kindness, and a willingness to pitch in. Our theory of change is: Digital. Teams. Work. 

Role overview

Public Digital is delighted to be working with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to deliver an innovative digital capability-building program at the state level in Nigeria. Working alongside the Foundation’s local partner organisation, this program will be the first of its kind, with a mandate to develop a replicable model that is rooted in local ownership. The program consists of two distinct components. Firstly, it will focus on enhancing digital capabilities of civil and public servants across all cadres in Edo State by providing coaching, while working alongside them to implement tangible user-centred public services. Secondly, it will provide expert guidance for the establishment of a novel digital and data governance agency within the state. This groundbreaking endeavour marks a significant step towards advancing digital empowerment and effective governance.

We have an opportunity for a Program Director to join us on a fixed term basis to lead the program. We are looking for someone who has deep experience in leading complex, long term capability-building programs with funders, delivery partners and ideally, government agencies in Nigeria. We are also looking for someone with a background in digital delivery or product management. 

This is a critical leadership role within Public Digital, and our International Sector in particular, and will be an integral part of building our presence in Africa. 

There are 3 core strands to this role: 

• You will oversee all program activities from the Public Digital side and lead a team of 5+ experts helping Edo State. You will also be assisted by a Program Manager and a small team based in Nigeria.

• You will develop our capability-building practice, extending our international reputation for digital strategy, team-building, and exemplar coaching – particularly in Nigeria. You will establish Public Digital as the partner of choice for public administrations and development partners looking to deepen their digital service delivery capability.  

• You will lead and manage our relationships with key program stakeholders, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, ACIOE, Edo State Governor’s Office, and NITDA. 

What you’ll do for us:

• Build a comprehensive understanding of clients’ strategic direction, organisational context, operational/tactical issues and delivery goals.

• Lead the program of capability-building activities, from planning activities to mobilisation and delivery.

• Managing a multidisciplinary team, on the program and with Edo State, keeping our delivery on track. 

• Develop, test and iterate program activities – including convenings, peer networks, and exemplar coaching – in response to local needs. 

• Measure, record and share the impact of our work, keeping a strong focus on outcomes and long-term sustainability. 

• Grow our public profile in Nigeria and with the Gates Foundation, and demonstrate our impact: through publishing our work, speaking at events and developing connections with local and global communities of practice. 

• Become a subject matter expert for best practices in digital capability-building for the public sector, to inform our delivery of this program and future support to other state governments in Nigeria and around the world. 

• Scope Year 2 program activities. Lead negotiations with the Gates Foundation for Year 2 and for future programs, including with other states in Nigeria and beyond.

• Continually develop and manage a strong diverse, inclusive and engaging culture where people thrive and do their best, most enjoyable work for themselves, our teams and for our clients.

What we’re looking for:

• Experience in building digital teams, initiatives and programs in Nigeria

• You are a planner, and organiser. You’re happy to work with ambiguity and changing priorities, but you will manage our work and our team to a structured plan.

• You’re excellent at stakeholder management. You will work with a wide variety of organisations, building excellent relationships, and forming trusted partnerships. 

• Your demonstrable experience will make you an excellent leader in this role

• You will be comfortable discussing technical concepts and providing guidance on emerging topics, such as digital public goods and digital public infrastructure

• Our assistance is targeted at helping Edo State deliver better outcomes for citizens. You will motivate and shape the team’s work around this purpose. 

• Credible and confident, you will engage persuasively with senior leaders.

• You can write, synthesise, and present information effectively to both internal and external audiences as well as prepare and deliver compelling presentations that convey complex ideas and concepts in a clear and concise manner. 

• Collaborative, working in the open, you’ll be comfortable with internet ways of working.

• You are committed to developing a diverse, inclusive team and culture where people thrive and do excellent work. 

• You are comfortable with regular travel – monthly trips to Benin City over the course of the year, and potentially to other locations.

• Experience working with funders, development partners and/or public administrations – particularly in Nigeria – would be an asset. 

What’s in it for you?

• Platform to grow your career at Public Digital, with a focus on Africa, initially Nigeria;

• Opportunity to grow and progress rapidly within an engaged, supportive environment; 

• Be entrepreneurial and contribute to the growth and success of Public Digital;

• Focus on enabling people to deliver high-impact work with leading institutions around the world;

• Be empowered to do your best job;

• Home and remote working, flexibility in how you deliver work;

• Focus on learning, development and progression;

• Ability to build and develop your expertise, profile and international networks through publishing blog posts, presenting at events and sharing knowledge and experience;

• Buddy system and prioritised mental health;

How we get to know you

We would like to understand your background, attitudes, experiences and your motivation in wanting to work with us. We typically do this through a:

• phone interview up to 30 minutes;

• panel interview, which includes a case study sent to you in advance; and 

• An informal meeting chat with a peer.