Career Opportunity: Country Fund Manager – Nigeria-UK PACT at Palladium Group - MY NGO JOBS

Location: Abuja, Nigeria (Hybrid) Contract Type: Full-time, Fixed Term Duration: February 2026 – March 2027 (Extension potential based on performance) Application Deadline: Open until filled

The Catalyst for Climate Action

As the global community accelerates its transition toward a sustainable future, Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads where economic growth must align with climate resilience. The UK PACT (Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions) program is a cornerstone of this journey, providing the technical expertise and funding necessary to foster low-carbon development. By taking on the role of Country Fund Manager, you will be the primary architect of this partnership on the ground, ensuring that innovative climate solutions are not only funded but successfully integrated into Nigeria’s unique socio-economic landscape to create a lasting, green impact.

Job Summary

The Country Fund Manager is a high-level strategic leader responsible for the comprehensive oversight, coordination, and performance of the UK PACT portfolio in Nigeria. Acting as the vital link between Palladium, the British High Commission (BHC), and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the successful candidate will drive the selection and delivery of impactful projects that support Nigeria’s climate goals.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Context Analysis

Adaptive Strategy Design: Collaborate with international stakeholders to implement and refine a country-specific strategy that leverages technical assistance and skill-sharing to maximize climate impact.
Market & Policy Intelligence: Conduct ongoing analysis of local market capacities and policy shifts to identify high-potential sectors for intervention while mitigating commercial and political risks.
Synergy Mapping: Identify existing donor-funded programs to ensure UK PACT initiatives are complementary and avoid duplication of efforts.

Stakeholder Management & Representation

Diplomatic Liaison: Build and sustain high-trust relationships with the British High Commission, Nigerian government agencies, private sector leaders, and civil society groups.
Program Ambassadorship: Act as the face of UK PACT in Nigeria, championing funding opportunities to potential partners and communicating program successes to key beneficiaries and the public.

Grant & Program Oversight

Portfolio Management: Direct the full lifecycle of grant funding, from organizing calls for proposals to leading the technical selection process based on deliverability and local impact.
Operational Setup: Oversee project mobilization, ensuring all implementing partners adhere to rigorous due diligence, safeguarding, and FCDO compliance standards.
Risk & Compliance: Implement proactive anti-fraud and corruption measures, conducting field spot checks and audits to ensure the integrity of fund utilization.

Financial Management & Impact Reporting

Fiscal Accountability: Manage the country portfolio budget, overseeing accurate forecasting and ensuring high performance against Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Technical Reporting: Consolidate complex data into high-quality quarterly reports for the FCDO, detailing progress against outputs, financial spend, and lessons learned.

Professional Qualifications & Skills

Senior Leadership Experience: A minimum of 8 years of professional experience in program management, with a proven history of leading high-performing teams and making strategic decisions.
Grant Management Expertise: Extensive experience managing complex portfolios of grantees across multiple sectors, ideally within a donor-funded environment.
Climate Sector Knowledge: Significant understanding of low-carbon development, climate policy, or energy transition is highly preferred.
Political Economy Savvy: Deep knowledge of Nigeria’s business operating environment, socio-economic challenges, and political landscape.
Communication Mastery: Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to navigate complex stakeholder networks and maintain professional fluency in English (written and verbal).
Resilience & Adaptability: Ability to maintain high performance in a fast-paced, hybrid work environment with shifting priorities.

Why This Position is Critical

In the development sector, the “Country Fund Manager” is more than a traditional administrator; they are a gatekeeper for quality and a bridge for international cooperation. This role is essential because it ensures that international climate finance is localized effectively. Without your expertise in navigating the Nigerian context and managing local partnerships, vital resources could fail to reach the projects that possess the highest potential for reducing carbon emissions and supporting vulnerable communities.

Benefits of Joining Palladium

Global Influence: Work for a world-class leader in “Positive Impact,” contributing to enduring social and economic value.
Strategic Autonomy: Lead a high-profile international fund with the ability to shape climate policy and implementation in Nigeria.
Professional Network: Build an unparalleled network across the FCDO, British High Commission, and leading Nigerian environmental institutions.
Sustainable Career Path: Engage in a role that sits at the forefront of the most important global challenge of our time: the green energy transition.

Salary & Compensation

Palladium offers a competitive salary package designed to attract top-tier talent. Compensation is commensurate with the seniority of the role and the breadth of experience required.

About the Organization

Palladium is an international organization dedicated to the design and delivery of “Positive Impact.” We believe that social value and economic value are not mutually exclusive; rather, they are the twin pillars of sustainable development. For over 50 years, we have partnered with governments, corporations, and foundations to solve the world’s most complex challenges. Our work in Nigeria focuses on creating resilient systems and fostering partnerships that generate lasting environmental and financial benefits for all stakeholders.

Application Process

How to Apply: Eligible candidates are invited to submit their applications through our digital recruitment portal.

Prepare your CV: Ensure it highlights your specific experience in grant management and climate-related projects.
Submit Online: APPLY NOW

Palladium is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Tips for Applicants

Showcase Stakeholder Success: In your application, provide specific examples of where you successfully managed relationships between donor agencies (like FCDO) and local government bodies.
Highlight Financial Rigor: Be explicit about the size of the budgets you have managed and your experience with FCDO (or similar) financial reporting standards.
Connect to the Climate Mission: Even if your background is in general program management, demonstrate a clear passion for or understanding of Nigeria’s energy transition and climate policy.