Head of Programs

Strategic leadership in the humanitarian sector requires a rare blend of programmatic vision and operational mastery. At Care First Community Initiative (CFCI), we recognize that the success of our life-saving interventions is inextricably linked to the strength of our supply chain and logistical backbone. We are seeking a visionary Head of Programs to harmonize our diverse portfolio of humanitarian services with a world-class warehousing and logistics framework, ensuring that aid reaches the most vulnerable populations in Northeast Nigeria with unprecedented efficiency and transparency.

Job Summary

The Head of Programs provides high-level strategic direction and executive oversight for CFCI’s entire programmatic landscape. In this dual-focus role, you will be the architect of our intervention strategies while serving as the primary authority on warehouse and supply chain management. Your mission is to ensure that our logistics systems are not just supportive, but are central drivers of program success, donor compliance, and organizational growth.

Strategic Responsibilities

• Programmatic & Logistical Leadership: Design and execute a unified organizational strategy that aligns multi-sectoral programs (Health, WASH, Nutrition, etc.) with a robust, high-capacity warehouse management system.
• Supply Chain Optimization: Architect and refine supply chain protocols to ensure that commodity management, asset tracking, and distribution networks are resilient, scalable, and cost-effective.
• Performance & Compliance Oversight: Establish rigorous monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track program impact while ensuring 100% adherence to complex international donor regulations and humanitarian standards.
• Institutional Representation: Serve as the primary liaison for CFCI in high-level logistics coordination forums, clusters, and donor meetings, elevating the organization’s profile within the humanitarian community.
• Capacity Building & Mentorship: Lead and inspire a multidisciplinary team of logistics, warehouse, and program professionals, fostering a culture of technical excellence, ethical conduct, and professional development.
• Resource Mobilization: Support the Executive Director in identifying funding opportunities and developing winning proposals that integrate sophisticated logistical planning into program design.

Executive Profile: Requirements & Qualifications

• Academic Excellence: A Master’s Degree (MA/MSc/MBA) in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Development Studies, International Relations, or a closely related field.
• Extensive Experience: 7 to 10 years of senior-level experience in humanitarian or development programming, with a proven track record of managing large-scale projects.
• Logistical Specialization: 3 to 5 years of dedicated experience specifically overseeing complex warehouse operations, commodity management, and global supply chain systems.
• Donor Expertise: Deep experience managing multi-million dollar budgets and assets funded by major international donors, with a focus on accountability and audit readiness.
• Strategic Systems Knowledge: Expert-level understanding of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), ERPs, and the logistical challenges unique to the Northeast Nigerian context.
• Leadership Skills: Exceptional command of English (written and verbal), superior negotiation skills, and the ability to lead diverse teams in high-stakes environments.

About the Organization

Care First Community Initiative (CFCI) is a leading Nigerian NGO dedicated to the advancement of human rights and the restoration of social welfare for those caught in the cycle of crisis. We operate as a bridge between emergency relief and long-term self-sufficiency, delivering comprehensive services in Food Security, Education, Shelter, and Protection. Our organizational philosophy is rooted in the belief that professional, data-driven logistics are the key to effective humanitarianism. At CFCI, we pride ourselves on being a forward-thinking, transparent, and impact-oriented team committed to the resilience of our communities.

Appointment Details

• Location: Maiduguri, Borno State (with oversight of field sites)
• Position Type: Full-Time Executive Contract
• Reporting To: Executive Director
• Salary Expectations: Competitive Executive Package (Commensurate with senior-level NGO scales)
• Application Deadline: January 10, 2026

Why Lead with CFCI?

Joining CFCI as the Head of Programs offers the opportunity to shape the future of humanitarian response in Nigeria. We provide a platform for executive innovation, where you can implement advanced logistical theories in real-world, high-impact settings. You will be part of a dynamic leadership team that values strategic thinking and is deeply committed to the people we serve.

Application Process

Qualified executives are invited to submit their credentials via our formal application portal:

Apply Now: CFCI Executive Recruitment Portal

Tips for Applicants

1. Emphasize the Logistics-Program Link: Your application should clearly demonstrate how you have used logistics or supply chain management to improve program outcomes in the past.
2. Focus on Scale: Detail the size of the budgets, the volume of commodities, and the complexity of the teams you have managed.
3. Showcase Compliance Mastery: Mention your experience with specific donor audits or the implementation of new compliance systems that reduced risk for your previous organizations.