Vacancy – Head of Programme Operations at WaterAid Nigeria

ByMuhuddin Samaila

WaterAid is an international non-for-profit organization dedicated to helping people break free from poverty and disease, unlock their potential and change their lives for good through improved access to clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid started its operation in Nigeria in 1995. Since then it has successfully executed several intervention programmes as outlined by its objectives and has made impact in the lives of the very poor. WaterAid with the country office in Abuja currently works in Bauchi, Enugu and Plateau States with funding from various donors and partners.

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We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Head of Programme Operations

Location: Abuja
Job Type: Contract – Permanent (Full-Time)

About the Role

  • The Head of Programme Operations leads the development, implementation and continuous improvement of WaterAid’s international programme operations framework.
  • The role provides strategic and operational leadership across programme operations, business management, systems, risk and compliance.
  • Key responsibilities include overseeing IPD business management processes, supporting financial planning and performance reporting, acting as a delegated focal point for operational risk, and providing senior troubleshooting support on complex operational and management challenges.
  • The role works in close partnership with Programme Funding to ensure operational readiness for new donor opportunities and effective grant start-up and close-out.
  • It also leads operational assurance processes, strengthens compliance with donor and organisational requirements, and supports capacity strengthening across regional and country teams.

Responsibilities
In this role, you will:

  • Provide Programme Operations Leadership
  • Lead IPD Business Management and Support
  • Drive Collaboration, Risk and Performance
  • Oversee Systems, Compliance and Assurance
  • Lead Capacity Strengthening and Support

Requirements
To be successful, you’ll need:

  • Proven experience in managing or overseeing large scale international programme operations in the INGO or development sector.
  • Strong understanding of operational systems (finance, procurement, logistics, compliance) in multi country environments.
  • Excellent relevant IT skills, primarily Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint and Word), but specifically relevant data systems that support high quality planning, monitoring and reporting.
  • Experience of leading, managing and motivating others and driving change.
  • Strong leadership and influencing skills, with the ability to build relationships and drive organisational change collaboratively.
  • Experience working in complex matrix structures across multiple cultures.
  • Strong analytical, problem solving and systems thinking capabilities.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of donor compliance and grant management processes.
  • Working style that reflects WaterAid’s values of Respect, Accountability, Courage, Collaboration, Integrity and Innovation.

Desirable:

  • Experience in WASH, public health or community development sectors.
  • Experience working with restricted and unrestricted funding portfolios.
  • Relevant university degree or equivalent professional experience.
  • Familiarity with WaterAid UK’s operating model and countries of operation.

Additional Information:

  • Location: The role can be based in London, United Kingdom, Abuja, Nigeria or Kigali, Rwanda, subject to right to work eligibility in the respective countries.
  • UK hybrid working: a minimum of 40 % of working time is spent face-to-face (London office, external meetings or travel). 60/40 hybrid working at WaterAid means roughly three days wherever you work best and two days together in person.

Benefits

  • Salary: N64,968,462 – N90,955,847 / annum.
  • As a global organisation, WaterAid is committed to creating an environment where you can thrive and be yourself at your very best.
  • Alongside our inspiring mission and meaningful work, we offer a range of benefits tailored to each country’s context and policies.
  • These will be shared during the process.

Application Closing Date
3rd March, 2026 (12:00 PM UK time).

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:

Go to Head of Programme Operations at WaterAid Nigeria to apply

Note:

  • Salaries and benefits will vary in line with the location of the successful candidate and depending on experience.
  • Click Apply to answer the pre-screening questions, upload your CV and cover letter.
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Sama’ila Muhuddin is a dedicated Registered Nurse and humanitarian professional with over seven years of frontline experience. Since May 2018, he has served with prominent international non-governmental organizations, including Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Holland, Spain, France projects and ALIMA, responding to emergencies and providing critical care in some of the most challenging humanitarian settings.

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