Opportunity – Head of Programmes at COOPI – Cooperazione Internazionale

COOPI Cooperazione Internazionale is an humanitarian, non confessional and independent organization that fights against all kinds of poverty to make the world a better place. Founded in 1965 by Vincenzo Barbieri (Italian “father” of international volunteering), COOPI is based in Milan and it has 20 local offices in the South of the World.

Job title: Head of Programmes

Location: Abuja

Job type: Contract

Description of the role

The Head of Programmes is responsible for the definition and quality of the programmes and the monitoring and evaluation system in the country, in compliance with the organisation’s policies and standards. He supports the Head of Mission in relations with donors and partners.

Main responsibilities

INSTITUTIONAL RELATIONS

• In coordination with the Country Coordinator, meet regularly with donors and partners consolidating COOPI’s position in the country, and manage their project visits in agreement with the Project Managers;
• Engage new potential donors and partners, working closely with the Head of Mission;
• Ensure participation in sectoral clusters directly or through delegated figures;

DEVELOPMENT

• Examine the priorities and strategies of the main institutional donors and draft project proposals based on COOPI’s expertise and geographical presence;
• Coordinate the definition and implementation of the country programme strategy, with the support of the Head of Mission and of sectoral experts;
• Guide COOPI’s position across the various sectors in accordance with HQ guidelines and coordinating with the Head of Mission;
• Capitalise on the sectoral experience gained in its geographical area of competence and develop standard approaches and practices to be implemented within the projects, respecting HQ guidelines.

MANAGEMENT

Project Management

• Develop and draft new project proposals (ECHO, EU, AICS, UN) in cooperation with the country’s logistics and administrative function;
• Ensure the final review of all project reports (interim, quarterly and final);
• Ensure the submission of reports according to internal and external deadlines;
• Carrying out field monitoring missions in the intervention areas;
• Supporting the review and approval of MEAL plans for all projects ;
• Using MEAL data to innovate and engage new donors and partners;

Human Resources Management

• Identify human resources needs in the framework of existing and/or new programmes;
• Participate in the staff selection process at the request of the Head of Mission and of the HQ for expatriate and national staff;
• Train Project Managers and other programme staff on the monitoring and quality aspects of activities, in coordination with the Head of Mission, the Region or the HQ;
• Evaluate staff for their part of the competence, according to COOPI procedures.

Communication management

• Support the production and distribution of COOPI’s communication and visibility tools;
• Collect the necessary data and information, in collaboration with field teams, to deliver communication products.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL

• Master’s degree in relevant subject (postgraduate degree required);
• At least 3 years of work experience in formulating, implementing and coordinating projects with International NGOs;
• Experience working with different Donors (ECHO, EU, AICS and UN Agencies);
• Good knowledge of humanitarian standards and principles;
• Excellent reporting and proposal writing skills in English;
• Proactive aptitude in planning and coordination with different agencies, institutions and focal points;
• Results orientation and problem-solving skills;
• Strong management skills;
• Good leadership skills, aimed at team management and motivation;
• Ability to handle stressful and complex situations with a positive attitude;
• Diplomatic skills and confidentiality;
• Advanced computer skills;
• Sharing COOPI’s vision and mission.

DESIRED

• Previous work experience in the region

Application closing date: February 23, 2026

How to apply

Interested and qualified candidates should:

Go to Head of Programmes at COOPI – Cooperazione Internazionale to apply