Food Security And Livelihoods (FSL) Programme Manager at Action Against Hunger | ACF-International

FOOD SECURITY AND LIVELIHOODS (FSL) PROGRAMME MANAGER

The Opportunity: Driving Evidence-Based Impact and Resilience

In the challenging and conflict-affected context of North-West Nigeria, restoring food security and strengthening local economic resilience is fundamental to achieving sustained peace and recovery. This senior managerial role is indispensable, serving as the bridge between strategic funding and tangible economic rehabilitation for highly vulnerable households. The Programme Manager will directly steer integrated interventions—from emergency cash assistance to long-term enterprise development—ensuring families can withstand economic shocks and secure a dignified future, thereby moving communities from aid dependency to self-reliance.

Job Summary

Action Against Hunger seeks a highly strategic and experienced Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL) Programme Manager to provide comprehensive technical and operational oversight for all FSL components under the EU-funded RECAP project. The successful candidate will lead a diverse field team, manage substantial budgets, and ensure the effective and high-quality implementation of Cash Transfer, Village Savings and Loans (VSLA), and agricultural livelihood initiatives in Sokoto State.

What Skills Are Needed: Core Managerial Competencies

Competency Description
Technical FSL Expertise Deep knowledge and proven, hands-on experience managing a combination of CVA, IGA, FFS, and VSLA programming.
Strategic Leadership Demonstrated ability to lead multi-functional teams, set performance standards, and drive a collaborative, results-oriented culture.
Financial Stewardship Proficiency in budget forecasting, expenditure tracking (BFU review), and ensuring strict adherence to complex donor compliance regulations.
Contextual Awareness Profound understanding of the political, economic, and humanitarian landscape in North-West Nigeria, particularly regarding resilience and peacebuilding.
Representation Exceptional ability to represent the organization credibly in high-level forums, including FSL Clusters, technical working groups, and consortium coordination meetings.

Key Responsibilities and Deliverables

The FSL Programme Manager is responsible for the overall lifecycle management and quality assurance of the program components.

1. Programmatic Strategy and Technical Oversight

  • Develop, disseminate, and oversee detailed operational work plans and implementation strategies for all key interventions, including Cash-based Transfers (CBT), Income Generation Activities (IGA), Farmers Field Schools (FFS), Cash-for-Work (CFW), and VSLA.
  • In close collaboration with the technical team, coordinate the robust mapping and selection of the most vulnerable target beneficiaries, managing the subsequent processes for enrollment, training, and disbursement.
  • Ensure that all FSL activities meet Action Against Hunger’s technical quality standards, adhere to established programmatic deadlines, and integrate fraud and protection risk mitigation measures.

2. Implementation, Coordination, and Compliance

  • Manage the FSL component as part of the wider consortium, leading joint planning sessions, ensuring partner adherence to shared Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs), and tracking their activity progress.
  • Promote strong internal integration by identifying and maximizing operational linkages and referrals with the Nutrition, WASH, and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) sectors.
  • Maintain rigorous financial accountability by ensuring timely budget planning, managing expenditure tracking using monthly Budget Follow-Up (BFU) reviews, and submitting accurate financial forecasts.
  • Coordinate seamless logistical and financial collaboration with support departments (HR, Finance, and Logistics) for all project-related procurements, trainings, and field movements.

3. Team Management and Development

  • Lead, mentor, and supervise the FSL team, clearly communicating performance expectations through regular appraisal mechanisms (monthly conversations, probation, and annual reviews).
  • Contribute to the professional development of team members by identifying training needs, providing targeted coaching, and actively participating in the recruitment and onboarding of new FSL personnel.

4. Reporting, External Representation, and Learning

  • Produce timely, high-quality internal and external reports (weekly, monthly, quarterly) on activity progress, output tracking, and program outcomes.
  • Serve as the primary representative for Action Against Hunger in FSL Cluster meetings, technical working groups, and joint assessments at the state level.
  • Actively contribute to organizational and sector-wide knowledge by systematically documenting lessons learned, best practices, and compelling success stories from the project components.
  • Support the cultivation of strong working relationships with government officials, community leaders, and relevant technical partners at the state level.

Professional Qualifications and Experience

Education & Experience

  • A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Economics, or a closely related field.
  • A minimum of four (4) years of progressive field experience in implementing and managing humanitarian or development Food Security and Livelihoods projects.
  • A minimum of one (1) year of experience in a managerial or supervisory role, overseeing project teams and budgets.

Technical Competence

  • Expertise in designing, implementing, and monitoring livelihoods interventions, specifically Cash Voucher Assistance (CVA), Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLA), and Income Generation Activities (IGA).
  • Solid understanding of contemporary agricultural techniques, production systems, and implementation methodologies in high-risk operating environments.
  • Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality reports, communicate complex information to diverse audiences, and apply analytical skills to program challenges.

Contextual Knowledge

  • In-depth knowledge of resilience-building strategies, economic recovery policies, and the political, social, and economic factors influencing vulnerability in North-West Nigeria.

Benefits of Applying

Action Against Hunger is committed to providing a fulfilling and supportive work environment, offering:

  • Competitive Salary: A competitive remuneration package commensurate with the seniority of the role and extensive field experience within the NGO sector.
  • Global Exposure: The opportunity to work within a leading international humanitarian organization and contribute to global best practices.
  • Professional Development: Access to continuous training, mentorship, and opportunities for career progression.
  • Impactful Mission: The chance to directly contribute to life-saving and life-changing programs dedicated to eradicating hunger.

About the Organization (Action Against Hunger)

Action Against Hunger (AAH) stands as the world’s leading specialist in combating hunger, driving a global movement to ensure life-threatening malnutrition ends within our lifetime. With over 40 years of field experience, the organization has consistently operated on the front lines, seamlessly integrating emergency treatment and long-term prevention strategies across nearly 50 countries. We are committed to a rigorous, evidence-based approach, combining expertise across nutrition, water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), and food security sectors. Joining AAH means becoming part of a dedicated, global collective focused on empowering the most vulnerable populations to build sustainable resilience against the root causes of hunger.

Application Details

Detail Information
Location Sokoto State, Nigeria
Reporting To Field Coordinator
Salary Expectation Competitive
Application Deadline 21st December 2025; at 05:00 pm (Nigerian Time)

Method of Application

Interested and qualified candidates should use the provided online application portal to submit their comprehensive CV and cover letter.

APPLY NOW

Tips for Applicants

  1. Lead with Technical Expertise: Ensure your cover letter and CV highlight specific achievements related to FFS, VSLA creation, and managing Cash Transfer programs, quantifying the scale (e.g., number of beneficiaries, size of budget managed).
  2. Demonstrate Leadership: Provide clear examples of how you have successfully managed a multi-level team, resolved conflicts, or mentored staff for professional growth.
  3. Address Context: Briefly state your understanding of the current resilience challenges in Northwest Nigeria and how your past work contributed to economic recovery in conflict-affected regions.