Program Lead - Abuja

Sahel Consulting Agriculture and Nutrition Limited (Sahel) is a leading management consulting firm focused on the agricultural and nutrition sectors in Africa. We partner with government agencies, private sector companies and leading international development organizations to conduct research, analyze policies, develop strategies, and implement programs that promote sustainable food security and improved nutrition. We have worked on a variety of projects across West Africa, including in Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, and Senegal.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Program Lead

Location: Abuja (FCT)

Role Responsibilities

• Oversee the design, planning, and implementation of multiple short- and long-term programs, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives, partner expectations, and donor requirements.
• Provide strategic direction and business solutions to clients, partners, and internal teams to achieve program goals and maximize impact.
• Lead and manage cross-functional project teams, developing clear work plans, timelines, and deliverables while ensuring high-quality execution and reporting.
• Drive the development and submission of winning grant proposals, concept notes, and funding applications to secure financial resources for program sustainability and growth.
• Ensure program deliverables meet quality standards, client requirements, and organizational benchmarks for excellence and accountability.
• Develop innovative solutions to complex challenges identified during program design or implementation, ensuring timely resolution and client satisfaction.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with donors, implementing partners, and key stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and expand funding opportunities.
• Monitor and evaluate program performance, track progress against KPIs, and prepare comprehensive reports and presentations for clients, funders, and leadership teams.
• Lead strategic communications and engagement with client and partner leadership, ensuring transparency, alignment, and shared understanding of program outcomes.
• Collaborate with the HR and project management teams to recruit, onboard, and manage talent for ongoing and upcoming projects.
• Represent the organization at conferences, networking events, and speaking engagements to showcase impact, strengthen partnerships, and position the organization as a thought leader.

Role Requirements
Professional Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in International Development, Business, Economics, or a related field.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in a senior management role with a proven track record of delivering results.
• Prior experience as a Senior Project Lead in a top consulting firm is highly preferred.

Operational Expertise:

• Strong organizational skills, including planning, delegation, project development, and task facilitation.
• Experience in supply chain management and implementing projects in complex, international, or multifaceted organizational contexts.
• Solid financial management skills, including cash flow management and budgeting.
• Familiarity with and commitment to gender equality and inclusive practices.

Leadership Skills:

• Ability to shape vision and strategy, and align stakeholders with differing agendas.
• Experience in developing and managing alliances with the private sector and other partners.
• Skilled at attracting, inspiring, retaining, and leading a diverse, high-performing team.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills:

• Superior interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Strong negotiation and diplomatic abilities to foster effective collaboration with implementing partners.
• Fluency in English with excellent writing, presentation, and facilitation skills.
• Ability to inspire confidence and build trust with diverse stakeholders.

Personal Characteristics & Other Requirements:

• Excellent judgment with the ability to understand new issues quickly and make sound decisions.
• Ability to perform effectively under pressure, manage workload efficiently, and delegate appropriately.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Application Closing Date
30th November, 2025.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click Apply Now button to apply