ACF Nigeria is actively recruiting for the position of Deputy Field Coordinator (DFC) – Programs. This role will serve as a pivotal leadership position, overseeing and unifying the execution of projects across Born and Adamant states in Nigeria. The primary responsibilities include maintaining robust coordination, facilitating clear communication, and representing program activities with professionalism and integrity. In close collaboration with project teams and external partners, the DFC – Programs guarantees cohesive implementation, exceptional service delivery, and strict adherence to project objectives and ACF’s established standards.
Reporting directly to the Field Coordinator for Born, this position plays a pivotal role in overseeing field operations and ensuring their alignment with program objectives. The incumbent will be responsible for managing field teams, coordinating logistics, and maintaining robust communication channels with stakeholders to facilitate seamless project implementation. Additionally, the role demands a keen focus on monitoring and evaluating field activities to uphold accountability and drive continuous improvement in program delivery.
A provisional commencement date of June 2026 has been established for this position.
Oversee a comprehensive range of duties, including but not limited to project management, team leadership, and cross-functional collaboration. Ensure all tasks are executed with precision and alignment to organizational objectives. Facilitate communication between departments to optimize workflow efficiency and resolve interdepartmental challenges. Monitor progress through established metrics, providing data-driven insights to stakeholders. Lead initiatives that drive innovation, process improvements, and sustainable growth.
Under Mission 1, you will collaborate with program teams to enhance the field office’s strategic planning and positioning efforts.
Monitor and assess the humanitarian landscape, focusing on identifying evolving needs and existing intervention gaps, particularly how crises disrupt the execution of ongoing projects, to recommend strategic adaptations or innovative interventions.
Under the Field Coordinator’s direction, you will play an active role in shaping the core strategy by engaging program teams and synthesizing their proposals, while ensuring alignment and making informed decisions where necessary.
In collaboration with the Field Coordinator, assist in establishing operational guidelines that align with the foundational strategy, the mission’s capabilities, and the identified requirements.
Maintain a comprehensive grasp of sectoral priorities outlined in the national strategy, evaluate their impact on relevant programs, and guarantee that partners are fully informed and committed to embracing these guiding principles.
Conduct a thorough assessment of the landscape to identify and evaluate the roles, influence, and strategic alignment of key stakeholders, fostering enhanced coordination and operational efficiency while preventing redundancy and encouraging synergistic partnerships within their designated intervention zones.
To gather, evaluate, and distribute critical information regarding the humanitarian and security landscape, ensuring informed decision-making and effective program execution.
Contribute to the advancement of initiatives within key areas of intervention by facilitating the engagement and coordination of program teams.
To evaluate the necessity of conducting needs assessments, ensuring knowledge remains current with actual field requirements, thereby enabling existing programs to be adjusted as needed and/or facilitating the proposal and coordination of new interventions for implementation.
Conduct a comprehensive review of project data by synthesizing monthly monitoring results from active initiatives with pertinent secondary sources and contextual insights, thereby enabling informed adaptations to the program or the development of new interventions.
Develop strategic recommendations to guide the design and development of programs, covering key aspects such as geographic targeting, implementation strategies, contextual considerations, and partnership frameworks—even in instances where no formal calls for proposals or coordination requests have been issued.
Working closely with the Field Coordinator, Support Managers, and the MEAL Manager, you will help shape the program’s strategic framework by integrating key operational factors—including security and access limitations, logistical and administrative constraints, technical specifications, and partner capabilities—into its design and implementation.
When assigned by the Field Coordinator, oversee the coordination of proposal development, encompassing logical frameworks (LFA), narrative documentation, beneficiary targeting, implementation timelines, budgets, Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), and all necessary annexes. This involves engaging program teams, gathering their contributions, and ensuring their inputs are consolidated and validated in strict adherence to Program Coordination guidelines.
To fulfill Mission 3, meticulously plan and oversee projects to uphold impeccable execution standards while fostering seamless programmatic integration.
Support Project Managers in implementing and utilizing effective monitoring and management tools, such as logical framework indicators, activity planning and tracking systems, along with financial, logistical, and human resources management tools tailored to their specific projects.
Thoroughly oversee projects—both operational and financial, as well as qualitative and quantitative metrics—with meticulous attention to schedules, goals, and contractual benchmarks. Promptly notify the Field Coordinator of any deviations detected or anticipated, including implementation delays, underperformance in key indicators, or budget overruns or shortfalls.
Ensure adherence to ACF-approved standards and alignment with Technical RDDs in all technical protocols, guidelines, manuals, and tools utilized in the field.
Analyze project outcomes and efficacy in alignment with Sphere standards, national benchmarks, WHO guidelines, and ACF protocols, and identify enhancement opportunities in close partnership with technical departments.
Perform periodic on-site monitoring and supervision visits to project locations, and formulate practical recommendations aimed at enhancing the quality of implementation.
Ensure the optimal and responsible allocation of financial resources while providing Program/Project managers with guidance to uphold rigorous budgetary oversight.
Support the execution of targeted control measures to effectively prevent and detect programmatic fraud.
Offer continuous assistance to project managers by evaluating financial, logistical, and HR requirements; detecting and documenting inconsistencies or obstacles; suggesting corrective measures; and identifying opportunities for resource optimization and collaboration, in partnership with the Field Coordinator.
Enhance collaboration across ACF initiatives within the region to amplify the overall program’s effectiveness, achieved through consistent program meetings and by cultivating strong team and partner engagement.
Upon receiving authorization from the Field Coordinator, prepare donor correspondence to outline challenges or propose modifications to the original project plan for submission to the Program Department.
Our objective is to embed gender considerations and protection principles within program strategies, enhance accountability frameworks, and foster community acceptance of the organization in the designated area.
Facilitate the successful execution of accountability frameworks by promptly and appropriately managing feedback and complaints, while leveraging insights from these processes to drive continuous project enhancement and adaptation.
Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify protection risks impacting beneficiaries and design tailored action plans that uphold safe, equitable, and dignified access to assistance.
In coordination with the Field Coordinator and the MEAL Manager, oversee the implementation of the programmatic AMAP approach.
Assist in embedding gender and protection considerations throughout programs by facilitating reflection and driving continuous improvement during program reviews.
Cultivate and sustain meaningful partnerships with community leaders and key stakeholders, design strategic engagement initiatives, and advocate for community-driven project ownership to foster greater acceptance of the organization’s initiatives and ensure the long-term viability of interventions.
Promptly notify Field Coordination of any security incidents and verify that program teams adhere strictly to established security protocols and directives.
Contribute to evaluating the quality and impact of initiatives, alongside efforts to maximize their benefits and promote their value. Additionally, uphold rigorous standards for both internal and external reporting ensuring accuracy and excellence.
Ensure that project reporting is completed both promptly and accurately, which includes compiling and evaluating monthly activity reports in the APR format while emphasizing qualitative assessments of program performance.
Maintain comprehensive records of project developments, tracking significant milestones, shifts in strategy, and insights gained to facilitate evidence-based decisions and strengthen advocacy initiatives.
Project Managers receive assistance in compiling donor reports, ensuring they have sufficient time and direction; all reports undergo thorough review and validation, with strategic and contextual enhancements applied to fulfill donor requirements and uphold quality benchmarks.
Ensure adherence to communication and visibility guidelines for every project, which involves creating success stories and other promotional materials.
Properly archive and document all essential project materials—such as technical tools, methodologies, beneficiary lists, and distribution records—in compliance with audit and accountability standards.
Spearhead the preparation of capitalization documents in partnership with program teams, with particular emphasis on incorporating lessons learned and promoting best practices.
Collaborate closely with the MEAL Manager to develop and execute MEAL plans for each project, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and best practices in monitoring, evaluation, assessment, and learning.
Engage in the evaluation of data derived from assessments and surveys, collaborate with Project/Program Representatives to prepare analytical reports, and facilitate the implementation of actionable recommendations through diligent follow-up.
Facilitate strategic collaboration and cultivate robust relationships with external stakeholders to achieve shared objectives.
Collaborate with external stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations, United Nations agencies, response partners, and governmental authorities within pertinent sectors such as Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL), Nutrition, Health, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), across designated project implementation zones. This role involves either direct delegation from the Field Coordinator or support to Program/Project Representatives to enhance information exchange, foster synergies, and prevent redundant efforts.
Collaborate with provincial and territorial authorities, in accordance with the designated sectors of intervention, to ensure effective coordination and alignment with local priorities, as directed by the Field Coordinator.
To spearhead the crafting of memoranda of understanding (Mouse) with technical authorities, this role involves harmonizing contributions from PRs, maintaining alignment across diverse sectors, and performing preliminary assessments before submission for final endorsement by the Field Coordinator.
Represent ACF in coordination forums and with field partners, as delegated by the Field Coordinator, whenever such engagements pertain to projects under supervision.
Ensure the proficient leadership and coordination of the team to maximize productivity and cohesion.
Develop and implement customized action plans in collaboration with directly supervised staff, ensuring consistent monitoring of progress and timely updates to the plans whenever necessary.
Conduct annual performance evaluations for staff under direct supervision, with additional assessments scheduled as required to provide actionable feedback and support ongoing professional growth.
Assess the training requirements to enhance team capabilities, and either conduct or arrange tailored development sessions that cover essential methods, approaches, and technical competencies critical to effective project execution.
Facilitate productive internal communication by conducting consistent bidirectional discussions with team members and coordinating program alignment meetings.
Ensure seamless and effective communication channels between teams, facilitating the prompt sharing of pertinent updates and information, especially between program and support functions.
Assist Project Managers in resolving human resources-related issues and conflicts, guaranteeing adherence to HR policies and seamless collaboration with HR support services.
Oversee adherence to HR policies and procedures, with a specific emphasis on recruitment processes and other HR-related tasks executed by Project Managers.
Oversee supplementary duties as assigned by management to support operational efficiency and team objectives. Ensure adherence to company policies and procedures while contributing to the overall success of the department. Address any urgent tasks promptly to maintain workflow continuity and meet deadlines. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to facilitate seamless project execution and resolve any operational challenges. Maintain accurate records and documentation as required to support compliance and reporting standards.
Serve as a temporary Field Coordinator during periods of absence, taking on assigned duties as outlined in the handover process to uphold operational continuity.
This position is not all-inclusive, and the incumbent may be required to undertake additional related duties as needed. They are responsible for accurately reporting and communicating progress and results in relation to their assigned responsibilities.
Uphold stringent technical excellence across all responsibilities and deliverables.
Deliver all responsibilities professionally while adhering strictly to ACF Nigeria’s mission staff regulations, ACF’s mandate, and charter, with an unwavering commitment to advancing gender equality.
Position qualifications entail a Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent professional experience. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in [specific software/tools], along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent communication abilities, both written and verbal, are essential for collaboration across teams. Familiarity with [industry-specific regulations or standards] is required. Prior experience in [specific role or industry] is preferred. The ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines is critical.
A master’s degree in development studies, humanitarian aid, international relations, or a closely related discipline is required.
A minimum of four years of relevant professional experience is required, with at least one year dedicated to a coordination role within complex and challenging humanitarian settings.
Demonstrated expertise in project management, with a track record encompassing direct responsibility as a Project Manager or equivalent coordinating positions.
Proven track record in team leadership, showcasing expertise in guiding, mentoring, and empowering team members to achieve collective and individual goals.
Exceptional proficiency in written English communication is required.
Exhibits exceptional proficiency in analytical reasoning, strategic development, problem resolution, and innovative thinking.
Individuals should possess prior professional experience in the North West region of Nigeria, particularly in environments characterized by insecurity and relative isolation.
Demonstrates a thorough understanding of donor guidelines and compliance protocols, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and organizational policies throughout all fundraising activities.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
4 years
