Ongoing Recruitment at Solina Group,12th July, 2019

Solina Centre for International Development and Research (SCIDaR) is an indigenous nonprofit institution that works to accelerate positive health, social and economic reforms through high quality program design and implementation, capacity building, implementation science research and knowledge generation, as well as agenda setting and stakeholder convening across human development sectors. Our work seeks to benefit primarily disadvantaged and under-served populations. We implement transformation programs in Nigeria and are currently expanding our footprint to several West and Central African countries. We are building a competent world class management team to enable us achieve our strategic growth objectives in a sustainable way.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Head, Talent Management & Administration

Location: Abuja

Description and Objectives

• The Head, Talent Management and Administration will provide overall leadership to the human resource management and general administration functions.
• She/he will be ultimately responsible for developing and sustaining a superior and productive workforce, as well as developing and leading a best in class administrative function that will enable the achievement of the organizational strategic goals.

Institutional leadership responsibilities
As an institutional leader and a core part of the Executive Management Team, the incumbent will be required to contribute substantially to organizational strategy and management in ways including, but not limited to:

• Identification and execution of institutional strategic priorities for SCIDaR that align with the mission and values, and that are responsive to the evolving trends in the human capital development sectors;
• Support for executive management as needed with institutional representation; business development and brand management; planning and budgeting; people development, and general leadership and oversight for the organization.

Also as a department head, he/she will be required to provide effective leadership for the department in ways including, but not limited to:

• Working with executive management to achieve a fit-for-purpose but efficient department, including a revised organogram and staffing / capability requirements;
• Identification of strategic priorities for each function in the department, and development of costed annual departmental implementation plans;
• Custody of departmental policies, processes and tools, including periodic updates and revisions as necessary to meet institutional needs. These include SCIDaR’s HR policy and employee manual; performance review policy and procedures; office dress code; employee code of conduct; travel policy and procedures; ICT equipment usage policy and procedures; procurement policy; office and field security policies and protocols, etc.;
• Management and supervision of departmental staff, including supporting recruitment and retention, assignment of job functions and KPIs, learning and capacity building, and performance management.

Technical Responsibilities – Talent Management
Talent management strategy and planning:

• Development and execution of a robust and measurable talent management strategy;
• Short, medium and long term strategic human resource planning and budgeting in sync with organizational growth and expansion plans, ensuring the right talent is ready at the right time, to meet current and future staffing needs.

Employee life cycle management:

• Sourcing and Recruiting: Developing and implementing creative but cost-efficient strategies to identify, source, assess and hire the best local and international talent to meet changing and evolving organizational needs;

Learning and Development: Revamping and improving staff L&D initiatives, including:

• Implementing a comprehensive in-house professional development program that includes periodic training needs assessment; new staff onboarding and orientation; revamping the in-house Leadership Development Program (LDP); staff mentoring program; etc.;
• Identification of and implementation of appropriate internal and external training opportunities for all cadres of staff;
• Working with Program Directors to anticipate project staffing requirements and planning staff placements to satisfy both employee professional development needs and project needs;
• Working with Knowledge Management and Learning Department to measure the impact of every L&D initiative to guide management decision making;

Performance Management:

• Review of current SCIDaR staff performance evaluation framework for appropriateness for different cadres of staff and, if needed, revision as appropriate;
• Creating a standardized system of team management tools and processes for SCIDaR program and operations teams, such as standardized and enforced templates for team and individual staff objectives;
• Working with Unit Managers, Program Managers and Program Directors to ensure timely and objective performance evaluations for every staff;
• Ensuring and tracking follow through of review recommendations for all staff;
• Flagging and ensuring key professional development actions when due, such as promotions, internal or external trainings, probations or disciplinary actions.

Employee retention: Designing and executing management strategies aimed at increasing staff retention and minimizing middle management turnover, including but not limited to:

• Establishing and implementing a system to systematically gauge the pulse of employees at every level to identify and address any employee satisfaction issues (e.g., team barometers);
• Periodic systematic reviews of SCIDaR remuneration and benefits packages for competitiveness and appropriateness, and administration of all employee benefits;
• Working with all of Executive Management Team to ensure consistent role modeling and frequent messaging of the organizational culture, values and objectives;
• Institution and management of appropriate inclusive, gender-sensitive and family-friendly organizational culture and lifestyle enhancing initiatives, such as flex-schedule, flex-travel, work-from-home, office happy hours and other social/team building events;
• Strengthening organizational value proposition to all cadres or employees and building a ‘great place to work’ brand for SCIDaR.

Employee exit / off-boarding:

• Proactively managing employee exit from SCIDaR to enhance organizational image and learning:
• Working with KML to conduct detailed exit interviews for all departing staff;
• Maintaining a comprehensive and up to date database of alumni including contact information; and organizing of periodic alumni engagement initiatives.

Talent / HRM data management for EMT decision support:

• Establishment and maintenance of a comprehensive electronic talent / HR database, to include a wide array of relevant records on staff such as up-to-date personal records, demographics, tenure, academic and on-the-job training, performance, project experience, etc.;
• Regular analysis and presentation of talent/HR data to support EMT decision-making and organizational planning, and incorporation of relevant electronic dashboards/summaries into ERP.

Technical Responsibilities – General Administration
As the Head Office Manager, the incumbent will support SCIDaR operations by delivering efficient office administrative functions, including but not limited to:

Facilities management:

• Space planning and assignment: Ensures organized, efficient and aesthetically appropriate seating, storage, and meeting space for all staff, projects and guests; responsible for the look and feel of all SCIDaR facilities;
• Maintenance: Ensuring that all office spaces, work stations, common areas, bathrooms, meeting rooms, etc., are maintained in a clean and tidy state at all times by enforcing responsible use of facilities by all staff, closely supervising cleaning and maintenance staff, ensuring appropriate and timely maintenance of all infrastructure with minimum downtime during maintenance or repairs;
• Utilities management: Includes receipt and processing of bills for payment, and execution of procedures and initiatives to ensure efficient utilities consumption;
• Emergency procedures management: Development of emergency office procedures and routines for all offices, and ensuring all SCIDaR employees are familiar with emergency procedures, routines and drills.

Inventory and stores management:

• Asset register: Maintaining a routinely (quarterly) updated register of all fixed assets in the organization and their employee custodians; maintaining an orderly system of goods and equipment storage, registration and inventory reconciliation within the office, including use of goods received/dispatched notes, bin cards, goods movement forms, consistent inventory tagging system, etc., as appropriate;
• Inventory and stores management: Managing inventory of office supplies by forecasting, ordering and verifying receipts; ensuring availability and distribution of office supplies to the different offices; tagging all items delivered to SCIDaR including all deliveries to field offices, sub-grantees and supported facilities; managing all dispatch authorizations to in-house as well as field personnel, field offices, supported facilities and other approved locations.

Procurement and vendor management:

• Ensuring that SCIDaR purchasing policy and practices reflect best practices and maximize benefit to the organization.
• Compliance and policy: Understands, documents and enforces up to date procurement regulations relevant to SCIDaR;
• Tendering and vendor selection: Coordinates tendering, evaluation, selection and monitoring of a portfolio of corporate contracts and purchasing activities in ways that are sustainable, ethical and minimize whole life costs; participates in negotiation of contract terms on a range of central contracts and monitors performance of vendors against these contracts;
• Vendor management: Supervise vendors and service providers to ensure they routinely meet expectations for their contract.

Travel and logistics management:

• Ensures that SCIDaR purchasing policy and practices reflect best practices and maximize benefit to the organization.
• Travel policy and planning: Understands, documents and enforces up to date travel policies and protocols relevant to SCIDaR; anticipates all road and air travel needs and ensures adequate support is provided for timely, safe and efficient travel for all staff;
• Travel and logistics management: Manages drivers and vehicle fleet, including ensuring that lead driver tracks maintenance and inspection of vehicles regularly; maintaining travel logs and fuel usage for periodic analysis; ensuring that drivers are trained and comply with all relevant road transport regulations; performance management for drivers to ensure achievement of their role objectives, including disciplinary action in accordance with Firm rules; receipt and processing of vehicle accident and damage reports.

Information and Communication Technology:

• ICT policy: Updates ICT usage policy and protocols for SCIDaR, and ensures employees are familiar with the policy;
• Fit-for-purpose IT infrastructure: Recommends investments in appropriate ICT infrastructure and maintenance that ensures smooth running of the organization and its programs;
• Staff ICT support: Coordinates allocation and maintenance of CUG lines, email accounts to employees, and ensures appropriate use.
• Data and information management: Maintain physical and electronic filing systems for all program documentations in accordance with SCIDaR policies and regulations

Executive Assistance and External Liaison:

• Executive Assistance: Manages calendar of Managing Partner and/or other assigned Principals to ensure efficient use of time and no missed appointments, including ensuring adequate preparation for meetings where necessary;
• External liaison: Serves as the administrative point of contact for SCIDaR for external stakeholders; maintains functional contact phone for the office and ensures prompt responses to calls; receives and signs for all office delivered mail and distributes appropriately.

Required competencies
Core requirements:

• Compelling evidence of interest in and commitment to the mission of SCIDaR;
• Commitment to helping build the organization for a minimum of two years in the role;
• Demonstrated strong strategic thinking, problem solving and thought leadership abilities;
• Advanced computer usage skills with proficiency in Microsoft® Word, Excel, PowerPoint;
• Experience with Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platforms;
• Solid people manager, able to manage and promote inclusive and diverse teams within the organization;
• Fast learner, open to learning from peers, subordinates and supervisors collaboratively and at a rapid pace;
• Results oriented performer, experienced in developing and tracking self and team with clear KPIs;
• Strong verbal and written communications skills.
• Evidence of ability to deliver on all institutional and technical requirements above.

Education and Experience:

• Academic training: Minimum of Masters’ degree in management, human resource management, organizational psychology, business or similarly relevant field;
• Professional credentialing: Appropriate national and international professional qualifications in human resource management;
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years progressive experience in varied aspects of human resource or talent management in verifiable and reputable establishments (e.g., employment law, compensation, organizational planning, recruitment, organization development, employee relations, safety, employee engagement, and employee development); some of the recent experience must be at a senior or strategic level;
• Consulting experience: in strategy, HR or organizational psychology in major consulting firm a major plus.

Equal employment opportunity statement

• SCIDaR is an equal employment employer. We do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, gender, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable laws.

 

Job Title: Program Manager

Location: Abuja

Description and Objectives

• The Program Manager will provide technical and operational leadership for the execution of assigned SCIDaR programs
• This will involve day-to-day management of all program workflows and provision of direct oversight for Program Officers executing assigned program activities
• She/he will bear ultimate responsibility for all team deliverables and lead program-related interactions with primary clients as well as other relevant stakeholders
• The Program Manager will also be responsible for providing program status updates and supporting the Program Director for financial planning.

Technical Responsibilities – Program Management
Program design and planning:

• Provide technical leadership for the development of diagnostic methodologies and tools to understand system issues and develop insights for clients
• Lead the design of program interventions to address systems challenges identified from diagnostics
• Lead the development of comprehensive program results frameworks, risk logs, work plans, budgets, and monitoring processes

Program implementation:

• Lead day-to-day execution of program activities and manage workflows of assigned SCIDaR Program Officers
• Monitor program risks and troubleshoot program challenges, identify and implement creative solutions.
• Ensure close collaboration and coordination with cooperating partners to guarantee smooth implementation of activities and achievement of results
• Lead all program activities and be the primary contact point for donor program officers and other stakeholders
• Facilitate routine technical problem-solving sessions with the primary client and relevant stakeholders to brainstorm implementation challenges and align on decisions to guide the path forward

Program monitoring and reporting:

• Regularly monitor and review program activities to ensure quality, accountability, and contractual compliance with agreed deliverables and performance indicators as per the scope of work (see Section VI – Appendix)
• Lead the preparation of monthly/quarterly technical and financial reports (the latter will be in collaboration with the designated Finance Officer)
• Monitor program expenditure and ensure efficient utilization of program resources; liaise with Program Director to make adjustments to program activities in-line with budget realities as required
• Facilitate structured mid-term and end-term program evaluations

Program staff development and team building:

• Facilitate program onboarding briefing with the program team at the beginning of a new program (or new staff upon joining an existing program) to communicate the program expectations, staff roles, deliverables and performance indicators
• Support individual team members to identify and document learning goals at the beginning of the program (or new staff upon joining an existing program), and facilitate feedback sessions to track their progress
• Coordinate technical capacity building activities for program staff, and assess their competency gains
• Facilitate periodic (at least monthly) individual performance reviews and provide feedback to program staff on their strengths and re-direction needs as is it applies to program activities and deliverables
• Coordinate all team management issues, including but not limited to team communication, data storage, and sharing modalities, team workstation, facilities, and other logistics, team bonding activities, etc.

Organizational learning and documentation:

• Lead the documentation of the best practices in the development of programs, prepare sets of necessary materials, tools, and other resources
• Coordinate routine archiving of all program documentation on the organization’s shared drive, and oversee cleanup of all documents at the close of programs
• Participate in periodic organization-wide events to share critical insights from the program with other managers and directors

Institutional Leadership Responsibilities
As an institutional leader and a part of SCIDaR’s Management Team, the Program Manager will be required to contribute substantially to organizational strategy and management in ways including, but not limited to:

Organizational strategy:

• Identification and execution of institutional strategic priorities for SCIDaR that align with the mission and values, and that are responsive to the evolving trends in the human capital development sectors;
• Support for executive management as needed with institutional representation; business development and brand management; planning and budgeting; people development, and general leadership and oversight for the organization.

Business/Proposal Development Support:

• Lead the technical development of proposals as assigned by the Program Director; including background data gathering and research for proposal efforts, participating in brainstorming meetings to pool strategies and ideas and writing-up technical components of proposals
• Identify opportunities, liaise, and develop networks with government, non-governmental organizations, partners, and donors to promote an understanding of SCIDaR’s work and ensure the sustainability of SCIDaR operations in collaboration with Program Director
• Provide support and training on proposal development processes to build the capacity of staff

Talent management:

• Participate as required in the comprehensive in-house professional development program that includes periodic training needs assessment; new staff onboarding and orientation; in-class training sessions; staff mentoring program; etc.
• Support Program Directors to anticipate project staffing requirements and planning staff placements to satisfy both employee professional development needs and project needs;
• Participate in the reviews of current SCIDaR staff performance evaluation framework for appropriateness for cadres of technical staff

Procurement and vendor management:

• Review all program procurement requests from Program Officers and provide recommendations for the Project Director’s approval in-line with SCIDaR’s procurement regulations

Travel and logistics management:

• Review and approve all program team travel in-line with SCIDaR’s travel policies to ensure safety and efficiency for all staff
• Information and Communication Technology:
• Request ICT infrastructure and support services required for the effective execution of program activities
• Ensure deployed ICT infrastructure and support services are used and maintained appropriately while in the custody of the program team

Required Competencies
Core Requirements:

• Compelling evidence of interest in and commitment to the mission of SCIDaR;
• Commitment to helping build the organization for a minimum of two years in the role;
• Demonstrated strong strategic thinking, problem-solving and thought leadership abilities;
• Advanced computer usage skills with proficiency in Microsoft® Word, Excel, PowerPoint;
• Reliable people manager, able to manage and promote inclusive and diverse teams within the organization;
• Secure relationship manager, highly impactful influencing and persuasion skills;
• Fast learner, open to learning from peers, subordinates, and supervisors collaboratively and at a rapid pace;
• Results oriented performer, experienced in developing and tracking self and team with clear KPIs;
• Strong verbal and written communications skills,

Education and Experience

• Academic training: Minimum of a Master’s Degree in International Development, Policy and Strategy Development, Public Health, Epidemiology, Health Management or similarly relevant field;
• Experience: Minimum of seven years of progressive experience implementing development programs, with a good understanding of the operations of the government, donors, and other development organizations
• Consulting expertise: in strategy, systems strengthening in a major consulting firm a plus.

Appendix (Program-specific documentation)

• Upon engagement on any SCIDaR program, the Program Manager will co-develop or align on program specific scope of work and deliverables with the Program Director and the client
• The following documents will then guide the development of program-specific KPIs for the Program Manager, which will be tracked in addition to the technical responsibilities captured in Section III above.

The following documents will serve as reference material for each program:

• Program results framework and workplan
• Program budget
• Stakeholder engagement framework and communication plan

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

• SCIDaR is an equal employment employer. We do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, gender, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable laws.

 

Job Title: Head, Internal Audit and Compliance

Location: Abuja

Description and Objectives

• The Head, Internal Audit and Compliance will oversee SCIDaR’s internal audit and compliance activities to ensure adherence to all regulatory and funder requirements as well as internal policies and procedures.
• She/he will be responsible for instituting appropriate internal controls in all business systems and departments and verifying the accuracy of accounting information.
• The incumbent will also implement risk-based audit processes to assess and improve SCIDaR’s key operational and financial activities and internal controls.

Institutional leadership Responsibilities
As a core part of the Management Team, the incumbent will be required to contribute substantially to organizational strategy and management in ways including, but not limited to:

• Identification and execution of institutional strategic priorities for SCIDaR that align with the mission and values, and that are responsive to the evolving trends in the human capital development sectors;
• Support for Executive Management as needed with institutional representation; operational efficiencies; organizational processes; business assurance; business risk assessment and mitigation; people development, and general leadership and oversight for the organization.

Also, as a department head, she/he will be required to provide effective leadership for the department in ways including, but not limited to:

• Development of costed annual departmental work plans and identification of annual strategic priorities for the department;
• Custody of audit and compliance policies, processes and tools, including periodic updates and revisions as necessary to meet institutional needs;
• Management and supervision of departmental staff, including supporting learning and capacity building and assignment of job functions and KPIs;

Technical responsibilities

• The Head, Internal Audit and Compliance will review SCIDaR’s risk management plans, financial and operational policies, procedures, records and accounts, and appraise the effectiveness by which SCIDaR meets its objectives. She/he will also be responsible for monitoring compliance with these policies.
• The incumbent will ensure the adequacy of controls necessary in all areas and will confirm that management has taken the necessary steps to achieve these objectives. Specific responsibilities include:

Internal controls and compliance monitoring for all staff and programs
Operations control:

• Performing audits through the review of physical and electronic records with the aim of evaluating the level of compliance with established business control policies, processes, procedures, standards, laws and regulations in all functional areas;
• Evaluating information management systems and computer databases to ensure that confidential information and proprietary intellectual property is secure, and make sure that only authorized users are able to gain access to privileged information and that the information itself is accurate;
• Maintaining back up (physical and electronic) of all internal audit materials for easy retrieval and reference and monitoring the document management process across the organization;
• Participating in stock counts, conducting physical verification of assets and consumables, and monitoring their disposal, as directed by the Executive Management Team and following through to ensure that store balances are reconciled to the general ledger;
• Identifying control weaknesses or process improvement opportunities and initiating workable solutions when necessary and implementing planned controls when major changes are made to various administrative systems;

Financial Control:

• Conducting monthly review of all transactions and bank reconciliation statements for all existing bank accounts, focusing on appropriate posting of transactions and ensuring compliance with statutory deductions;
• Maintaining a system to continuously review income and expenditure; to ensure that all financial transactions are in accordance with established policies and procedures, and maximize value for money;

Forensic control:

• Developing systems for reporting and investigating unethical practices anonymously and appraising the adequacy of such systems, including their ability to detect and prevent fraud;
• Investigating and reporting all transaction irregularities or suspected fraud, waste, abuse and inefficiencies and making recommendations on appropriate preventive or remedial actions;
• Conducting ad hoc and confidential investigations as directed by the Executive Director and/or Board;

Compliance and continuous improvement:

• Objectively reviewing SCIDaR’s current business processes and evaluating the efficacy of risk management procedures that are currently in place, to create a compliance system that effectively addresses organizational needs;
• Designing and leading the implementation of an effective compliance program to prevent, detect and correct any issues of non-compliance with SCIDaR’s policies and procedures, donor regulations, requirements, national laws and regulations;
• Mentoring and educating all employees to ensure compliance with internal policies and ensuring that the organization is compliant with relevant laws and contractual obligations;
• Identifying and recommending ways to improve internal controls and compliance processes;
• Tracking the timeliness of required filings to comply with tax, legal, insurance, other regulatory and donor requirements;
• Engaging in continuous knowledge development regarding not-for-profit governance and associated rules, regulations, best practices, tools, techniques and performance standards;

Corporate governance:

• ­Promoting the highest standards of ethics and standards across the organization based on the principles of integrity, objectivity, competence and confidentiality;
• Verifying and ensuring the accuracy of management information and making audit/compliance disclosures accordingly;
• Giving advice to the executive management team and others on the control arrangements and risks relating to proposed policies, programs and projects;
• Serving as a “thought leader” with respect to risk management, audit, compliance and internal control best practices;

Institutional risk assessment and mitigation
Risk management:

• Developing and executing a structured, consistent, and continuous process across the whole organization for identifying, assessing, monitoring, responding to and reporting on risks and opportunities that affect the achievement of its objectives (whether internal or external to the organization);
• Managing and monitoring major changes to SCIDaR’s business environment and risk profile in terms of compliance and privacy, finances, safety, legal liability, human capital, operations, reputation and strategic issues;
• Performing risk and internal controls assessments of partner companies or joint venture companies and lead efforts to mitigate identified risk and control deficiencies;

Audit strategy development:

• ­Producing an internal audit strategy that fits with and supports SCIDaR’s objectives and reflects the organization’s risk maturity;
• Developing and executing annual audit plans, ensuring the plan is responsive to and aligned with the risk profile of the organization;
• Regularly reporting to the Executive Management Team on the status of audit activities and emerging risks or exposures, that should be considered (whether internal or external to the organization);
• Monitoring emerging trends and successful practices in internal audit related to donor funded projects and the human capital development sector more generally, developing and incorporating a risk-based approach into the annual audit plan;

Program audit:

• Regularly conducting program performance audits to assess the achievement of set program goals, objectives and milestones, identifying process shortfalls and making suggestions for improvement where necessary;
• Ensuring principles of value for money are adhered to in all program implementation;

External audit facilitation and monitoring:

• Reviewing and endorsing the External Auditor’s proposed audit plan and approach, including materiality levels, content, appropriateness and timeliness and verifying the fitness of accounting policies, estimates and judgements;
• Reviewing the External Auditor’s summary management report which details the results and significant findings from the audit, and management responses;
• Ensuring management implements recommendations arising from external audit reports;
• Liaising closely with the external auditor to share knowledge at the end of audit processes;

Required Competencies
Core requirements:

• Compelling evidence of interest in and commitment to the mission of SCIDaR;
• Commitment to helping build the organization for a minimum of two years in the role;
• Demonstrated strong strategic thinking, problem solving and thought leadership abilities;
• Advanced computer usage skills with proficiency in Microsoft® Word, Excel, PowerPoint;
• Experience with accounting packages and systems such as QuickBooks, SAGE, etc.;
• Demonstrated understanding of operational dynamics, internal audit methodologies, corporate governance procedures, and conversance with statutory laws and regulations;
• Fast learner, open to learning from peers, subordinates and supervisors collaboratively and at a rapid pace;
• Results oriented performer, experienced in developing and tracking self and team with clear KPIs;
• Strong verbal and written communications skills;
• Ability to travel and work in ANY state in Nigeria and abroad for up to 50% of his/her time;

Education and Experience:

• Academic training: Minimum of Masters’ degree in Accounting and Finance or similarly relevant field;
• Professional credentialing: Professional accounting/audit certification, e.g. ICAN, ACA, ACCA, CPA;
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years progressive experience in varied aspects of audit and compliance in verifiable and reputable establishments (e.g., business assurance, risk management, information, operations and business systems auditing); some of the recent experience must be at a senior or strategic level;
• Consulting experience: in business assurance and/or audit in a top four (4) audit firm is a major plus.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

• SCIDaR is an equal employment employer. We do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, gender, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable laws.

 

Job Title: Head, Knowledge Management, Research & Training

Location: Abuja

Description and Objectives

• The Head, Knowledge Management, Research and Training (KMR&T) will provide overall leadership to three functions within the organization – Knowledge Management; Learning and Research; and Training & Capacity Building.
• She/he will be ultimately responsible for strategically positioning SCIDaR as a learning organization that generates evidence for policy and programs, both in the context of SCIDaR-implemented programs, and on broader topical issues that significantly impact our target sectors and populations.
• The incumbent will develop and lead best in class KMR&T function that will enable the achievement of the organization’s strategic goals.

Institutional leadership responsibilities

• As an institutional leader and a core part of the Executive Management Team, the incumbent will be required to contribute substantially to organizational strategy and management in ways including, but not limited to:
• Identification and execution of institutional strategic priorities for SCIDaR that align with the mission and values, and that are responsive to the evolving trends in the human capital development sectors;
• Support for executive management as needed with institutional representation; business development and brand management; planning and budgeting; people development, and general leadership and oversight for the organization.

Also as a department head, he/she will be required to provide effective leadership for the department in ways including, but not limited to:

• Working with executive management to achieve a fit-for-purpose but efficient department, including a revised organogram and staffing / capability requirements;
• Identification of strategic priorities for each function in the department, and development of costed annual departmental implementation plans;
• Custody of departmental policies, processes and tools, including periodic updates and revisions as necessary to meet institutional needs. These include SCIDaR’s confidentiality and information security policy; data management and use policy, research and institutional learning policy; training policy; etc.;
• Management and supervision of departmental staff, including supporting recruitment and retention, assignment of job functions and KPIs, learning and capacity building, and performance management.

Technical Responsibilities
Organizational Learning and Research:

• Development of a robust organizational learning and research agenda for SCIDaR, and periodic updates in line with institutional and contextual priorities;
• Conceptualization, planning and implementation of research projects, either as standalone studies or embedded within SCIDaR programs, using rigorous and acceptable methodologies, data collection and analysis, and publications;
• Development and dissemination of research outputs and knowledge products, including manuscripts, policy briefs, white papers, research reports; etc.
• Working with Corporate Communications to organize and/or participate in appropriate dissemination and knowledge sharing forums targeting relevant local and international stakeholders and end-users, such as partner organizations, government, civil society, donors, etc.
• Working with Principals to seek out and pursue research funding and partnership opportunities to establish a strong research portfolio and culture for SCIDaR;
• Conducting semi-independent periodic reviews and data analysis for programs, and specific corporate functions (e.g., HR, admin) to identify lessons and improvement opportunities;
• Establishing strategic relationships with other knowledge-based institutions to facilitate access to emerging knowledge and innovations relevant to SCIDaR’s operations;

Knowledge Management:

• Development of SCIDaR knowledge and information management policies and plans to achieve organizational goals;
• Building creative and appropriate systems, processes and tools (physical and electronic) for knowledge management, including appropriate systems for storage/archiving and retrieval of research and program data and information;
• Educating all SCIDaR staff on knowledge management routines and working with management to achieve compliance by all staff;
• Supporting program M&E teams by providing input into program M&E frameworks and monitoring plans;
• Maintaining institution-wide databases of program data, and working with Program staff to develop program achievement dashboards for the management, board and clients.

Training and Capacity Building:

• Implementing a training program for SCIDaR staff in research methodology and scientific writing; and work with interested staff to conduct research projects and prepare publishable manuscripts;
• Developing and managing an external training service line for SCIDaR as a means to expand service offerings for clients and generate additional revenue for the organization;
• Working with all program teams to systematically incorporate and measure client capacity building on all programs, using a standardized framework;

Required competencies
Core requirements:

• Compelling evidence of interest in and commitment to the mission of SCIDaR;
• Commitment to helping build the organization for a minimum of two years in the role;
• Demonstrated strong strategic thinking, problem solving and thought leadership abilities;
• Advanced computer usage skills with proficiency in Microsoft® Word, Excel, PowerPoint;
• Solid people manager, able to manage and promote inclusive and diverse teams within the organization;
• Fast learner, open to learning from peers, subordinates and supervisors collaboratively and at a rapid pace;
• Results oriented performer, experienced in developing and tracking self and team with clear KPIs;
• Strong verbal and written communications skills.
• Evidence of ability to deliver on all institutional and technical requirements above.

Education and Experience:

• Academic training: PhD or other advanced research degree in a Human Development-related field, including a health field, economics, management, science, statistics, or similar relevant field;
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years progressive experience in academia, including research, training and grants/proposal writing; Must have authored multiple peer-reviewed articles in reputable journals; experience designing and managing databases and advanced statistical data analysis capabilities using STATA, SPSS, SAS or other software is required.
• Consulting experience: in strategy, research, business, international development in reputable consulting firm a major plus.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

• SCIDaR is an equal employment employer. We do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, gender, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable laws.

 

Job Title: Legal Adviser

Location: Abuja

Description and Objectives

• The Legal Adviser will provide legal input and guidance on all organizational policies, procedures and transactions, to the Executive Management Team, Board, departments and any employee who acts on behalf of the organization.
• She/he will support the development, implementation and revision of a corporate compliance program within the framework of enterprise and legal risk management.
• The incumbent will also provide contract management, negotiation, litigation and legal drafting services for SCIDaR operations.

Institutional Leadership Responsibilities
As a core part of the Management Team, the incumbent will be required to contribute substantially to organizational strategy and management in ways including, but not limited to:

• Identification and execution of institutional strategic priorities for SCIDaR that align with the mission and values, and that are responsive to the evolving trends in the human capital development sectors;
• Support for Executive Management as needed with institutional representation; legal risk assessment and mitigation; people development, and general leadership and oversight for the organization;
• Act as Company Secretary and carry out all duties necessary for that role according to company law and corporate governance and be the custodian of SCIDaR’s legal records;
• Interpret legal information and oversee the delivery of training on legal and regulatory issues, processes and policies to management and personnel;

Technical Responsibilities
1st line legal advice to Executive Management and Board:

• Research, identify and analyze legal issues that affect the organization, its operations and strategic initiatives at the local, state, federal and international levels, including but not limited to, revenue diversification, jurisdictional expansion and program development;
• Provide legal advice to management and the Board as may be required from time to time, on the legal implications of SCIDaR’s activities, ensuring appropriate measures are taken to protect the organization from legal risks;

Development / review of contracts and other legal documents:

• Legal document review:
  • Draft, review, negotiate and sign-off on a wide variety of SCIDaR’s legal documents/contracts, including program and partner agreements, MOUs, vendor agreements, grant/donation documentation, confidentiality agreements, affiliate agreements, real estate leases, and other general business contracts both domestically and internationally;
  • Draft and review sensitive and high-value legal documentation necessary for business operations, to ensure that the organization’s legal interests are duly protected in all its transactions;
  • Maintain organizational standards in the development of terms and conditions of all contracts/agreements/grants developed by the Executive Management Team;
  • Oversee the contract management system and keep records of contractual compliance, agreement-related templates; compliance checklists; agreement readings (examining the contractual and compliance elements of the schedule of the agreement, the clauses/provisions and the special requirements) and donor approval of SCIDaR’s interpretation of terms and conditions;
• Legal misconducts, disputes, resolutions and terminations:
  • Provide executive leadership with strategic and operational guidance and support in the management of potential litigation issues such as contract disputes, lodging protests, termination of contracts/agreements and product liability; co-ordinate the activities of external counsel where necessary; and approve settlements of disputes where applicable;

Compliance with statutory / legal obligations:

• Custodian of legal policies and procedures:
  • Define and develop legal and compliance policies, procedures and programs and advise management on legal implications of internal and external policies relating to SCIDaR’s operations;
  • Promote the importance of organizational ethics across SCIDaR by developing corporate ethics initiatives to prevent violations of the law in the course of SCIDaR’s operations;
  • Assume ultimate responsibility for ensuring that SCIDaR conducts its human development and non-profit activities in compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
• Legal risk assessment and mitigation:
  • Work closely with the Head, Internal Audit and Compliance to ensure SCIDaR’s compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures, which have been created internally by the Executive Management Team or externally by federal or state statutes, to maintain integrity both internally and externally (reputational risk);
  • Identify and assess potential legal risks and their impact on the organization and ensure that all of the organization’s risk management approaches are viable;
• Regulatory Compliance:
  • Ensure that SCIDaR’s annual returns, company or board resolutions and other statutory documents are prepared and filed in a timely manner, at the appropriate government agencies;
  • Process all government permits and approvals including business permits and registrations in all states and countries of operation;
  • Lead organization engagement with authorities and bodies related to legal and compliance matters such as regulatory bodies and law enforcement;

Company / Board secretariat:

• Act as an active conduit for communication between the board and executive management team, by giving proper notice of any meetings and timely distribution of materials such as agendas and meeting minutes;
• Document and track deliverables in Board meetings;
• Provide advice and resources to the board on relevant topics, such as governance matters being addressed at a meeting or a new amendment to corporate law;
• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual reports for the legal department for executive meetings;

Required Competencies
Core Requirements:

• Compelling evidence of interest in and commitment to the mission of SCIDaR;
• Commitment to helping build the organization for a minimum of two years in the role;
• Strong strategic thinking, problem solving and thought leadership abilities;
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex legal concepts to non-lawyers for development of practical processes;
• Advanced computer usage skills with proficiency in Microsoft® Word, Excel, PowerPoint;
• Demonstrated expertise with legal research, using appropriate tools and software;
• Solid people manager, able to manage and promote inclusive and diverse teams within the organization;
• Fast learner, open to learning from peers, subordinates and supervisors collaboratively and at a rapid pace;
• Results oriented performer, experienced in developing and tracking self and team with clear KPIs;
• Strong verbal and written communications skills;

Education and Experience:

• Academic training: Minimum of Masters’ degree in Law, with expertise in business law;
• Professional credentialing: A member of the Nigerian Bar Association;
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years progressive experience in varied aspects of law, especially as a transactional attorney, in verifiable and reputable establishments (e.g., compliance in the international development sector, contract review and management in Nigeria and in foreign jurisdictions, contract negotiation, legal drafting, employment law, corporate governance, enterprise wide risk mitigation, intellectual property, content management and licensing); some of the recent experience must be at a senior or strategic level;

Equal employment opportunity statement

• SCIDaR is an equal employment employer. We do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, gender, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable laws

 

Deadline: Monday 22nd July, 2019.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send an up-to-date CV and Cover Letter to: careers@solinagroup.com the CV / Cover Letter must include email addresses and phone numbers of three (3) professional referees who can speak to the candidate’s work ethics and capabilities;

Note

• The email should be formatted as such: Application: Role to which applied_first name last name_date of submission. Example: Application: Head, Knowledge Management, Research & Training_John Doe_June 12, 2019
• Candidates are encouraged to only apply for positions for which they meet the eligibility criteria specified above