NEEM Foundation Recruitment 2026: Programme Manager – ECOS Project, Requirements and How to Apply

NEEM Foundation is a Nigerian non-governmental organisation committed to promoting peace, resilience, psychological well-being and social inclusion in communities affected by conflict and insecurity. Through its peacebuilding and crisis-response programmes, the organisation works with communities, government institutions, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to prevent violence and strengthen community resilience.

The foundation is recruiting an experienced professional for the position of Programme Manager – ECOS Project. The successful candidate will oversee the implementation of a peacebuilding programme designed to strengthen civilian security, improve early-warning and early-response systems, and support community-led conflict prevention across five Nigerian states.

The position is based in Abuja, with regular travel to Benue, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara States. It is a full-time, fixed-term appointment running until 31 October 2027, with the possibility of extension subject to funding.

Applications close on 20 October 2026. Interested candidates should review the official NEEM Foundation vacancy announcement and submit their applications through the organisation’s online application form.

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NEEM Foundation Recruitment 2026: Job Details

• Organisation: NEEM Foundation
• Position: Programme Manager – ECOS Project
• Location: Abuja, Nigeria, with regular travel to five states
• Employment type: Full-time, fixed-term contract
• Contract duration: Until 31 October 2027, with possible extension subject to funding
• Reports to: Programme Director
• Team supervision: 12 field personnel
• Application deadline: 20 October 2026
• Resumption: As soon as possible
• Salary: Competitive remuneration based on experience and the organisation’s salary scale for the grade

The position is intended for an experienced programme professional who can manage complex activities, supervise field personnel, coordinate partner organisations and maintain effective relationships with communities and institutional stakeholders.

About the ECOS Project

The ECOS Project supports community-level early warning and early response mechanisms in areas affected by insecurity and the risk of violence.

According to the official vacancy announcement, the programme supports 33 Early Warning and Early Response Committees across Benue, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara States. These committees are connected through three regional stakeholder networks designed to strengthen coordination and information-sharing between communities and wider early-warning systems.

The project aims to help the committees become self-sustaining, make the regional networks fully operational and strengthen the partner organisations expected to continue supporting these activities.

The Programme Manager will play a central role in coordinating these efforts, monitoring implementation and ensuring that activities contribute to the programme’s objectives.

Why Interested Applicants Should Act Quickly

The application deadline is 20 October 2026, leaving interested candidates only a short period to prepare and submit their applications.

Because this is a senior programme-management position, applicants should take time to review their professional experience and demonstrate how their previous responsibilities match the requirements.

Candidates should prepare an updated CV, a tailored cover letter and relevant certifications. They should also be ready to explain their experience in donor-funded programming, peacebuilding, team management, budgeting, partner coordination and reporting.

Applicants should avoid waiting until the final day to submit their applications. They should use the official application form and ensure that all information provided is accurate.

Requirements for NEEM Foundation Recruitment 2026

NEEM Foundation is seeking an experienced professional with the qualifications, management experience and technical knowledge needed to oversee a multi-state peacebuilding programme.

Educational Qualifications

Applicants must possess a degree in one of the following fields or a related discipline:

• Peace and Conflict Studies
• Social Sciences
• Development Studies
• International Relations

A postgraduate qualification is an advantage but is not listed as a mandatory requirement.

However, meeting the educational requirement alone will not be sufficient. Candidates must also demonstrate the professional experience and management capabilities specified in the vacancy announcement.

Professional Experience

Applicants must have at least 10 years of experience in donor-funded programming, including a minimum of two years of management responsibility involving a workplan, a budget and a team.

Candidates should be able to demonstrate practical experience in programme planning, resource management, team supervision and implementation monitoring.

Experience managing subawards or working closely with community-based partner organisations is also required. Applicants should highlight relevant responsibilities and achievements rather than relying solely on job titles.

Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Experience

Applicants must have demonstrable experience in peacebuilding, early warning and early response, community security or conflict-prevention programming in Nigeria.

Relevant experience may include coordinating community peacebuilding initiatives, supporting early-warning systems, facilitating conflict-prevention activities, strengthening local security mechanisms or managing programmes designed to reduce violence.

Experience in general humanitarian or development work may provide transferable skills, but applicants should clearly demonstrate how their background meets the vacancy’s specific peacebuilding and conflict-prevention requirements.

Communication and Reporting Skills

The successful candidate must have strong written English skills and be capable of preparing high-quality narrative reports for the consortium lead and donor with minimal editing.

These reports should clearly explain programme activities, progress, results, challenges and corrective measures.

Applicants with experience preparing monthly, quarterly or annual donor reports should highlight this in their CVs and cover letters.

Language Proficiency

Working knowledge of Hausa is an essential requirement for the position.

Knowledge of Tiv or other relevant local languages may provide an additional advantage. Applicants should describe their language proficiency honestly and accurately during the application process.

Geographical and Additional Experience

Experience working in Benue, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Katsina or Zamfara States is desirable.

NEEM Foundation also values experience working with faith leaders and traditional authorities on interreligious issues. Familiarity with monitoring, evaluation and learning systems and digital data-collection tools may further strengthen an application.

Personal Attributes

The organisation is looking for someone who is organised, decisive and capable of working under pressure.

The successful candidate must be able to hold staff and partner organisations accountable while maintaining constructive professional relationships. Sound judgement is essential when working in insecure environments, where field plans and movement arrangements may need to change quickly.

Discretion when handling sensitive information about communities, individuals and security incidents is also important. Candidates should demonstrate a genuine commitment to religious freedom, interfaith cooperation and community-led security.

Ability to Travel

Although the position is based in Abuja, the Programme Manager must travel frequently to Benue, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara States.

Applicants should be prepared for the practical demands of field coordination, including changing security conditions, movement planning and collaboration with stakeholders across multiple locations.

Responsibilities of the Programme Manager

The Programme Manager will oversee the day-to-day implementation of the ECOS Project and ensure that programme activities are delivered according to approved plans, budgets and donor requirements.

Programme Planning and Implementation

The successful candidate will maintain the project workplan and translate it into practical schedules for the different programme locations.

Responsibilities include coordinating training sessions, field visits, stakeholder meetings and other activities. The manager will monitor progress against agreed timelines, identify delays early and recommend adjustments when necessary.

The role also involves coordinating the Community Security Training Institute and subsequent training activities.

Team Management and Supervision

The Programme Manager will supervise a field team of 12 personnel comprising six Multimedia Officers and six First Responder Field Staff.

This includes work planning, staff supervision, performance management and professional development. The manager will also coordinate technical consultants supporting communications and monitoring activities.

Partner Coordination

The successful candidate will build and maintain effective working relationships with implementing partners and other stakeholders.

Responsibilities include conducting quality-assurance visits, following up on identified issues, communicating changes and decisions, and ensuring that partners understand relevant programme requirements.

The manager must also ensure that partner questions and operational concerns are communicated to the appropriate people promptly.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

The role involves working with the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Consultant and partner monitoring and evaluation officers to ensure that programme information is collected consistently and used to improve implementation.

The Programme Manager will prepare monthly, quarterly and annual narrative reports for the consortium lead and donor. These reports should document progress, challenges, results and changes relating to community security, religious freedom and interfaith cooperation.

Budget Management and Compliance

The Programme Manager will work with the Senior Finance Officer to monitor budgets, forecast expenditure and compare spending against approved plans.

The manager must identify budget variances early and ensure that programme activities comply with donor requirements and NEEM Foundation policies.

Accurate documentation and audit-ready records are important parts of this responsibility.

Representation and Stakeholder Engagement

The successful candidate will represent NEEM Foundation at consortium meetings and support engagement with relevant national and state institutions.

Effective communication and coordination will be essential to maintaining collaboration between programme partners, community stakeholders and public institutions.

Security and Staff Welfare

Because the programme operates in areas affected by insecurity, the Programme Manager will coordinate movement planning and security clearances for field activities.

The manager must be prepared to adjust schedules when access conditions change and remain attentive to the well-being of staff working in demanding and potentially insecure environments.

How to Apply for NEEM Foundation Recruitment 2026

Interested and qualified candidates should review the official vacancy and submit their applications through NEEM Foundation’s online application form.

Application deadline: 20 October 2026.

Follow these steps to apply:

1. Read the official Programme Manager – ECOS Project vacancy carefully.
2. Confirm that you meet the educational, professional experience, language and travel requirements.
3. Prepare an updated CV highlighting relevant programme-management and peacebuilding experience.
4. Write a cover letter explaining your suitability for the position.
5. Gather relevant certifications and supporting documents.
6. Complete the official online application form.
7. Review your information and uploaded documents before submitting the application.

The application form requests information about education, donor-funded programme experience, management responsibilities, peacebuilding experience, field experience, language proficiency and availability to resume. Applicants may also be asked about their experience working with implementing partners and their familiarity with community-based approaches and safeguarding principles.

Ensure that all answers are accurate and that your CV and cover letter clearly demonstrate your suitability for the position.

Contact Information

For technical difficulties with the application form, NEEM Foundation lists the following email address:

• Technical support: it@neemfoundation.org.ng

For general enquiries:

• Telephone: +234 902 686 0000
• Email: info@neemfoundation.org.ng
• Official website: https://neem.global/

Applicants should use the official website and application form to verify recruitment information and avoid relying on unofficial agents.

Final Advice for Applicants

The NEEM Foundation Programme Manager – ECOS Project vacancy offers an opportunity for an experienced professional to contribute to peacebuilding and community-security initiatives across five states in Nigeria.

However, the position has demanding eligibility requirements. Candidates need a relevant degree, at least 10 years of donor-funded programme experience, management experience involving a workplan, budget and team, and demonstrable experience in peacebuilding or related interventions. Working knowledge of Hausa and the ability to travel frequently are also essential.

Applicants should assess their eligibility carefully, prepare a strong application and submit it before the 20 October 2026 deadline.

For the complete requirements and application instructions, consult the official NEEM Foundation vacancy page and submit your application through the official application form.