Country Director (Nigeria)

Description

About the Nigeria programme:

MAG has been responding to the crisis in Nigeria since 2015, working to support and protect conflict-affected communities from explosive remnants of war and enabling people to restore and pursue their livelihoods in a safe and secure environment, free from the fear of death or injury.

MAG’s programming in the region focuses on reducing armed violence by addressing risks associated with explosive ordnance (EO) and the illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW), including enhancing community engagement and awareness through community-based activities and locally led AVR initiatives, strengthening the capacity of state agencies to prevent and respond to illicit SALW proliferation through the safe and effective storage and management of weapons and ammunition, and increasing state capacity to address SALW and ammunition risks both independently and through regional collaboration.

About the role:

MAG is seeking an experienced Country Director to lead and represent our programme in Nigeria, while also providing oversight of smaller projects in Benin and Côte d’Ivoire. This senior leadership role is responsible for setting the strategic direction, ensuring effective programme delivery, and strengthening MAG’s presence and partnerships in-country.

The Country Director will provide strategic leadership and representation for MAG in-country, with overall accountability to MAG UK for the effective delivery, management, monitoring, and evaluation of the country programme. The role ensures strong oversight and integration of strategic, programmatic, and operational priorities to maintain the relevance, quality, and consistency of MAG’s work.

You will oversee all programme activities, ensuring they are delivered safely, effectively, and in line with MAG policies, donor requirements, and international standards. This includes leading the team, driving the development and delivery of annual business plans, and ensuring effective coordination across strategic, operational, and programme functions.

The role also includes oversight of programme budgets and financial performance, ensuring robust financial management across multiple grants and contracts. You will identify and pursue business development opportunities, build and maintain relationships with donors and partners, and oversee proposal development and reporting.

The Country Director will also represent MAG with government authorities, donors, and partners, while maintaining oversight of security management and operational risk. As a member of MAG’s Global Leadership Team, you will contribute to organisational strategy and uphold MAG’s values and operational standards.

Requirements

• Substantial experience working internationally in a senior management capacity in complex operating environments.
• Demonstrated experience of living and working in‑country, with a strong understanding of the country’s political, socio‑economic, and cultural context, and familiarity with national and local administrative structures, and regulatory and institutional frameworks.
• Proven experience of strategically managing and directing large‑scale projects, including implementation, management, monitoring and evaluation, risk assessment and mitigation, and contract compliance.
• Strong people management experience, with a proven ability to lead and manage multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, often in remote or complex operating environments.
• Proven expertise in new business development, including programme design and development, networking, and contract negotiation.
• Demonstrated experience of developing effective relationships and negotiating with donors, government bodies, other NGOs, and local partners.
• Experience of managing financial, administrative, and human resource systems to ensure effective and efficient programme delivery.
• Demonstrated experience of promoting and driving forward change in relation to gender, equity, and diversity across teams.
• Demonstrable understanding of the contextual, political, and operational factors relevant for West Africa and specifically the Gulf of Guinea region, gained through relevant professional experience and/or broader strategic knowledge.
• Fluency in French and English, both written and spoken.

Benefits

• Renumeration Packageis£64,928 GBP per annum(approx. $87,333).annum including basic salary and all allowances and this increases with service.
• Accommodation:MAG will provide accommodation in-country.
• Leave: Annual leave starts at 6 weeks per year and increases with service to 8 weeks per year. As above, hardship programmes receive additional leave. This will be 10 days per leave year.
• Flights: MAG provides three international flights at home per year. As above, staff in hardship programmes receive an additional flight in each completed 12-month period.
• Insurance: Programme based staff are automatically covered by MAG's comprehensive insurance package including Personal accident and medical expenses insurance; Death by natural causes insurance and access to 24-hour medical assistance.

HOW TO APPLY 

Please apply by submitting a CV and cover letter detailing your suitability for the role through the link below before the closing date of Midday (GMT) - 22 June 2026. 

Please note that as part of MAG's commitment to safeguarding, this post is subject to background checks before an offer of employment is confirmed. For more information on MAG’s approach to safeguarding and background checks please visit our website www.maginternational.org .

MAG is committed to the principles of diversity, equality and inclusion. If you think you would be suited to one of our roles we would welcome your application regardless of your background. We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive working environment where all employees feel respected and supported in fulfilling their potential.