Programme Director

CBM (registered as CBM Christoffel-Blindenmission Christian Blind Mission e.V.) is an international development organisation committed to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities in the persons communities of the world. Based on our Christian values and more than 100 years of professional expertise, we address poverty as a cause and a consequence of disability. We work in partnership to create an inclusive society for all.  

• Provide overall strategic direction and leadership for the programme, ensuring all activities are aligned with the programme's vision, strategic objectives, and theory of change.
• Oversee the phased rollout of the programme across 10 states as per the defined timeline, integrating lessons learned between project setups.
• Lead the development and execution of detailed annual work plans, budgets, and performance frameworks for the entire programme.
• Ensure the application of CBM’s programme quality standards and the principles of Inclusive Eye Health across all programme components.
• Manage the programme budget, ensuring efficient and compliant resource allocation and financial oversight in liaison with the finance team.
• Provide direct line management, leadership, mentorship, and capacity building to the programme's core management team, including Programme, Finance and MEAL Coordinators.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing, and accountable team environment, ensuring clear objectives and professional development opportunities for all team members.
• Facilitate effective coordination and communication within the team and across different functions (programme, MEAL, finance) to ensure integrated planning and problem-solving.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and support team members in achieving their individual and collective programme goals.
• Lead the management of relationships with multiple implementing partners, fostering a cohesive and high-performing consortium.
• Coordinate all partner activities to ensure adherence to joint work plans, budgets, and quality standards for the achievement of programme outputs.
• Oversee capacity assessments and support the development of partners to meet programme and contractual obligations.
• Ensure timely fund transfers to partners and monitor implementation rates against financial disbursements.
• Facilitate regular consortium meetings to ensure seamless communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.
• Oversee a robust MEAL system to track progress against key indicators, particularly the improvement in Effective Cataract Surgical Coverage (eCSC) and targets for eliminating blindness.
• Coordinate periodic reviews and evaluations to assess programme impact, document lessons learned and integrate adaptive management practices.
• Ensure timely and high-quality submission of narrative and financial reports to CBM and institutional donors.
• Serve as the primary programme representative to government authorities (Federal and State levels), and other key stakeholders.
• Lead state and national-level advocacy efforts to embed eye health into state policies and secure increased public and donor investment.
• Plan and coordinate high-level stakeholder meetings, ensuring the meaningful participation of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs).
• Build and maintain strong alliances to support the sustainability of the programme.
• Ensure all programme activities meet the highest standards of quality and accountability.
• Review and provide constructive feedback on partner reports, ensuring they are submitted on time and meet quality requirements.
• Oversee the documentation of best practices, human-interest stories, and strategic evidence for advocacy and learning.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, security, safeguarding and data protection policies.

• A relevant advanced degree in Public Health, International Development, Social Sciences, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of professional experience, with at least 7 years in a senior management role within an international NGO, leading large-scale, multi-partner development programmes.
• Proven track record in successfully managing institutionally funded projects with budgets exceeding 5 million EUR, including consortium-led projects.
• Demonstrated experience in public health, preferably in eye health, disability inclusion, or health systems strengthening.
• Significant experience working in Nigeria or similar contexts is highly desirable.
• Expertise in results-based management, project cycle management, and complex budget oversight.
• Proven experience in strategic advocacy and building partnerships with government bodies and institutional donors.
• Strong understanding of Monitoring & Evaluation principles and experience using data for decision-making.
• Experience in evaluation and strengthening of quality and effectiveness systems.
• Identification with Christian values and the mandate of the CBM.

• A meaningful position with a lot of creative freedom in the world's leading organisation in the field of Disability Inclusive Development
• A fair salary and other social benefits based on the local conditions in the country you apply for
• An approachable, agile organization with self-reliant people in a diverse and collegial team and great team spirit