About us
Desired start date: 15/12/2026
Duration of the mission: 12 months
Location: Abuja

Solidarités International (SI) is an international humanitarian aid association which, for more than 40 years, has assisted populations affected by armed conflicts and natural disasters by meeting basic needs for food, water and shelter. SI works in drinking water, sanitation, hygiene promotion, food security and livelihoods. Present in 26 countries, SI teams of approximately 3,200 staff intervene professionally and respectfully of cultural norms.

About the mission
Solidarités International launched operations in Nigeria in 2016 in response to the needs of displaced populations and host communities affected by conflict and violence in the Northeast. Security challenges and epidemics continue to affect millions of people in Northeastern and Northwestern Nigeria. SI's intervention sectors include WASH, Shelter, RRM, Food Security and Livelihoods. The mission's annual budget was approximately EUR 8.3 million in 2022.

The mission has a coordination office in Maiduguri and bases in Ngala, Dikwa and Monguno for the Northeast. In the Northwest, SI operates from bases in Gusau, Anka and Taleta in Zamfara State. Abuja is the representative office for the Nigeria mission. Mission staff: 165.

The Grants and Partnership Head of Department directly manages the Grants coordination team, including a Reporting & Communications Officer, and works closely with Departmental Heads, Field Coordinators and Project Managers. The role reports to the Country Director and liaises with the Grants & Partnership department at headquarters.

About the job
Working closely with programme and support departments, the Head of Grants and Partnerships manages donor relations and develops and monitors the country office funding strategy. The role supervises, adapts and optimises methods and tools for donor accountability; validates contractual documents including proposals, reports, amendment requests and partnership agreements; defines the country office partnership strategy; coordinates relations with implementing partners; ensures effective grant-management coordination; and provides strategic support on donor relations, external representation, partner management, compliance and accountability.

Main challenges
Access challenges and remote management caused by security constraints; strategic positioning during a global funding decrease; and partnership and localisation across all intervention areas, requiring adapted operational modalities and support to local partners.

Priorities during the first 2–3 months
Support the 2027–2032 programme strategy and PROG 2027 implementation; monitor partnerships and the capacity-building plan with other departments; follow up on financing contracts; finalise the partnership management and localisation strategy; coordinate proposals; and continue developing relationships with donor representatives and identifying new funding opportunities.

Security constraints
There is a no-walking policy everywhere in the country. Abuja is level 2 out of 5, Maiduguri is level 3 and other bases/sub-bases are level 4. Frequent field visits are expected to Maiduguri, Birnin Kebbi and potentially Gusau or Sokoto. Occasional Northeast sub-base visits may take place as security conditions and approvals allow; overnight stays in Northeast sub-bases are not possible, and daily round trips by UNHAS may be used.

Profile
Bachelor's or Master's degree in humanitarian response, international cooperation or a related field; at least 5 years of humanitarian-sector experience; and 3–4 years of experience in a similar position.

Technical skills
Excellent reporting, writing and proofreading skills; strong knowledge of major donors including ECHO, French donors and SIDA and their policies and guidelines; experience developing strategic partnerships with NGOs, including MoUs, negotiations, governance and capacity building; and proven ability to work with donors and operational partners.

Transversal skills
Critical thinking and adaptability in fast-paced environments; ability to work independently to meet tight deadlines with minimal supervision; good knowledge of humanitarian project-cycle management; excellent communication, networking, organisation and prioritisation skills; ability to multitask; organisational flexibility; and external representation skills.

Languages
English (fluent – mandatory)
French (an asset)

SI will offer you
A salaried position starting from EUR 2,860 gross per month according to experience (EUR 2,600 base salary plus 10% annual leave allowance paid monthly), plus a monthly per diem of USD 750. SI covers accommodation and travel expenses between the expatriate's country of origin and the assignment location. Breaks include 7 working days every three months, a USD 850 break allowance and one additional rest day per month worked. Expatriates receive insurance covering healthcare, medical and surgical expenses, dental and ophthalmological care, repatriation and war-risk welfare support. Essential vaccination and antimalarial treatment costs are refunded.

Living conditions
The role is based in Abuja with frequent field visits. Abuja offers good living conditions and access to local and imported goods, supermarkets, restaurants, cinemas and sports centres. The Abuja guest house has private bedrooms and bathrooms, 24/7 electricity and internet, and is in the same estate as the office, with a gym, swimming pool and squash court. Field bases offer comfortable guest-house accommodation with private rooms and bathrooms, shared spaces, electricity and internet. Essential goods are available locally or at pre-validated supermarkets. Visits to other NGOs and pre-validated hotels and restaurants may be possible.

How to apply
Send a CV and cover letter. CV-only applications will not be considered and the vacancy may close before the deadline. SI does not request payment at any stage of recruitment and is committed to preventing abuse, exploitation, sexual harassment, fraud, corruption, conflicts of interest, discrimination and other violations.
Learn more about SI: https://www.solidarites.org/

Job details
Country: Nigeria
Source: Solidarités International
Type: Job
Career category: Donor Relations/Grants Management
Years of experience: 3–4 years