Programme Officer, Ford Foundation West Africa

About the role

The Ford Foundation’s West Africa Regional Office in Lagos covers grant-making across Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and surrounding countries. Programme Officers lead grant portfolios in civic engagement, gender, racial and ethnic justice, natural resources, and creativity and free expression. Application deadline 15 September 2026.

Responsibilities

• Design and manage a grant portfolio aligned with the Foundation’s regional strategy.
• Source grantees and lead due diligence on prospective grants.
• Author grant memos and present to the Regional Director.
• Provide strategic and technical support to grantees during implementation.
• Coordinate with peer foundations, civil society networks, and African governments.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree in social sciences, public policy, law, or related field.
• Seven or more years of relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrated track record working with African civil society, government, or academic partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication in English; French an asset for francophone West African portfolios.
• Authorisation to work in Nigeria.

Nice to have

• PhD in a relevant discipline.
• Prior philanthropic, NGO leadership, or grant-making experience.
• Existing network across West African civil society.

How to apply

Open the Ford Foundation careers page at the apply link, search for “Programme Officer West Africa”, and apply through the Foundation’s recruitment portal. CV review, hiring manager interview, technical interviews, and final panel with the Regional Director follow. Closing date 15 September 2026.