The key responsibilities of the Project Manager will include the following:
- Project set-up and design: Initiates contract handover from the Business Development Team. Sets up and communicates administrative, governance, accounting, HR, M&E structures and procedures for the project. Initiates implementation of the project plan upon approval of donor(s) and/or country director, in accordance to the SNV project management procedures, relevant SNV structures and procedures, accounting principles, donor requirements and contracted commitments.
- Project Management: Leads, deliver effective development results, planning and monitoring, financial management, and donor reporting. Leads manages and motivates the project team, partners and relevant stakeholders. Plans and assigns deliverables and activities, monitors and reviews their progress and addresses deviations in terms of timelines and quality, based on project planning, deliverables agreed and budget set. Manages project closure and evaluation process including hand-over of complete and up-to-date project file to Country Director and/or Business Development unit based on project management procedures.
- Project quality assurance: Takes responsibility for the (technical) content of a project, ensures quality of the deliverables and ensures sufficient technical input to meet the quality standards.
- Contract Management & Project Accounting: Manages and accounts for full compliance of administrative, finance and HR components of the project with SNV internal procedures and requirements specified in the donor, sub-grant, sub-consultancy and partner. Ensures that approval for, coding and booking of all expenditures is done according to the relevant procedures and authorization levels. Prepares, accounts for, manages and reports on project budget (and revisions thereof). Discusses and obtains approval of donor for contract / budget deviations. Ensures security and (financial risk) mitigation (incl. due diligence). Fully understands procurement and comply with requirements and contracts.
- People Management & Team Leadership: Guides, develops, coaches and motivates team members and prepares resource estimation based on forecast in order to attract and recruit (SNV staff, consultants and/or service providers). Advises HR and country management on contract conditions for consultants and service providers within guidelines and project budget.
- Business development: Builds and maintains effective relationships with the team, external partners and the donor(s) by ensuring a high level of SNV visibility and branding. Signals and acts on potential for positioning, innovation, upscaling and potential follow up on projects. Timely recognizes and analyses threats and makes sure relevant colleagues are informed.
- Analysis & Reporting: Ensures collection, consolidation and review of project information, according to SNV’s monitoring and evaluation guidelines. Analyses and provides advice to management how to incorporate the new insights/best practices into the organization’s policies and practices.
- Knowledge Development: Contributes to internal and external knowledge development, by full documentation and sharing of project insights and results. Develops knowledge by attending workshops and conferences. Ensures lessons learned are shared and applied in daily practice. When applicable can be appointed as (national) focal point of an expertise network.
Requirements and Skills
- Education: Relevant master’s and/or bachelor’s degree in energy, engineering, environmental science, energy management, energy systems, or a related field.
- Energy sector expertise: At least eight years of experience in energy sector development, with strong knowledge of renewable energy, clean cooking, biodigesters, the institutional and stakeholder dynamics that influence the sector.
- Programme and project leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead programme design, manage complex projects, provide policy advice, and guide diverse energy-sector activities within a strategic country-level approach.
- Monitoring, evaluation and learning: Practical experience applying M&E and learning best practices, using M&E platforms, and addressing monitoring challenges in large-scale programmes.
- Business development and resource mobilisation: Strong skills in donor and partner engagement, proposal development, and the preparation of fundable concept notes and interventions.
- Private sector engagement and SME support: Experience in engaging private-sector stakeholders, supporting de-risking approaches for small and medium-sized enterprises, with the ability to build credibility quickly across diverse stakeholder groups.
- Energy finance: Experience with energy financing mechanisms, including blended finance and the Nigeria energy transition agenda.
- Gender equality and social inclusion: Knowledge and practical experience applying gender equality and social inclusion principles in development programming.
- Development context: Experience working in complex development environments, particularly in middle-income countries.
- Communication: Excellent written and spoken English, with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely to donors, partners, local communities, and other audiences.
- Partnerships and alliances: Experience establishing, maintaining effective partnerships and strategic alliances with bilateral and multilateral donors, local NGOs, and regional bodies.
- Project delivery: Demonstrated experience in project design, execution, operations, team leadership, and performance measurement.
Leadership and Core Competencies
- Strategic vision and impact orientation: Ability to define, communicate, implement a strategic vision for sustainable energy in Nigeria, while remaining open to innovative solutions and focused on impact at scale.
- Collaborative leadership: Ability to work effectively across functions, inspire, empower others, and foster collaboration that contributes to strong project results.
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving: Strong conceptual and analytical skills, with the ability to develop practical, results-oriented solutions to complex challenges in Nigeria’s development landscape.
- Operational excellence: Commitment to tangible outcomes, high-quality standards, and continuous improvement across project delivery and organisational practice.
- Entrepreneurial mindset: Ability to identify opportunities for growth, innovation, and development, and translate them into forward-looking initiatives.
- Adaptive leadership: Ability to navigate change, promote innovation and learning, and manage multidisciplinary and multicultural teams effectively.
Contract Type: Employment Contract
Contract Duration: Two (2) year full-time National employment contract
Expected Start Date: 1 November 2026, depending on contract award date
Duty Station: Abuja, Nigeria
Application and Selection Process
How to apply
If your credentials meet the outlined profile, and you feel inspired by this opportunity, we invite you to apply by uploading your CV and motivation letter in English on Smart Recruiters. Deadline is October 8, 2026
NB: only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
If this role isn’t the right fit but you’re interested in joining SNV in the future, we invite you to follow us on LinkedIn and our career page Vacancies | SNV to stay updated on new opportunities that match your profile.
Working at SNV
At SNV we challenge and inspire and offer continuous growth. We offer meaningful opportunities to shape the future, expand your skills, and collaborate with a vibrant, global network of experts. At SNV your contribution matter, and your development is our priority.
We are home to 57 cultures working in 22 countries, with about 95% of our team members holding the nationality of the respective countries we work in. We promote (international) career development. Our workforce consists of a mix of both people with longstanding tenure, willing to share their institutional knowledge, as well as people with external backgrounds and experience. All with an inquisitive view and united in ‘ONE SNV’ working towards our purpose.
Together, we are committed to the effective and efficient stewardship of resources and maximising positive, lasting impacts. Our ability to deliver results rests on our robust foundation of experience, technical knowledge, evidence and learning; our commitment to strengthening capacities and catalysing partnerships; and the relationships and trust of those we work alongside.
At SNV, inclusivity is at the heart of our ethos. We celebrate the diversity of our workforce and uphold a policy of non-discrimination based on factors such as disability status, religion, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, and more.
Reference and vetting check
At SNV, our belief in the CARE principles — Commitment to impact, Adaptive to Context, Respecting Difference and Expertise in Practice — shapes how we work with each other and every interaction we have with our colleagues, partners, and the communities we serve. These values guide how we welcome new team members, ensuring our workplace remains a place of trust, safety, and dignity for all.
As part of our commitment to a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace, we carry out reference and background checks for all determined positions, with particular attention to safeguarding. You will be invited to provide the contact details of [two] referees, and we will only approach them once you have given your permission. We handle this process with care, empathy, and strict confidentiality, using the information solely for purposes related to your application and the role you have applied for.
SNV is committed to safeguarding and to protecting children and adults from all forms of harm, with zero tolerance for sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, or any other form of misconduct. As part of creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive working environment, all staff, consultants, and partners are expected to uphold SNV’s safeguarding, child protection, ethical standards, and CARE principles. In line with these commitments — and as a participant in the Inter‑Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS) — SNV will request a Statement of Conduct from your previous employer(s), covering any substantiated findings of misconduct, to ensure a recruitment process that safeguards and protect the communities we serve.
