The Senior Manager role within the SRHR team is central to the delivery of CIFF\u2019s goal to scale equitable access through strengthened health systems. This role will have a particular focus on West and Central Africa \u2013 notably Nigeria.
The role requires a deep understanding of how to support systemic change within LMIC health systems in terms of reach, equity, financing, cost-effectiveness, and integration, in alignment with ambitious national strategies.
Critical requirements include an advanced ability to collect, interpret and manage complex data; design measurement approaches for continuous improvement; lead costing analysis to deliver greater efficiency; and forge successful partnerships across diverse stakeholders. A key measure of success will be leveraged co-investment with domestic funding, health financing solutions and donor co-funding.
The role will oversee a complex portfolio of approx. $25-$50m in multi-year value, with portfolio growth subject to performance. Portfolio performance requires excellent collaboration across CIFF teams \u2013 notably between SRHR, Equity Gender & Youth, Girl Capital Africa, EME, Finance and Legal; as well as with external stakeholders including domestic authorities, bilateral and multilateral funders, and implementing partners.
The successful candidate will be passionate about the opportunity for philanthropy to advance equitable SRHR and bring a track record of managing health system interventions for SRHR or aligned outcomes in priority contexts.
The role requires an adaptable and problem-solving mindset, and comfort with operating at different pace and at multiple levels depending on business needs. It will represent CIFF across stakeholders, and step-in for senior leadership as required. The role will oversee and support team-members \u2013 often at a distance \u2013 in both direct and matrix relationships. Direct line management will depend upon growth in portfolio size.
Requirements
Programme development, delivery & performance
Drive the delivery of a portfolio of live programmes with a value of approximately $50M focussing on, but not limited to Nigeria, and an active pipeline of potential investments, in accordance with country driven plans and broader priorities. Create robust external partnerships and create new leverage opportunities driving sectoral investments towards the most impactful and cost-effective interventions. Against key corporate and / or sector team indicators and targets, monitor and report internally on the performance of assigned portfolio. Working either with sector colleagues or independently, prepare summary reports, board reports and portfolio investment reports, ensuring these are produced to a high-standard and in a timely fashion. Apply agreed due diligence and risk management protocols appropriately throughout the development and delivery of proposals and programmes, to ensure the interests and reputation of the Foundation are protected. Conduct structured feasibility analysis on investment proposals, using an appropriate range of methodologies and techniques, to ensure they are based on logical and robust assumptions, which can withstand scrutiny from the Executive Team (ET) and CIFF Board. Co-ordinate the development of grant agreements, to forecast and process grant payments and to enable effective grant management and reporting within the organisation. Working closely with and taking the advice and guidance of, the sector team\u2019s Evidence, Measurement and Evaluation (EME) Business Partner, identify and embed appropriate monitoring and evaluation processes to all proposals and programmes. Conduct regular reviews of the progress and performance of programmes under delivery to identify problems and delays, and work with partners to develop course correction plans (escalating to more senior colleagues for support and intervention, where required).
Strategy & planning
In collaboration with the rest of the team and across the organisation, design and regularly revisit and review SRHR strategies, partners and pipeline to ensure it is outcome focused, compelling (from a CIFF \u2018value add\u2019 perspective) and effective (i.e., is sufficient to deliver CIFF\u2019s objectives). Prepare and present high-quality analysis and research, as required, to support the sector in determining future strategic priorities and setting operational plans. Contribute to the production of programme strategy and the associated evidence base, alongside other team members, prior to a proposal\u2019s submission for approval. Ensure deep alignment with SRHR Missions, specifically: SRHR Access & Funding; SRHR self-managed care; HIV Prevention. Providing expert insight for country-specific approaches. This will also include ongoing close collaboration with the Africa Team\u2019s Girl Capital and Co-Funding and Partnership Directors working on related issues. Requires an exceptional understanding and experience in integrated, person-centred SRHR and work to expand contraceptive access, as well as a proven track record of successfully developing and managing large, complicated strategies, investments and strategic relationships with grantees and other funders. The portfolio includes sensitive investments and/or those that carry potential political risk, requiring unique capabilities in diplomacy and navigating sensitive issue areas.
Sector knowledge and profile-building
Actively maintain CIFF\u2019s reputation as a valued partner for achieving transformational and sustainable change in SRHR. Influence the wider SRHR sector (national programmes, donors and implementers) to implement high-impact strategies for health sector change that improves service delivery, cost-effectiveness, quality, equity and gender transformative outcomes. This will include expertise on implementation science, research landscape and credibility to engage with diverse, senior officials. Be abreast of developments within the SRHR sector, client-centred design, opposition and international development sectors, establishing appropriate information gathering networks and channels to deepen professional knowledge and skills.
Stakeholder and partner management
Act as the relationship manager for CIFF\u2019s SRHR investments in Nigeria and other focus countries, working across the foundations workstreams across equitable access, financing, and self-managed SRH. Act as CIFF\u2019s external representative as required, which may include advisory groups/boards/steering committees and/or donor collaboration mechanisms. Support internal working groups \u2013 including but not limited to Employee Forum, and Anti-Racism and DEI Working Groups. \u2022 Conduct rigorous research and evaluation of potential partners, using agreed corporate protocols and techniques, to assess their suitability and credentials for collaborating on CIFF initiatives. Working alongside senior colleagues, help to develop strategic partnerships to support adoption, replication, co-funding or scaling-up of CIFF programmes.
Membership and leadership of the team
This role will have shared oversight over other SRHR staff members in the team. Specific line management is subject to portfolio and team growth. Matrix management is also anticipated. Lead through influence \u2013 working cross-functionally and services as a resource/mentor to Managers/Analysts from other teams and CIFF country offices and partners. \u2022 Be a role model to less experienced team members, demonstrating CIFF\u2019s leadership behaviours and providing mentorship to aid their growth.
Skills & Experience
Demonstrated ability in the design and delivery of large-scale health programmes in complex settings. Strong understanding of local context and political economy, especially in West and Central Africa, and notably Nigeria. Understanding of SRHR context at global, regional and country levels. Experience of high-level government engagement, deep understanding of government systems and/or experience influencing policy. Understanding and experience of health financing strategies for equity and/or sustainability outcomes is highly desirable. Experience of engaging with and working across private sector organizations and donor organisations. \u2022 Expertise in diplomacy to navigate and manage a sensitive portfolio along with its strategic relationships. Demonstrable experience in measurement and evaluation, and use of sector and service data analysis to drive programme design and delivery, with a track record in leading successful course correction efforts. An innovative thinker with a pragmatic and solution-oriented mindset. Skilled in relationship building and strengthening; able to influence others and work collaboratively, uniting groups with a shared purpose. Language skills: Strong English language skills are essential. As English is CIFF\u2019s business language \u2013 we expect all our people to display strong verbal and written communication skills. Capacity to work in a range of cultural and socio-economic contexts, adapting style and approach appropriately and in a culturally sensitive manner to maximize effectiveness. IT proficiency (most specifically in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint). A proven self-starter, who works with pace and resilience.
Key working relationships
CIFF Board members. Other CIFF teams \u2013 particularly EME, functional teams (e.g. legal, HR, finance), and regional teams. \u2022 National government partners, key Ministries, and regional bodies across West and Central Africa. Global funders and stakeholders: World Bank, GFF, WHO, UNFPA, BMGF, USAID, FCDO, FP2030. Local and international NGO partners: SFH-Nigeria, PSI, Injectables Access Collaborative (IAC), MSI, Self-Care Trailblazers Group (SCTG), DKT. Research and academic institutions active within sector specialism.
Management dimensions
Responsible for managing a portfolio of live programmes with a current value of $50M and developing a substantial investment pipeline. This role will support and oversee the work of others and may have line management responsibilities as the investment portfolio grows. Matrix management is anticipated.Benefits
The starting salary for this role is GBP 82,000.
CIFF operates a hybrid work policy across all locations, which means employees work in the office and some of the time from home. We are happy to provide more information on this as part of the recruitment process.
Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a generous benefits package here at CIFF that includes, but is not limited to the following.
Please submit your application on or before 16 April 2025. CIFF reserves the right to close the job advert early if we receive a high number of suitable applications.