Application Close Date - October 2, 2024

Director of Strategy & Executive Advisor

  • Fulltime
  • Abuja
  • NGN29,595.789 to NGN32,480,744 (Gross Annual)
The Director of Strategy and Executive Advisor is a high-level strategic role that provides critical support to the Executive Director as a key member of the Senior Management Team. This position is responsible for driving the development and execution of CCSI’s strategic initiatives, aligning organizational efforts with the Executive Director’s vision, and advising on key decisions that impact the organization’s mission and long-term goals. The Director of Strategy will lead cross-functional teams, ensure the successful implementation of strategic projects, and serve as a trusted advisor to the Executive Director on all matters related to CCSI’s strategic direction. The ideal candidate is a thoughtful, strategic, energetic, and networked figure with significant experience in development and diplomacy.  They are knowledgeable about health and social development issues and are well-connected to key networks in these circles. They are a tactful and unintimidated diplomat with a deep commitment to human rights and inspired to make a change.

Responsibilities 

  1. Strategic Leadership and Planning:
  • Collaborate closely with the Executive Director and Senior Management Team to develop and refine CCSI’s strategic plan, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and objectives.
  • Lead the strategic planning process, identifying key priorities and initiatives that drive organizational growth and impact.
  • Monitor the implementation of the strategic plan, providing updates to the Executive Director and recommending adjustments to ensure alignment with CCSI’s evolving goals.
  1. Executive Advisory Support:
  • Serve as a strategic advisor to the Executive Director, offering insights, analysis, and recommendations on key organizational decisions and initiatives.
  • Assist the Executive Director in shaping CCSI’s position on critical issues, including stakeholder engagements, partnerships, and external communications.
  • Represent the Executive Director in high-level meetings, as needed, ensuring that CCSI’s strategic interests are effectively communicated and advanced.
  1. Cross-Functional Coordination and Alignment:
  • Facilitate collaboration across departments to ensure that all teams are aligned with the strategic goals and priorities of the organization.
  • Oversee the execution of strategic initiatives, working with department heads to identify challenges, track progress, and ensure timely delivery of objectives.
  • Drive organizational change initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, promote innovation, and strengthen CCSI’s impact.
  1. Data Analysis and Strategic Insights:
  • Conduct comprehensive market research, competitive analysis, and trend forecasting to inform strategic decision-making and identify opportunities for growth.
  • Liaise closely with the RMEL team to identify products and opportunities that can be leveraged to advance the visibility and brand of CCSI
  • Develop reports, dashboards, and presentations that provide clear and actionable insights to the Executive Director and Senior Management Team.
  • Utilize data-driven approaches to evaluate the effectiveness of strategic initiatives and recommend course corrections as necessary.
  1. Stakeholder Engagement and Communication:
  • Engage with key stakeholders, including donors, partners, and board members, to advance CCSI’s strategic objectives and secure support for key initiatives.
  • Support the Executive Director in preparing for strategic engagements, including board presentations, donor meetings, and public appearances.
  • Develop and implement communication strategies that effectively convey CCSI’s vision and strategic priorities to internal and external audiences.
  1. Business development:
  • Act as a thought partner to the ED and lead in the implementation of CCSI’s business development objectives
  • Develop business strategies and establish strategic partnerships
  • Connect with potential clients that can build and grow CCSI’s business
  • Leverage networks with critical stakeholders to build CCSI’s brand and visibility
  • Lead on proposal development and work to diversify business and funding opportunities
  1. Special Projects and Initiatives:
  • Lead special projects and high-priority initiatives as assigned by the Executive Director, ensuring that they align with CCSI’s strategic plan and deliver measurable outcomes.
  • Provide project management oversight for critical initiatives, coordinating cross-functional efforts and managing resources to achieve project goals.

Qualification 

Essential Skills, Knowledge, and Experience:

  • Master’s degree in Business Administration, Strategic Management, Communication, International Development, or a related field.
  • At least 10 plus years of progressively responsible experience in strategic leadership, management consulting, or a similar high-level role, preferably within the non-profit or international development sector.
  • Proven track record of driving strategic initiatives, leading organizational change, and advising senior executives.
  • Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information and provide strategic recommendations.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and influencing skills, with experience engaging with senior leadership, board members, and external stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple high-stakes projects simultaneously, with a focus on results and impact.

Desirable Skills, Knowledge, and Experience:

  • Experience in a senior advisory role within a mission-driven or non-profit organization.
  • Expertise in strategic planning frameworks, such as OKRs, balanced scorecards, or scenario planning.
  • Strong communication skills and well-networked stakeholder manager
  • Demonstrate effective time management and planning abilities
  • A creative, decisive, open, and innovative mind energetically searching for new solutions.
  • Decisive and able to innovate solutions quickly
  • Networking and relationship-building
  • Impeccable cross-cultural sensitivity, diplomacy, communicative skills, and discretion.
  • A deep understanding of the geopolitical landscape and national policy-making practices in relevant geographies.
  • Familiarity with data visualization tools and techniques to present strategic insights effectively.
  • A strong commitment to CCSI’s mission and values, with a passion for social impact and community development.

About CCSI

The Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI) is a leading social and behaviour change (SBC) organization with expertise in utilizing research evidence to implement effective strategies that address barriers preventing designated audiences from adopting recommended behaviours. Registered in 2001 as a Non-Governmental and Not for not-for-profit organization with the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria, CCSI continues to work towards being the center of excellence in strategic communications in Africa. Driven by values of integrity, passion, care, innovation, and excellence, CCSI focuses on the central role of strategic communication to impact behaviours, build brands, and provide technical leadership in health and social development.

CCSI is an inclusive organization and welcomes applications from under-represented and intersectional groups including persons with disabilities. We are seeking people from different backgrounds, cultures, age, experience and identities, to provide a wide range of experience, ideas, views, and insights into the strategy, policies, culture and ambitions of CCSI

As an organization, we are committed to ensuring the safety of those involved in our work. Our priority is protecting everyone who comes in direct or indirect contact with our organization. We have a zero-tolerance approach to abuse and exploitation by any of our staff, representatives, or partners. We commit to ensuring that those who work with CCSI or on our behalf can work in an environment that is free from harm.

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