Project Manager

PROJECT MANAGER URGENTLY NEEDED ‼🚨Company DescriptionQuantum Associates is a premier research and policy consulting firm based in Abuja, Nigeria, specializing in large-scale systems design, national policy frameworks, and infrastructure transformation across Africa. We partner with government ministries, international development organizations, and private sector leaders to deliver transformative solutions addressing Africa's complex development challenges. Our approach combines innovative data analytics, human-centered design, and rigorous policy analysis to create comprehensive frameworks for long-term national transformation. We aim to cultivate sustainability, digital innovation, and inclusive development in sectors including agriculture, education, urban development, climate change, and digital transformation.About the ProjectThe National Agricultural Distribution & Infrastructure Reform (NADIR) is a government-endorsed, private-sector-led reform framework developed by Quantum Associates in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMARD).It is a landmark initiative to transform Nigeria’s agricultural logistics, storage, financing, and market systems through 14 interlinked national workstreams and over 300 strategic deliverables.The Demo Phase is a high-stakes proof-of-concept and presentation stage, showcasing the framework’s technical feasibility, financing models, digital systems, and governance structure to the Federal Government, investors, and international partners before the full national rollout.Role OverviewQuantum Associates is seeking a Project Director / Program Manager to lead and coordinate all project teams within the 21-day Demo Phase preparation and execution window.The ideal candidate must possess strong expertise in project governance, agricultural policy, systems integration, and stakeholder management.This position requires exceptional leadership, precision under pressure, and the ability to translate technical frameworks into actionable presentation materials for FMARD, state governments, and investors.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership & Oversight • Provide end-to-end leadership of the NADIR Demo Phase, aligning all 14 workstreams toward presentation readiness. • Coordinate all cluster leads, consultants, and external partners to deliver 305 defined outputs. • Drive cross-functional alignment between digital systems, logistics, policy, and financing deliverables. • Serve as the principal liaison between Quantum Associates, FMARD, and other institutional stakeholders.Operational & Administrative Management • Develop and manage detailed workplans, weekly progress tracking, and milestone reviews. • Supervise workflow integration between research, technical design, digital, and communications teams. • Maintain quality assurance and ensure compliance with international project management standards (PMI/ISO). • Approve outputs and documentation prior to final submission to FMARD.Stakeholder Engagement & Representation • Represent Quantum Associates at technical review sessions, ministry briefings, and validation meetings. • Coordinate with state-level agricultural directorates, development agencies, and donor partners. • Prepare and deliver professional presentations, progress reports, and strategic briefs.Financial & Resource Control • Administer the Demo Phase project budget within the approved budget ceiling. • Supervise team contracts, disbursements, and budget utilization transparency. • Report on financial compliance, expenditure tracking, and value-for-money assurance.Qualifications & CertificationsMinimum Academic Requirements • Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Public Administration, or Economics. • Advanced degree (MBA, MSc, or MPA) in any of the above is highly preferred.Professional Certifications (Required or Highly Advantageous) • Project Management Professional (PMP – PMI, USA) • PRINCE2 Practitioner (UK) • Certified Management Consultant (CMC – ICMCI) • Chartered Project Manager (CPM – NIQS/PMI/Chartered Institute of Project Managers) • Certified Agricultural Project Specialist (CAPS) or Agri-Business Management Certificate • ISO 21500:2021 Project Management Systems Certification (if available) • Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA – CFI) – optional but preferred • Advanced Certificate in Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Structuring • Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP) or equivalent certification.Experience Requirements • Minimum 6-10 years of progressive experience in large-scale project management, including at least 3 projects in agriculture, infrastructure, or public policy. • Proven experience leading multi-disciplinary teams and coordinating with government ministries or donor-funded programs (World Bank, IFAD, AfDB, USAID, or FAO). • Experience in preparing or managing national-level feasibility studies, policy frameworks, or sectoral reforms. • Strong background in stakeholder coordination, institutional governance, and results-based management (RBM). • Exceptional written and presentation skills – ability to simplify complex frameworks for ministerial or investor audiences. • Familiarity with agricultural value chains, logistics systems, and digital transformation will be an advantage.Soft Skills • Strategic leadership and organizational agility. • Exceptional time management and pressure handling. • Excellent communication and policy writing ability. • Capacity to manage hybrid teams across technical, research, and communication domains.Expected Deliverables 1. Delivery of the NADIR Demo Phase Master Plan within the 21-day period. 2. Coordination and validation of all deliverables across 14 workstreams. 3. Oversight of the presentation materials, reports, simulations, and summary decks for FMARD’s final review. 4. Submission of the Final Demo Phase Consolidated Report to Quantum Associates and FMARD.Engagement Terms • Type: Short-Term, Project-Based Contract (Demo Phase Only). • Duration: 40 days (with milestone-based evaluation). • Payment: ₦2,000,000 – ₦3,000,000 (based on qualifications and deliverables). • Location: Abuja HQ (Quantum Associates / FMARD Collaboration Centre). • Renewal: Renewable for the Pilot and National Rollout Phases upon performance evaluation.Application MethodInterested professionals should send the following to nadirframework@gmail.comwith the subject line:“Application – Project manager, NADIR Framework (Demo Phase)”Required Application Documents 1. Cover letter (2 pages max) stating project leadership experience and approach. 2. Updated CV (with references and certification details). 3. Evidence of past project leadership (reports, references, or presentation decks). 4. Certification attachments (PMP, PRINCE2, PPP, ISO, etc.)Deadline: 30th October 2025.Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.