Public Private Partnership (PPP) and Finance Intervention Manager – PLANE

Project Background:

Nigeria PLANE is a 7 year, £95m programme funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and represents one window of intervention in a broader package of investment intended to enable a more inclusive and effective basic education system. It seeks to do this through improvements made in teaching and learning with a focus on foundational skills in reading, writing and mathematics.

It has four primary outputs: (i) Teaching & Learning: Evidence-based teaching and learning approaches & materials in use, in better managed performance focused schools and teaching colleges; (ii) Governance of state systems: Improved planning, personnel management and public financial management practices; (iii) Governance of non-state systems: Improved management and performance of the non-state sector; and (iv) Use of Evidence and Communication: Effective generation, communication and use of evidence to inform citizen engagement and improve service delivery. PLANE will work in Kano, Kaduna and Jigawa, the South West, South East, and the federal capital territory.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

As a Public Private Partnership (PPP) and Finance Intervention Manager, the person will play a pivotal role in developing and managing strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors while overseeing financial interventions for projects. His/her expertise will drive the organization’s ability to collaborate effectively with external stakeholders, secure funding, and ensure the successful implementation of key initiatives. He/she will be responsible for financial planning, resource allocation, and risk management to support the programme’s objectives. The Public Private Partnership and Finance Intervention Manager will report to the Output 3 Lead/The Technical Lead Governance of Non-State System.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify potential public and private sector partners aligned with the organization’s goals.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, corporations, and financial institutions.
• Managing complex and sensitive consultations and negotiations with multiple stakeholders (both public and private), while balancing varied and diverse stakeholder expectations, viewpoints and interests, to achieve high-quality, timely and cost-effective PPP outcomes.
• Building partnerships with private sector organizations and foundations in education sector in three target states (Kaduna Kano and Jigawa) and at the regional level in South- West and South -East.
• Building partnerships with financial institutions in Nigeria, both with banks and non-traditional institutions, such as private equity, venture capital, and impact investors and Central Bank to provide financial inclusion for non-state schools and governments
• Leveraging existing network and contacts to engage with private companies in Nigeria and achieve proven results to model PPP within the Federal Ministry of Education and State Ministries of Education.
• Completing preliminary analysis and evaluations of potential projects.
• Conducting and supporting technical screening efforts of potential partners to the Innovation Education Hub;
• Supporting grantees during the implementation of activities as the technical point of contact.
• Lead and manage the PPP team in the planning, development and implementation of PPP projects, utilising a range of innovative project management and procurement methodologies, tools and systems, to ensure best practice contract provision and to meet project deliverables on time, within budget and to agreed service standards
• Negotiate and structure partnership agreements and contracts.
• Develop financial strategies to support programme goals, including budgeting, financing options, and risk assessment.
• Prepare high-quality reports, briefings, submissions and related correspondence, including project status reports and updates, to ensure the provision of timely, professional communications and to support informed management decision making and reporting.
• Monitor financial performance and recommend adjustments to ensure projects stay on budget and on schedule.
• Identify and secure funding opportunities from various sources, such as grants, loans, or equity investments for the education sector.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Prepare and present regular reports to senior management, partners, and stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate records of financial transactions and partnership agreements.
• Identify potential risks associated with partnerships and financial interventions and develop mitigation strategies.
• Monitor economic and industry trends that may impact programme financing and partnerships.
• Collaborate with colleagues across outputs to align financial and partnership strategies with overall PLANE goals.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to team members, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field; master’s degree preferred with 10 – 15 years of experience
• Proven experience in public-private partnerships, finance, or programme management, with a minimum of 7 years in a managerial role.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, financial analysis, and risk management.
• Exceptional negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Knowledge of relevant regulations and compliance requirements.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Results-oriented with a track record of successful programme management.
• Problem solving, stress management and time management skills are required.
• Proficient at using Microsoft office software: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with institutional and private sector partners and stakeholders, including the national government.
• Ability to prospect for potential new project partner enterprises to jointly improve their operations, improve their competitiveness, and enhance their business growth.
• Ability to build relationships with management of project partner-enterprises, leading to developing a strong shared vision about enterprises’ needs and recommendations to enhance their competitiveness, grow their business, and generate employment.
• Integrity and honesty in the management of a portfolio of private sector partner enterprises.
• Experience engaging private sector partners and forging public-private partnerships in Nigeria.