Executive Director, Policy & Strategy

Job description

The Executive Director, Policy & Strategy will be responsible for leading the design, implementation, and evaluation of policy initiatives and strategic frameworks across the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF). The role holder will ensure the development of evidence-based policies, alignment with national and sub-national priorities, and drive strategic programs to enhance governance effectiveness and intergovernmental coordination. Core Responsibilities Policy Development & Implementation Lead the research, drafting, and dissemination of policy briefs, position papers, and strategic reports for the NGF. Ensure policy proposals align with national priorities and global best practices. Strategic Planning & Execution Design and implement the NGF’s strategic frameworks to foster collaboration among member states. Oversee the monitoring and evaluation of strategic initiatives to track progress and measure outcomes. Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy Facilitate high-level engagements with federal and state government bodies, development partners, and civil society organizations. Lead advocacy efforts to influence policy reforms and legislative actions in alignment with NGF priorities. Governance Advisory & Support Provide technical assistance and policy advisory to state governors on critical governance issues. Develop and implement policy dialogues and peer-learning platforms for governors and key stakeholders. Data & Evidence-Based Decision Making Utilize data analytics to inform policy decisions, ensuring evidence-based recommendations to member states. Establish systems for tracking socio-economic and governance indicators across states. Capacity Building & Knowledge Sharing Design and deliver capacity-building programs to strengthen the policy-making abilities of state-level policymakers. Foster knowledge exchange and best practices across states through workshops and conferences. Educational Requirements Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Law, Economics, or a related field. Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in Public Administration, Policy Analysis, or Strategic Management is preferred Professional Requirements Relevant professional affiliations (e.g., Chartered Institute of Public Administration, Policy Advocacy bodies) are an advantage. Experience Requirements Minimum of 10-12 years of progressive work experience in public policy development, governance advisory, or strategic management. Proven track record of working with government institutions, multilateral organizations, or policy think tanks. Experience in leading multi-stakeholder initiatives and managing high-level engagements. Competency Requirements Knowledge Requirements Deep understanding of Nigeria’s governance structures and intergovernmental relations. Strong grasp of public policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation methodologies. Knowledge of international governance frameworks and best practices. Skills Requirements Strategic thinking and analytical skills to interpret complex policy issues. Strong written and verbal communication for policy documentation and presentations. Stakeholder management and negotiation skills. Project planning, monitoring, and evaluation. Personal Attributes High level of integrity and ethical conduct. Strong leadership and decision-making capabilities. Adaptability and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Collaborative mindset with excellent interpersonal skills. Attention to detail and commitment to quality outputs. Nigeria Governors' Forum is a non-profit, non-partisan body representing the democratically elected governors of Nigeria. The policy hub aims to foster inclusiveness, uphold democratic values, and promote sustainable development at the sub-national level.