ADIA INITIATIVE – RECRUITMENT INFORMATION PACK

POSITION: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Inclusive • Accessible • Empowered

A Digital Future for All

IMPORTANT: Applications must be submitted through the official online application form at: jobs.adiainitiatives.org Applicants should upload all required supporting documents before submitting.

1. Vacancy Announcement

The Digital Inclusion & Accessibility Initiative (ADIA Initiative) invites applications from suitably qualified, experienced and committed candidates for the position of Executive Director.

The Executive Director will provide overall strategic, operational and institutional leadership; guide programme development and delivery; strengthen partnerships; mobilise resources; ensure sound governance and accountability; and represent ADIA at national and international levels.

This is a nationwide leadership role. The successful candidate must be willing and able to undertake frequent official travel across Nigeria, including the six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory, in line with approved work plans and security procedures.

2.Position Details

3. About ADIA Initiative

Advancing Digital Inclusion & Accessibility Initiative (ADIA) is a non-profit, nongovernmental and non-partisan organization dedicated to advancing equitable access to digital technologies, knowledge, innovation, and opportunities for underserved and marginalized populations.

ADIA believes that access to digital technologies is no longer a luxury it is a fundamental enabler of education, healthcare, livelihoods, civic participation, humanitarian response, financial inclusion, and sustainable development. Yet millions of people, particularly persons with disabilities, women, youth, rural communities, older persons, and displaced populations, continue to face barriers that prevent them from participating fully in the digital economy.

Established to bridge these gaps, ADIA works with governments, development partners, civil society, academia, technology companies, and communities to promote inclusive digital transformation through advocacy, capacity strengthening, accessible innovation, research, and community-led programming.

Vision:

A digitally inclusive society where every person has equal access to technology, digital skills, information, and opportunities to thrive.

Mission:

To promote digital inclusion and accessibility through innovative solutions, capacity development, advocacy, partnerships, and evidence-based programming that empower underserved and marginalized communities.

Our Goal

To ensure that no one is left behind in the digital age by expanding equitable access to digital technologies, skills, services, and opportunities.

 Core Values:

Inclusion – We champion equal participation for everyone.

Accessibility – We promote technology and services that are usable by all.

Innovation – We harness emerging technologies to solve development challenges.

Integrity – We uphold transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership.

Collaboration – We build partnerships that maximize collective impact.

Equity – We prioritize those most at risk of digital exclusion.

Excellence – We pursue quality, professionalism, and measurable results.

Strategic Objectives:

ADIA aims to:

• Expand digital literacy and lifelong learning opportunities.
• Promote accessible digital technologies for persons with disabilities.
• Advance ethical, responsible, and inclusive Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• Strengthen digital safety, cybersecurity, and online protection.
• Support digital identity and civil registration initiatives.
• Foster innovation and digital entrepreneurship.
• Advocate for inclusive digital policies and standards.
• Strengthen institutional capacity for digital transformation.
• Promote research and evidence-based advocacy.
• Build strategic partnerships for sustainable digital inclusion.

4. Purpose of the Role

The Executive Director is the chief executive and administrative head of ADIA and is responsible for translating the organisation’s mission and strategic priorities into effective programmes, partnerships, systems and measurable results. The post-holder is accountable to the Board of Trustees and exercises delegated authority in accordance with ADIA’s constitution, approved policies and Board decisions.

5. Key Responsibilities

Strategic leadership and organisational management

• Provide strategic direction and lead implementation and review of ADIA’s strategic plan and annual operational plans.
• Lead institutional growth, organisational development and effective management systems.
• Advise the Board of Trustees on strategic priorities, risks, opportunities and organisational performance.
• Implement Board-approved decisions and maintain a culture of accountability, integrity and results.

Programme development and delivery

• Oversee design, implementation and quality of programmes on digital inclusion, accessibility, digital literacy and assistive technology.
• Promote accessible digital education, examinations, public services, employment and participation for persons with disabilities and underserved groups.
• Advance inclusive innovation and responsible artificial intelligence initiatives.
• Ensure sound programme planning, budgeting, monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning.

Partnerships and stakeholder engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with federal and state institutions, civil society, disability organisations, donors, technology firms, universities and development partners.
• Lead partnership negotiations and development of collaboration agreements and MoUs.
• Represent ADIA at relevant national and international forums, policy dialogues and technical working groups.

Resource mobilisation and financial oversight

• Lead resource mobilisation, donor engagement and development of funding proposals and concept notes.
• Oversee organisational budgets, expenditure controls, financial reporting and grant compliance.
• Promote financial sustainability and diversify funding and partnership opportunities.

Governance, compliance and accountability

• Work with the Board to uphold ADIA’s governance framework and statutory responsibilities.
• Oversee implementation of policies on safeguarding, PSEAH, child protection, anti-fraud, whistleblowing, procurement and data protection.
• Facilitate audits, risk management and timely implementation of audit recommendations.
• Ensure compliance with applicable Nigerian laws, donor requirements and organisational policies.

People management and organisational culture

• Lead recruitment, supervision, performance management and professional development of staff.
• Build a diverse, competent and inclusive workforce and promote reasonable accommodation.
• Clarify roles, reporting lines and performance expectations and foster collaboration across teams.

National representation and travel

• Undertake official travel across Nigeria, including all six geopolitical zones and the FCT, as required.
• Visit programme locations and partner institutions, including rural and underserved communities, subject to security protocols.
• Develop state-level relationships and networks and identify opportunities for responsible geographical expansion.
• Coordinate national consultations, advocacy engagements, conferences and partnership meetings.

Advocacy, communications and visibility

• Lead advocacy on digital inclusion, accessibility, disability rights and inclusive digital transformation.
• Oversee institutional communications, public engagement, research products and policy briefs.
• Promote ADIA’s visibility, credibility and contribution to national digital inclusion priorities.

6. Qualifications and Experience Minimum requirements:

• At least a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, ICT, Information Systems, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Public Administration, Management, Disability Studies, Inclusive Education, Project Management or another relevant discipline.
• At least 5–10 years of relevant professional experience in leadership, programme management, development work, digital inclusion, disability inclusion, ICT or related fields.
• At least 3–5 years in a senior management or leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience in strategy development, programme oversight, partnership building, resource mobilisation and team management.
• Experience in budgeting, financial oversight, donor compliance, governance and organisational reporting.

A Master’s degree or relevant postgraduate qualification, and experience working with NGOs, civil society organisations, development partners or technology institutions, will be an advantage.

7.  Technical Knowledge and Competencies

• Digital inclusion, digital transformation and digital literacy.
• Disability inclusion, accessibility, Universal Design and relevant digital accessibility standards.
• Assistive technology, accessible ICT and inclusive education.
• Responsible artificial intelligence, digital rights, data protection and online safety.
• Programme cycle management, results-based management and MEAL.
• Governance, compliance, risk management and resource mobilisation.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, representation and decision-making skills.
• Ability to lead teams, build partnerships and adapt to changing environments.

8.  National Travel Requirement

Applicants must be willing and able to undertake frequent domestic travel across Nigeria. Travel may include stakeholder meetings, programme monitoring, partnership development, advocacy, training and representation. All travel will be subject to approved organisational procedures, duty-of-care arrangements and applicable security assessments. Applicants should confirm their willingness to meet this requirement in the online application form.

9. Performance Expectations

Specific annual targets will be agreed with the Board of Trustees and included in the Executive Director’s performance agreement.

10.  Application Process – Online Submission

Interested candidates should complete the official online application form and upload the required documents through the application link below. Applications sent through other channels will not be considered by ADIA.

ONLINE APPLICATION FORM:     

https://jobs.adiainitiatives.org/opportunities/executive–director

Application deadline: [22^nd November, 2026 at 11:59:00PM]

Enquiries: [[email protected]]

11. Documents Candidates Must Upload

• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV), preferably not exceeding five pages.
• Cover letter expressing interest in the Executive Director position.
• Statement of suitability explaining relevant leadership experience and contribution to ADIA’s mandate (maximum two pages).
• Three-year vision statement for advancing digital inclusion and accessibility across Nigeria (maximum two pages).
• Copies of relevant academic certificates and professional qualifications.
• Names, designations, organisations, email addresses and telephone numbers of three professional referees.
• Any relevant evidence of previous leadership, programme delivery, partnership development or resource mobilisation, where available.

Applicants should not upload original certificates, national identity numbers, bank details or other unnecessary sensitive personal information at the application stage. ADIA may request verification documents from shortlisted candidates through a secure process.

12.  Selection Process

1. Administrative screening against the published minimum requirements.
2. Shortlisting using a documented assessment matrix.
3. Written or practical assessment covering leadership, digital inclusion, resource mobilisation and organisational management.
4. Structured panel interview.
5. Reference and qualification verification, with candidate consent where appropriate.
6. Final recommendation and appointment by the Board of Trustees in accordance with ADIA’s governance arrangements.

13.  Equal Opportunity, Accessibility and Reasonable Accommodation

ADIA Initiative is committed to equal opportunity, diversity, accessibility and non-discrimination. Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply irrespective of gender, disability status, ethnic background or social circumstances. ADIA particularly welcomes applications from persons with disabilities who meet the role requirements. Reasonable accommodation will be provided during the recruitment process. Candidates may indicate accommodation requirements in the online form or contact the recruitment email confidentially.

14. Safeguarding, Integrity and Ethical Standards

The successful candidate must uphold ADIA’s safeguarding, child protection, PSEAH, anti-fraud, whistleblowing, data protection and code of conduct requirements. Appointment will be subject to satisfactory reference and background checks and acceptance of applicable organisational policies.

15.Important Recruitment Notes

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• ADIA does not charge an application, interview or recruitment fee.
• Any attempt to influence the recruitment process or provide false information may lead to disqualification.
• All candidate information will be handled confidentially and used for recruitment purposes in accordance with applicable data protection requirements.
• ADIA reserves the right to amend the recruitment timetable or process where necessary, while maintaining fairness and transparency.

16.  Board Approval

This recruitment is issued under the authority of the Board of Trustees of the Digital Inclusion & Accessibility Initiative (ADIA Initiative).

For and on behalf of: Digital Inclusion & Accessibility Initiative (ADIA Initiative)