Development Exchange Center
About DEC
Founded in 1987, the Development Exchange Centre (DEC) was born out of research conducted by volunteers from the Canadian University Services Overseas (CUSO) and the Adult and Non-Formal Education Agency (ANFEA), Bauchi State. Their findings highlighted the significant disadvantages and limited representation faced by women particularly across Northern Nigeria. In response, DEC was established as a women focused social enterprise committed to improving the lives, opportunities, and status of women through integrated, sustainable, community driven development.
What began as a platform for exchanging development ideas has evolved into a national programme engine delivering transformative impact for women and their households. Today, DEC implements a wide range of women centered programmes including: Education and, Capacity Building for Women and Girls, Economic Empowerment & Access to Microcredit, Leadership Development & Good Governance Participation, Health and Environmental Awareness
With operations across 24 states and 134 branches, DEC has become a trusted catalyst for women’s economic and social advancement, widely recognized for its pioneering microcredit model and grassroots empowerment approach. DEC’s programmes are strengthened through robust partnerships with government institutions, NGOs, and development agencies who provide financial, technical, and material support. These collaborations continue to enhance DEC’s ability to expand opportunities for women, build community resilience, and support organizations across Nigeria to implement innovative, life changing initiatives
We are recruiting to fill:
Reports to: Microfinance Manager
Department: Microfinance
Job Purpose:
The Project Officer is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing microfinance projects across designated states, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and in alignment with the institution’s strategic objectives. The role involves stakeholder management, risk monitoring, performance tracking, and reporting to ensure project success and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities:
Project Planning & Execution
- Plan, coordinate, and oversee the end-to-end implementation of microfinance projects.
- Define project scope, objectives, deliverables, and timelines in collaboration with stakeholders.
- Allocate resources efficiently and monitor utilization to ensure timely project delivery.
- Track project progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies.
- Ensure projects are delivered within budget and according to defined quality standards.
- Maintain comprehensive project documentation for audit and reporting purposes.
- Monitor the progress of all projects against agreed and documented time and budget targets while ensuring appropriate quality standards are maintained.
Stakeholder Management & Reporting
- Liaise with internal teams, branch staff, and external stakeholders to ensure project alignment.
- Report on project performance, risks, and progress to the Microfinace Manager, senior management and donor partners
- Organize meetings, steering committees, and review sessions to facilitate decision-making.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with clients and partners.
Program Improvement & Strategic Support
- Identify opportunities to improve project processes and operational efficiency.
- Support strategic planning by providing insights from project outcomes and market trends.
- Recommend best practices, technologies, and approaches for future projects.
- Contribute to the execution of projects that support the organization’s business goals
- Results delivery for critical projects and initiatives in line with set project management standards.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Minimum of First Degree/HND (MBA, MSc, MA, ML or professional certifications are an advantage).
- 3–5 years of experience in project management, preferably in microfinance, banking, or financial services.
- Experience in operations, credit, or technology support functions is desirable.
Certifications (Preferred):
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library)
- Agile Project and Delivery Management
- Scrum Master Certification
Skills & Competencies:
- Strong project management and organizational skills
- Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Effective communication and negotiation skills
- Change management and adaptability
- Attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines under pressure
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management software
- Team oriented, proactive, and ethical
Application Closing Date:
12th March2026.
Method of Application:
Suitably qualified candidates should forward their detailed resume/CV and cover letter in a single file to: [email protected] in a word document or PDF format (as any other format would not be considered) using the Job Title as the subject of the email.
Note:
- DEC is an equal opportunity employer. Only applications submitted through the given channel and within the given period will be considered.
- Women and persons with special needs are encouraged to apply for this exciting opportunity.
- DEC brings to the attention of the public that applying for any position is free of charge. No processing fee is required for your application.
- You are not to give any kind of gratification to submit your application.
- Any person found to be paying for or giving any form of gratification will be disqualified.
- Applications will be shortlisted on a rolling basis
- You are requested to report any person demanding/giving payment or gratification via [email protected]
