Results for Development (R4D) Program Officer, Scaling Innovation Practice Job in Abuja, Nigeria 2026

Results for Development (R4D) is hiring a Program Officer, Scaling Innovation Practice, in Abuja, Nigeria, offering an exciting opportunity for experienced professionals interested in global development, technology innovation, science and technology, innovation ecosystems, responsible artificial intelligence, and public policy.

The full-time position will support R4D’s Scaling Innovation Practice and contribute to the delivery of an upcoming programme funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). The programme focuses on strengthening Nigeria’s science, technology and innovation (STI) ecosystem through partnerships, research-to-enterprise activities, and responsible artificial intelligence research.

The position is based in Abuja, Nigeria, and operates under a hybrid working arrangement combining remote and in-office working days. It is a full-time role of 40 hours per week and is initially offered on a fixed-term basis through 31 March 2027, with the possibility of an extension subject to funding.

For professionals with experience in managing complex programmes, working with innovation ecosystems, engaging government and development partners, conducting research, and translating technical evidence into practical programmes, this R4D vacancy provides an opportunity to contribute directly to major innovation initiatives in Nigeria.

About Results for Development

Results for Development, commonly known as R4D, is a global nonprofit development organisation that works with change agents around the world to develop stronger systems capable of improving people’s lives.

R4D works alongside stakeholders including government officials, civil society leaders and social innovators. Its approach combines expertise in areas such as health, education and nutrition with analytical research, implementation support, practical decision-making and peer-learning networks.

Rather than focusing solely on identifying development problems, R4D works with partners to determine how development objectives can be achieved and how effective systems can become sustainable over the long term.

The organisation describes its workplace as collaborative, creative and entrepreneurial, with diversity, equity and inclusion playing an important role in both its organisational culture and mission.

About R4D’s Scaling Innovation Practice

Innovation can play a major role in addressing complex global development challenges. Across areas including health, education, agriculture and finance, new approaches and technologies have contributed to significant improvements in people’s lives.

R4D’s Scaling Innovation Practice works with partners to help identify, test, strengthen and scale promising solutions while supporting broader innovation systems.

The practice engages a diverse range of actors at the global, regional and country levels. Its work includes helping partners overcome both supply-side and demand-side barriers that can prevent innovations from achieving greater impact.

The team also works to strengthen innovation ecosystems by identifying and addressing gaps, weaknesses and inefficiencies that may prevent innovation from developing or scaling successfully.

Stakeholders involved in this work can include:

• Social entrepreneurs
• National and subnational governments
• Civil society organisations
• Development agencies
• Researchers and research institutions
• Innovation ecosystem organisations
• Other development and technical partners

R4D’s Scaling Innovation Practice also contributes to international thought leadership through global innovation initiatives. These include the International Development Innovation Alliance (IDIA), which connects innovation departments from leading development agencies, and the Million Lives Collective, a global multi-stakeholder network supporting proven innovations and their further scale-up.

About the R4D Program Officer Opportunity in Nigeria

R4D is recruiting a Program Officer to join its Scaling Innovation Practice in Abuja.

The successful candidate will support the delivery of an upcoming UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office-funded science, technology and innovation programme in Nigeria.

The programme requires full-time engagement at least until the end of March 2027 and is designed around three complementary workstreams intended to strengthen Nigeria’s science, technology and innovation ecosystem.

1. UK-Nigeria Science and Technology Cluster Partnership

The first workstream focuses on a UK-Nigeria Science and Technology Cluster Partnership.

The Program Officer will contribute to activities such as researching priority sectors, examining international good practices for science and technology cluster models, supporting ecosystem diagnostics, and assessing opportunities that could generate mutual benefits for Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

2. Research-to-Enterprise Pilot

The second workstream is a Research-to-Enterprise Pilot involving selected research institutions.

This area of work will explore approaches for connecting research more effectively with enterprise, including research commercialisation and knowledge transfer.

The Program Officer will contribute research, analysis and technical input to help understand which international models and practices could be relevant to the Nigerian context.

3. Responsible AI Research Initiative

The third workstream focuses on responsible artificial intelligence research.

The initiative will connect Nigerian and UK-based researchers around priorities associated with Nigeria’s national AI agenda. The successful candidate may therefore contribute to research and stakeholder engagement involving responsible AI governance and related innovation policy issues.

Together, the three workstreams place the successful applicant at the intersection of science, technology, innovation, research commercialisation, entrepreneurship and responsible AI.

What the Program Officer Will Do

The Program Officer will take responsibility for significant elements of the Nigeria programme while working as an integral member of R4D’s broader Innovation team.

R4D operates a matrixed resourcing structure, meaning team members may contribute their expertise across different programmes and projects. As a result, the successful candidate may also have opportunities to contribute technical knowledge relating to innovation scaling, innovation ecosystems, innovation policy and practice to other programmes within R4D’s portfolio.

The organisation is specifically looking for someone who is entrepreneurial, strategic and highly organised.

Candidates should be comfortable managing multiple projects and working with geographically dispersed teams, funders, contracts and partnerships while maintaining strong standards for risk management and deliverable quality. Experience in technology innovation, innovation ecosystem strengthening, responsible AI, or science and technology policy is required for the position.

Key Responsibilities

The responsibilities of the R4D Program Officer are divided into four major areas.

1. Project and Programme Management

The successful candidate will support and lead important elements of programme delivery.

Responsibilities include:

• Leading significant components of the UK-Nigeria Science and Technology Cluster Partnership and Research-to-Enterprise Pilot.
• Researching priority sectors.
• Reviewing international good practices relating to cluster models and research-to-enterprise approaches.
• Supporting the innovation ecosystem diagnostic process.
• Developing and implementing individual workplans aligned with wider programme timelines.
• Ensuring innovation activities are delivered on time and to a high standard.
• Producing high-quality programme deliverables with appropriate senior guidance.
• Supporting data collection for the programme’s monitoring, evaluation and learning strategy.
• Collecting relevant stakeholder and innovation ecosystem information.
• Identifying and proactively managing risks and programme issues.
• Proposing practical options for resolving challenges.
• Contributing to and taking ownership of funder progress reports and updates.
• Supporting procurement, budgeting and resourcing processes.
• Contributing to internal evaluations of programme and project progress.

Technical Research and Analysis Responsibilities

The Program Officer will also provide substantive technical and analytical input across the programme’s three workstreams.

This will include conducting rapid research and stakeholder mapping relating to priority sectors being considered for the UK-Nigeria Science and Technology Cluster.

The successful applicant will be expected to produce evidence-based briefs explaining potential sector opportunities and the possible mutual benefits for Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

Other technical responsibilities include:

• Reviewing draft innovation ecosystem diagnostics.
• Providing substantive input based on international good practices and lessons relating to cluster models.
• Examining research-to-enterprise approaches.
• Reviewing international evidence concerning research commercialisation.
• Exploring knowledge-transfer approaches.
• Reviewing responsible AI governance models that may be relevant to Nigeria.
• Developing technical and analytical reports, tools and frameworks.
• Contributing new knowledge and approaches relating to innovation ecosystems.
• Supporting work relating to research commercialisation and responsible AI.

The successful candidate may lead the development of technical and analytical products across the programme’s three workstreams, with some senior-level support.

Partner and Stakeholder Engagement

Relationship management will be another major component of the position.

The Program Officer will establish and maintain collaborative relationships with partners and stakeholders throughout the innovation ecosystem.

These may include:

• Government ministries
• Government agencies
• Research institutions
• Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises
• Innovation ecosystem organisations
• Downstream delivery partners
• Researchers
• Private-sector stakeholders
• Other programme partners

The Program Officer will need to communicate technical information clearly and develop impactful content suitable for audiences such as government officials, research institutions and private-sector stakeholders.

The role will also involve supporting and, in some instances, leading stakeholder workshops and convenings across the programme’s three workstreams.

Responsibilities can extend to workshop logistics, facilitation and documentation.

Another important element will be supporting engagement with the UK-based Nigerian research diaspora community as part of the responsible AI research initiative.

Contributing to R4D’s Wider Innovation Strategy

The successful candidate will not be limited exclusively to day-to-day programme implementation.

They will also contribute to strengthening R4D’s Scaling Innovation Practice.

Potential responsibilities include:

• Producing thought-leadership materials.
• Developing or improving methods and tools used by the Innovation Practice.
• Supporting operational improvement initiatives.
• Contributing to recruitment activities when required.
• Supporting business development.
• Contributing to funding proposals.
• Writing sections of proposals.
• Representing R4D and the Innovation Practice at meetings.
• Participating in conferences and relevant events.
• Contributing to R4D’s internal networks.
• Supporting organisational improvement initiatives.

Qualifications and Experience Required

Applicants must meet substantial academic and professional experience requirements.

R4D states that candidates should have either:

• A Master’s degree plus at least three years of relevant experience; or
• A Bachelor’s degree plus at least five years of relevant experience.

Ideally, the qualification should be in a relevant discipline such as:

• Global development
• Public policy
• Science and technology
• Innovation
• Another relevant field

However, R4D indicates that candidates with other qualifications providing an equivalent level of professional experience may also be considered.

Essential Professional Experience

Beyond academic qualifications, applicants need relevant programme and technical experience.

Essential requirements include experience in programme and project management within areas such as:

• Global development
• Innovation
• Science and technology
• Related ecosystem-based programmes

Candidates must also have experience working in technology innovation, scaling innovation and/or strengthening innovation ecosystems.

Applicants should demonstrate excellent writing, communication and presentation capabilities. This includes experience producing high-quality outputs and facilitating engagement with senior-level or multi-stakeholder audiences, both virtually and in person.

R4D is also seeking candidates who have experience working effectively in matrixed environments involving multiple programmes, teams or workstreams.

Relationship Management and Donor-Funded Programme Experience

Candidates should be able to demonstrate experience developing and managing relationships with diverse development stakeholders at both country and global levels.

These stakeholders may include:

• Government actors
• Think tanks
• Innovation ecosystem organisations
• Technical partners
• Development partners

Experience managing components of donor-funded programmes is also essential.

R4D specifically mentions FCDO-funded programmes or equivalent experience, including coordinating with partners, subcontractors or implementing organisations.

Skills and Personal Qualities R4D Is Looking For

The organisation is seeking candidates who understand innovation and scaling processes as well as innovation ecosystems.

Applicants should demonstrate that they are:

• Strategic and creative problem-solvers.
• Highly collaborative and approachable.
• Comfortable working closely with colleagues.
• Highly organised.
• Detail-oriented.
• Professional and reliable.
• Able to prioritise competing responsibilities.
• Capable of working across multiple projects and workstreams.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment.
• Able to exercise good judgement.
• Capable of working independently.
• Effective contributors within teams.
• Willing to operate in environments that may sometimes involve ambiguity.

Candidates must also be willing to travel occasionally according to project needs. R4D estimates that travel could amount to a maximum of approximately three to four weeks per year.

Legal Right to Work in Nigeria

An especially important eligibility requirement is that all applicants must already be legally authorised to work in Nigeria.

Prospective applicants should carefully consider this condition before applying, particularly those applying from outside Nigeria.

The vacancy information does not indicate that visa sponsorship or relocation assistance will be provided. Candidates should therefore not assume that sponsorship is available unless R4D confirms this separately.

Highly Desirable Qualifications and Experience

In addition to the essential criteria, R4D identifies several qualifications and areas of experience that would strengthen an application.

These include:

• A professional qualification in project or programme management.
• Experience using innovation methodologies.
• Experience with user-centred design.
• Experience with agile methodologies.
• Experience with adaptive learning.
• Experience working directly with innovators or entrepreneurs.
• Experience working with other actors within innovation ecosystems.

These criteria are described as highly desirable rather than essential, meaning candidates should distinguish them from the mandatory requirements when assessing their suitability.

Salary for the R4D Program Officer Position

The vacancy lists a potential salary of NGN 13,330,000, with actual compensation dependent on experience and other compensable factors.

R4D states that it seeks to provide equitable and consistent starting salaries for new hires based on the responsibilities and qualifications associated with each position.

The organisation also notes that the broader salary range is intended to provide opportunities for future career and earnings growth.

R4D Employee Benefits

Base salary represents only one component of R4D’s total rewards package.

According to the vacancy announcement, R4D’s benefits package includes:

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Open personal leave
• 15 days of paid sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Pension contributions
• Company-paid life insurance
• Short-term disability insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Employee assistance programme
• Flexible working environment

R4D notes that international hiring ranges and benefit packages can differ depending on location. Applicants should therefore confirm which benefits apply specifically to the Nigeria-based position during the recruitment process.

Please visit our R4D Careers page for more details

Work Location and Employment Arrangement

The Program Officer position is based in Abuja, Nigeria.

It is a hybrid position, combining remote and in-office working days.

Key employment details include:

• Location: Abuja, Nigeria
• Working arrangement: Hybrid
• Employment: Full-time
• Working hours: 40 hours per week
• Contract: Fixed term
• Contract end date: 31 March 2027
• Potential extension: Yes, subject to funding
• Practice: Scaling Innovation
• Reporting line: Senior Programme Officer in the Scaling Innovation Practice based in Nigeria

Application Deadline and Recruitment Timeline

No specific application deadline is stated in the provided vacancy information.

The position was posted on 20 August 2026, and R4D states that it is eager to identify someone who can begin work as soon as possible.

Importantly, the organisation will interview candidates on a rolling basis as strong applications are received.
Because recruitment is taking place on a rolling basis, interested and qualified candidates should consider applying as early as possible rather than waiting for a formal closing date.

Why This Opportunity Could Be Particularly Relevant for Innovation Professionals

The R4D Program Officer opportunity brings together several rapidly developing areas of international development.

Rather than concentrating exclusively on traditional programme management, the role combines programme delivery with:

• Innovation ecosystem development
• Science and technology policy
• Research commercialisation
• Knowledge transfer
• Responsible artificial intelligence
• Government engagement
• International partnerships
• Donor-funded programme management
• Research and analysis
• Stakeholder facilitation
• Innovation scaling
• Thought leadership

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to a programme connecting Nigerian and UK stakeholders while addressing practical challenges affecting science, technology and innovation in Nigeria.

It may therefore be especially relevant to mid-career development and innovation professionals seeking to deepen their experience at the intersection of technology, policy, research and international development.

Important Points to Consider Before Applying

Prospective applicants should review the requirements carefully before submitting an application.

In particular, candidates should ensure that they:

1. Meet the required education and professional experience threshold.
2. Have relevant programme or project management experience.
3. Can demonstrate experience in technology innovation, scaling innovation and/or innovation ecosystem strengthening.
4. Have experience working with multiple stakeholders and development actors.
5. Can demonstrate experience contributing to donor-funded programmes.
6. Possess strong writing, presentation and communication capabilities.
7. Can manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
8. Are comfortable working in a fast-paced and matrixed organisational environment.
9. Are willing to undertake occasional work-related travel.
10. Are legally authorised to work in Nigeria.

Candidates who also possess professional project management qualifications, experience with agile or user-centred methodologies, and direct experience working with innovators or entrepreneurs may be particularly well aligned with the desirable criteria.

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Conclusion

The Results for Development Program Officer, Scaling Innovation Practice opportunity in Abuja, Nigeria provides an opportunity for experienced professionals to contribute to the development and implementation of major science, technology and innovation initiatives.

Working within R4D’s Scaling Innovation Practice, the successful candidate will contribute to an FCDO-funded programme built around three important areas: the UK-Nigeria Science and Technology Cluster Partnership, a Research-to-Enterprise Pilot, and a responsible AI research initiative connecting Nigerian and UK-based researchers.

With responsibilities spanning programme management, technical research, innovation ecosystem analysis, stakeholder engagement, research commercialisation, responsible AI and organisational strategy, the role is suited to candidates who can combine strong analytical capabilities with practical programme delivery and relationship management.

Applicants need either a Master’s degree with at least three years of relevant experience or a Bachelor’s degree with at least five years of experience, alongside relevant programme management and innovation experience. Most importantly, candidates must already be legally authorised to work in Nigeria.

No specific application deadline is stated, but R4D is reviewing strong applications and interviewing candidates on a rolling basis. Qualified applicants interested in the position should therefore consider submitting their applications as soon as possible.

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