Department: StrategyEmployment Type: Contract / TempLocation: AfricaDescriptionAllied Talent Partners (ATP), a Three Cairns Group initiative, is a mission-driven, not-for-profit talent marketplace focused on solving the human capital bottlenecks slowing down sustainable development efforts in emerging economies, with an initial focus on Africa. ATP connects vetted, experienced, context-relevant professionals to high-impact opportunities in energy access and sustainable development – strengthening local capacity and fuelling economic vitality. We specialize in fixed-term, deliverable-driven engagements – from interim leadership and generalist projects to niche technical expertise – handling project scoping, talent vetting and matching, contracting, payroll, and compliance so that our clients can focus on impact.High-Level OverviewThe ECOWAS Integration and Investment Summit 2026, entitled "Powering Regional Integration through Energy Trade, Strategic Minerals, Agribusiness and Digital Transformation", will be co-hosted by the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Federal Republic of Nigeria in collaboration with the ECOWAS Commission. Tentatively scheduled for April 2026 in Abuja, the Summit marks ECOWAS' 50th anniversary and aims to reposition the region around economic integration, bankable investments, regional value chains and sustainable development.The Summit Secretariat will be led day-to-day by a Summit CEO and COO, who will lead a set of workstreams covering Programme, Operations, Resource mobilisation, Communications, etc.The client is seeking a Programme Lead to lead the Programme workstream within the Secretariat, under the direction of the Summit COO. This person will take overall responsibility for the end-to-end development and delivery of a high-level summit programme. The role is accountable for shaping a coherent, high-quality programme that aligns content, stakeholders, and delivery timelines, and ensures successful execution from concept through post-summit follow-up.Operating at a strategic and operational level, the Summit Programme Lead will own the full programme lifecycle, including agenda and programme architecture, stakeholder and speaker coordination, deal rooms coordination, invitation and participant management, alignment with logistics and protocol, live delivery, and post-summit outputs. Acting as the central point of accountability, the role requires close coordination with diverse national and institutional stakeholders across multiple countries, and strong programme leadership to bring multiple contributors and service providers together into a seamless summit experience.Role and ResponsibilitiesRole: Summit Programme LeadDirect Report: YesCandidates Required: 1Key Deliverables Programme Strategy and ArchitectureLead the development of the overall summit programme, including agenda structure, thematic flow, session formats, and sequencing. Translate agreed strategic priorities into a clear, compelling, and outcome-oriented programme with a strong narrative and logical flow. Ensure alignment between plenaries, break-out sessions, high-level dialogues, and side events. Define session objectives, guiding questions, and expected outcomes for each programme component. Stakeholder and Speaker LeadershipCoordinate closely with designated counterparts to identify, prioritize, and confirm speakers, moderators, and high-level participants across multiple countries. Provide senior-level coordination and guidance to ensure appropriate representation across countries, institutions, and stakeholder groups. Manage speaker outreach, briefing, and confirmation processes in coordination with relevant partners. Provide content guidance and briefing notes to speakers and moderators to ensure consistency, quality, and alignment with programme objectives.Communications and Media CoordinationEnsure alignment between programme content, key messages, speaker participation, and communications narratives. Coordinate inputs to media plans, press materials, talking points, and key messages related to the summit programmeOutputs, Documentation, and Follow-upDefine expected summit outputs (e.g. summaries, communiqués, action points) in coordination with designated counterparts. Ensure capture of key discussions, decisions, and commitments during the summit. Support post-summit documentation, reporting, and structured handover of programme outputs and recommendations. Define expected Summit outputs (e.g. communiqués, summaries, action points). Ensure capture of key discussions, decisions, and commitments during the Summit. Support post-Summit documentation and handover, including programme summaries and recommendationsRequirementsExperience Required: 10 years of experience leading end-to-end programme or project delivery for high-level convenings, summits, or complex multi-stakeholder initiatives with Heads of State / CEO-level stakeholdersDemonstrated experience taking full accountability for programme lifecycle management, from strategic framing and planning through execution, delivery, and post-event follow-up. Proven ability to operate at both strategic and delivery levels, translating high-level objectives into structured programmes, workplans, and execution timelines. Strong track record of programme design and delivery for complex, high-visibility events. Proven experience working with senior government stakeholders from Africa Technical RequirementsStrong programme and project management skills, including planning, sequencing, risk management, and dependency management across multiple workstreams. Demonstrated ability to design and manage end-to-end delivery plans and critical paths for complex initiatives. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including drafting agendas, briefing materials, and decision notes for senior stakeholders. Ability to manage multiple stakeholders, service providers, and parallel workstreams under tight and evolving timelines. High attention to detail and quality control, with the ability to anticipate issues and resolve them proactivelyOther SkillsStrategic and structured thinker, able to frame complex objectives into clear programmes with strong narrative, sequencing, and outcomes. Strong ownership mindset, comfortable being fully accountable for delivery in high-pressure environments. Calm and decisive under pressure, particularly in live event and senior-stakeholder settings. Collaborative and diplomatic, able to work effectively with senior leaders and diverse international stakeholders. Culturally sensitive, politically astute, and adept at consensus-building across multi-country and institutional contextsBilingual (English and French) preferred but not obligatory Working ArrangementLocation: Nigeria or Sierra Leone preferred, or Flexible / Remote if necessary, with on-site presence in Nigeria required during the lead up to and during the SummitTravel: Remote work with expected travel to Sierra Leone and Nigeria, including in the lead up and during the SummitTerms Of AgreementStart Date: ImmediatelyContracting Period: 3 months until end of April Show more Show less