BEMSHIMA ABAKO G.
Programme Manager
Abuja
Summary
Seasoned humanitarian and development professional with over 10 years’ experience leading multi-sectoral programs and operations in complex and conflict-affected settings. Demonstrated expertise in project strategy, coordination, and operations management across health, nutrition, food security, WASH, protection, livelihoods, and gender equality. Proven record in leading diverse teams, strengthening systems, and driving program quality, accountability, and impact.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Head of Base/Field Program Manager
MERCY CORPS Nigeria
10.2024 - 03.2025
- Directed multi-sectoral humanitarian programs, including WASH, Protection, GBV, Shelter, Cash/MPCA, Nutrition, and Food Security in Bama LGA. Supervised field operations, managed budgets, ensured donor compliance, and led coordination with government and humanitarian partners to deliver quality and accountable programming.
Nutrition & Food Security Senior Program Officer
MERCY CORPS Damboa, Dikwa & Gwoza LGA-Borno State, Nigeria
07.2020 - 09.2024
- Oversaw implementation of integrated nutrition programs, including CMAM, IYCF, and Fresh Food Voucher activities. Provided technical oversight, staff supervision, and partner coordination while ensuring adherence to Sphere and national standards.
Program Officer Emergency Response
Christoffel Blind Mission (CBM)
03.2019 - 06.2020
- Implemented inclusive humanitarian responses across Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States, ensuring persons with disabilities had equitable access to assistance. Supported needs assessments, capacity building, and inclusive cluster coordination.
Food Security and Livelihood Team Leader
Solidarité International
12.2018 - 03.2019
- Led planning and implementation of food security and livelihood interventions in Monguno. Supervised field teams, ensured monitoring and accountability, and represented the organization in sector coordination meetings.
Nutrition Project Coordinator
Hakuna Matata T. Foundation (HMF)
04.2017 - 11.2018
- Managed CMAM and IYCF interventions across IDP camps, ensured staff performance and compliance with standards, and enhanced program delivery through effective coordination and supervision.
Nutrition Officer
Catholic Relief Services (CRS)
06.2016 - 03.2017
- Implemented community-based nutrition interventions, supervised frontline staff, ensured reporting accuracy, and strengthened coordination with UNICEF and the State Ministry of Health.
State Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Officer
First Step for Children-ARFH Project
02.2014 - 12.2015
- Led monitoring and evaluation activities for HIV and youth-focused programs in collaboration with state and local agencies. Ensured data quality, analysis, and reporting to guide evidence-based decision-making.
Volunteer Hygiene Promotion Facilitator
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
04.2012 - 01.2014
- Conducted hygiene promotion and community sensitization in 16 rural communities, improving WASH outcomes and behavior change.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Food Science and Technology
Benue State University
01.2017
Certificate - Programming for Infant and Young Child Feeding
Cornell University
01.2017
Diploma - Computer Science
Benue State University
Maiduguri, Nigeria01.2012
Skills
Proficient in project cycle management
Expertise in humanitarian systems from leading emergency response in Borno State
Excellent networking and communication skills acquired from five years of working closely with a broad spectrum of stakeholders
Expertise in gender and disability inclusion in project development
Proficient in analytical and proposal development
Team leadership and direction
Project management
Certification
Project Management for Development Professional (PMD PRO) Level 1 & 2.
Affiliations
- Member, Professionals in Humanitarian Assistance and Protection (PHAP)
- Member, International Association for Community Development (IACD)
CONSULTANCY
Team Lead-Business Development, Partnership & Resource Mobilization (June 2, 2025 to October 31, 2025). Worked as Lead Consultant for the Devatop Centre for Africa Development based in Abuja
Timeline
Head of Base/Field Program Manager
MERCY CORPS Nigeria
10.2024 - 03.2025
Nutrition & Food Security Senior Program Officer
MERCY CORPS Damboa, Dikwa & Gwoza LGA-Borno State, Nigeria
07.2020 - 09.2024
Program Officer Emergency Response
Christoffel Blind Mission (CBM)
03.2019 - 06.2020
Food Security and Livelihood Team Leader
Solidarité International
12.2018 - 03.2019
Nutrition Project Coordinator
Hakuna Matata T. Foundation (HMF)
04.2017 - 11.2018
Nutrition Officer
Catholic Relief Services (CRS)
06.2016 - 03.2017
State Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Officer
First Step for Children-ARFH Project
02.2014 - 12.2015
Volunteer Hygiene Promotion Facilitator
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
04.2012 - 01.2014
Certificate - Programming for Infant and Young Child Feeding
Cornell University
Diploma - Computer Science
Benue State University
Bachelor of Science - Food Science and Technology
Benue State University