The Organisation
Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls.
We believe in the power and potential of every child. But this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And it’s girls who are most affected.
Working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children.
We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood. And we enable children to prepare for – and respond to – crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge.
We have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 80 years, and are now active in more than 70 countries.
Plan International Sierra Leone is seeking to recruit top-notch professional to fulfil the position of Project Manager based in Kailahun {**Contingent on proposal award} to deliver the tasks outlined below:
Summary of the position
The project Manager is responsible for the overall coordination and management of all programmatic and financial aspects of the Teacher Training for Inclusive Girls’ Education (TTIGE) project in accordance with the project proposal, monitoring and evaluation plan, performance framework, procurement and supply management plan, detailed budget, in Kailahun, together with the relevant implementing Partners.
Dimensions of role
The Project Manager will lead the implementation of the project which focuses on addressing education sector in order to meet the needs of girls, young women and under-served communities in Kailahun. They will ensure timely and accurate development of detailed work plans and other technical documents, supervise execution of activities, oversee all administrative and financial arrangements and ensure timely delivery and accuracy of financial and narrative reports. They will lead modifications to plans as necessary, and may serve as a resourceful person for any development of new proposal.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate project resources and partners for the effective implementation of the project
- Ensure that the project is delivered on-time, within scope and within budget
- Assist in the definition of project scope and objectives, involving all relevant stakeholders and ensuring technical feasibility
- Develop a detailed project plan to monitor and track progress to strengthen quality and compliance in project delivery
- Manage changes to the project scope, project schedule and project costs using appropriate verification techniques
- Measure project performance using appropriate tools and techniques
- Plans and designs curricula for educational programs, researches and defines educational goals, objectives, and methodologies to meet program goals
- Determines formats and approaches to achieve project and budget objectives
- Defines needs of target beneficiaries, researches trends at local and national level, as appropriate to the position
- Coordinates activities of support staff, consultants, faculty, and/or volunteers engaged in implementation of project objectives
- Manages and facilitates project activities, to include classes, trainings, and seminars that is specific to projects
- As appropriate to the nature and objectives of the individual role, provides student guidance and support services, coordinates curriculum, and serves as a student liaison and advocate with faculty and staff
- Writes, edits, and coordinates development of course catalogues, promotional materials, educational materials, training manuals, newsletters, and/or brochures, as appropriate to the project
- Report and escalate challenges to management as needed
- Manage the relationship with the project beneficiaries and all stakeholders
- Perform risk management to minimize project risks
- Establish and maintain relationships with partners and community stakeholders
- Create and maintain comprehensive project documentation
- Delegate project tasks based on junior staff members’ individual strengths, skill sets and experience levels
- Track project performance, specifically to analyse the successful completion of short and long-term goals
- Meet budgetary objectives and make adjustments to project constraints based on financial analysis
- Produce well documented, accurate and quality narrative/financial reports in line with donor reporting
- Develop comprehensive project plans to be shared with clients as well as other staff members
- Develops and maintains records and databases on student and program activities, materials, equipment and supplies
- Coordinates beneficiaries’ registration for special educational programs
- May approve invoices as stipulated by the finance department
- May lead or guide the work of lower graded staff and/or student employee
- Use and continually develop leadership skills
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Communication and working relationship
- Build strong relationships with all stakeholders especially the target communities, local government, other partners and government stakeholders
- Effectively represent Plan International in strategic partnership engagements
- Develop the appropriate internal and external working relationship to support and enhance project delivery.
Staff Management and team work
- Coach of staff, project beneficiaries and volunteers to ensure improvement
- Conduct staff performance reviews in line with Plan International performance management procedure.
TECHNICAL EXPERTISE, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
Education/Professional Background:
- University degree in one or more of the disciplines relevant to education or social sciences applicable to international development
- At least four (4) years of demonstrable experience in managing projects especially education projects
- A minimum of 3 years working on education projects in Sierra Leone
- Experience working with education stakeholders such as Head Teachers, Teachers, TSC/MBSSE officials
- Significant experience of designing or providing technical advice to Education programmes in Sierra Leone, ideally with a focus on adolescent girls and/or inclusive education
- Strong leadership skills and ability to undertake strategic and programme planning
- Good communication and facilitation skills
- Strong understanding of gender equality programing and meaningful child participation
- Knowledge of development challenges and contexts in Sierra Leone, particularly child rights, girl’s rights and child protection
- Demonstrated experience working collaboratively and supportively without the need for close supervision
- Proficient computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications
- Experience in project management and community led approaches is a must.
Desirable
- Believe in the potential of all people to succeed if given the right support and willingness to multi-task
- Ability to perform under stress, innovative, build relationships, coach and mentor, facilitate change, develop teams, initiate action, strategic decision making, planning and organizing
- Lead through vision and mission and a personal commitment to children’s development and protection
- Knowledge of donor rules and regulations
- Work experience in similar position in an International Non-Governmental Organization
- Accountability and responsibility for own performance
- Excellent people skills to promote team work and cooperation
- Ability to maintain strategic vision and link with everyday work, work proactively, creatively and strategically under pressure or when faced with competing demands
- Clear and effective communication that builds relationships in order to influence others.
Knowledge and skills
- Knowledge of the various donors’ strategic interests, priorities and requirements
- Excellent English oral and written communication skills
- Proven strategic relationship management skills, including negotiation skills
- The numerical ability to analyse financial information, budget and monitor costs
- Coaching, mentoring, training and facilitation skills
- High level of computer proficiency
- Experience working with people from different cultures to deliver complex work tasks.
GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITY
Ensures that Plan International’s global policies for Child Protection (CPP) and Gender Equality and Inclusion (GEI) are fully embedded in accordance with the principles and requirements of the policy including relevant Implementation Standards and Guidelines as applicable to their area of responsibility. This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring staff and associates are aware of and understand their responsibilities under these policies and Plan International’s Code of Conduct (CoC), their relevance to their area of work, and that concerns are reported and managed in accordance with the appropriate procedures.
Ensure staff understand Plan International’s commitment to driving a feminist agenda within the organization, and the ambition for gender equality and gender transformative leadership is embedded in our value-based leadership framework.
Plan International’s Values
To apply for this job, kindly click on “Apply” Your application should include:
- A cover letter
A comprehensive CV including details of two referees, one of whom should be your current or most recent supervisor
Last date for submission of Application (CV and cover letter) is: 10th August, 2020 by 5:00 pm
Only short-listed candidates shall be contacted. References will be taken and background and anti-terrorism checks will be carried out in conformity with Plan International’s Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy.
Plan International follows an equal opportunity policy and actively encourages diversity welcoming applications from all especially women and people living with disability.
Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.
Location: Kailahun District
Type of Role: Project Manager (Nationals only)
Reports to: Head of Programme
Grade: D1
Closing Date: 10th August 2020