The role of the Project Manager is to provide overall project leadership in planning, implementation and monitoring of project activities to achieve the set objectives and targets of the My Body My Future 2 - MBMF 2 project that is funded by Plan International Finland and integrated as part of its Programme Framework (with the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs - MFA). MBMF 2 project is expected to run from 2022-2025. MBMF 2 Project is a continuation to the ongoing MFA programme and the impact to be delivered is that children, adolescents and youth in all their diversity have control over their bodies and futures in a healthy, safe and supportive environment. 

The specific project the Project Manager will lead aims to realize sexual and reproductive health rights of children, adolescents and youth in all their diversity and the project will be implemented in Bahir dar zuria and Fagita Lekoma districts in Amhara region and Kersa district in Oromia region.

The Project manager will provide leadership to ensure effective coordination of partnerships and collaborations, timely and effective work-planning, human resource management, financial planning and budget management and reporting according to the grant agreement / donor requirements and Plan International policies and procedures. The position also requires the Project Manager to build, enhance and lead the technical dimensions within the project relating to capacity building, planning, monitoring, evaluation and learning. In addition, the position also encompasses working to progress gender equality (within the team and with whom we work), advocacy and engagement on issues affecting young people, in particular adolescent girls and sexual and reproductive health right among others.

The Project Manager reports to Head of Programme Operations at CO level and works closely with Programme Area Managers both in Amhara and Oromia PAs. Effective communication and coordination are important functions of the role.

Accountabilities 

Project design, planning, implementation and reporting 

• Lead implementation of the project, including detailed planning, execution and monitoring, and provide technical input related to gender equality, adolescent sexual reproductive health and rights, government and stakeholder engagement and rights-based approaches
• Lead the technical design of the project interventions, development of technical tools with adequate consultation and participation of staff and other key stakeholders at all stages of project implementation
• Lead the project team to develop and compile quarterly and monthly implementation plans and budgets in line with approved project proposal and donor contracts and ensure efficient utilisation and timely accountability of funds and other resources allocated in accordance with grant conditions.
• Coordinate, supervise and appraise the project’s staff to ensure timely and quality delivery of the project according to Plan’s policies and regulations at all stages of implementation.
• Collaboration, coordination and communication with local partners and the partner NO 
• Prepare and submit quality and timely project reports to project stakeholders as per donor requirements and the project monitoring & evaluation framework.
• Provides strategic, technical, and managerial guidance to the project team and local partners in collaboration with Thematic sector Leads such as SOYEE, SRHR, and Partnership Specialist. 

 Monitoring and Evaluation 

• Prepares and submits periodic narrative and financial reports in a timely manner according to Plan International and donor requirements.
• In collaboration with the other Influencing, Partnership and Communication Department, prepares and documents case studies and lessons learnt on best practices and project achievements.
• Develop and periodically review the 4-year project operational plan, annual / quarterly plans and budgets for effective project implementation.
• Day to day tracking of planned activities, budget advances and actual expenditure and implementation
• Develop a system for capturing, documenting and disseminating project experiences, achievements, lessons learnt and best practices to stakeholders (e.g. organise dissemination workshops after project mid-line and evaluation studies)
• Ensuring maintenance of project records and documentation for accountability purposes.
• Organize and hold regular performance review meetings to assess progress and to agree on and communicate any changes in strategy with the key project stakeholders.
• Identify and participate in operational research related to the project.

Program integration and mainstreaming 

• Ensure that child protection measures are in place and followed in all activities;
• Mainstreams gender and disability inclusion in the project implementation.
• Ensures that Plan’s Safeguarding Children & Young People Policy is adhered to within the project and any child safety concerns are appropriately reported. 
• Ensures equal and fair opportunities and representation of both sexes and persons with disabilities in the program area.

Partner development and strengthening 

• Collaboration, coordination and communication with local partners and the partner head quarters
• Provides high level guidance to field staff on smooth partnership management for enhanced project implementation.
• Ensures adequate stakeholder consultation and participation at all stages of the project implementation.
• Manages and monitors partnerships with implementing organizations, including their efficient utilization and timely accountability of funds allocated as appropriate.
• Ensure local partners organizational capacity is strengthened through different capacity building interventions.

Networking and representation 

• Initiate, develop and nurture cordial relations with relevant government agencies both central and local government levels, project partners, and the wider stakeholder fraternity.
• Represent Plan International CO at relevant technical working Groups (TWGs) and events / forums to ensure Plan International is acknowledged as a legitimate partner / actor.

Staff Development and Management 

• Coordinate, supervise and appraise the project’s staff to ensure timely and quality delivery of the project according to Plan’s policies and regulations at all stages of implementation.

Technical competencies and experience required

Key Technical Competencies

• Ability to strongly drive performance together with the team and to ensure program implementation with high quality 
• Ability to perform project cycle management in a timely and accurate manner in accordance with donor compliance, including budget planning and monitoring and the ability to plan work and meet deadlines when working under pressure on several tasks.
• Demonstrated analytical and report writing skills which contribute to the ability to produce high quality reporting to the different stakeholders, including the donor
• Sound understanding of current policy developments in the area of SRHR and their implications to the project design
• Applying a range of evidence-based strategies and approaches to gender transformative programming and sexual reproductive health and rights programming in the development context
• Understanding of rights-based development approaches and how to apply them to development programming
• Demonstrated skills in human resource management, with proven experience in supporting and coaching teams in a cross-cultural environment.
• Ability to put aside personal attitudes and judgements and adhere to Plan International's SRHR position to a) promote/defend an individual’s right to have children by choice, and to access safe abortion, b) support diversity and ensure inclusiveness of beneficiaries with provisioning SRHR information and friendly services without stigma and discrimination based on sex, age, gender, disability, poverty and ethnicity c) stand against stigma and discrimination of vulnerable and excluded groups, uphold dignity.

 Key Leadership Competencies

• Courageous, pro-active, and self-aware in tackling tough issues and working with others to implement practical solutions.
• Takes accountability for the quality of work in SRHR to improve Plan International’s work and impact.
• Uses rigorous investigation and clear, balanced analysis of complex evidence to inform decisions and drive change.
• Creates a climate of continuous improvement and practical innovation, open to challenge and new ideas.
• Alerts others to risks, especially concerning safeguarding.
• Works to the highest standards of integrity, operating with discretion in sensitive situations
• Communicates clearly, both in speaking and writing, adjusting to the needs and interests of diverse colleagues, partners, policy makers, and communities.
• Actively builds and maintains collaborative relationships with colleagues and partners, facilitating and negotiating to reach practical solutions for all parties, often without using positional power.
• Actively promotes diversity, gender equality and inclusion both internally and externally.
• Encourages, supports and coaches colleagues, partners, children and young people to develop their capability and take more responsibility.
• Reflective and pro-active in developing and applying own expertise, keeping up to date with trends in theory and practice, and learning from others. 
• Understands and adheres to the policies, processes, practices and standards relevant to own work and helps others do likewise.

Key Business Management Competencies

• Can succinctly articulate the purpose, values, and aims of MBMF 2 project to a range of audiences. Can explain how Plan International will deliver on its objectives through the theory of change.
• Understands the purpose, lines of accountability and decision-making capacity for each structural element of the organization. Helps staff to understand where they sit within the organizational structure and within the project.        
• Supports others in understanding the local operating environment and to consider the implications for work activities.             

Managing risk - Manages legal and reputational risk including full compliance with Plan International’s core risk-related standards.            

• Regularly undertakes and interprets risk assessments and is clear about the ownership and oversight of risks.        
• Manages risk in accordance with local environment, including legal, and local and global appetites and tolerances, in coordination with project manager.          
• Regularly communicates and discusses risk and escalates critical risks using the correct reporting process when necessary.      
• Understands how to manage risk for our core standards: Child and Youth Safeguarding and Protection, Gender equality and inclusion, Counter Fraud, Safety and Security      

Managing activities and resources - Manages planning, finance, resources and delivery, including programme and project management to deliver increased impact.      

• Planning and budgeting - Leads strategic and operational planning, using strategic thinking, forecasting and financial planning skills.        
• Procurement and logistics, including the procurement cycle and processes, involving the procurement team as appropriate.           
• Managing resources and delivery including resource allocation, monitoring and reporting.  
• Programme and project management including project management and MERL principles, communicating with project partners and financial procedures for cost allocation and cost-recovery.   

Manages people and information - managing self and others, communication, evidence-based management and digital working to improve organizational effectiveness. 

• Factors workforce needs into work plans, supports performance management and staff development especially through assessment, feedback and coaching.       
• Effective communication in speaking and writing for different audience in line with brand and use of internal/external communication channel and methods.        
• Practices evidence-based management using research and analytical skills. 
• Identifies digital enablers to improve work practices and uses digital and technological skills and tools.

Job Requirements

Experience 

• Educated to University Master's or Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Social Science, Sociology, Social Work, Development studies, Health and also related experiences 
• At least 5 years proven experience within the development sector in planning and implementation programs targeting adolescents on ASRH, out of which at least 3 years at a program/budget management level (experience in both development and humanitarian setting desirable)
• Expertise on gender transformative programming and good understanding on intersectionality and inclusion
• Practical knowledge and skills in designing, planning, implementing and monitoring of community based SRHR
• Experience of working for an international organization and with local partners (local government, health systems and implementing partners).
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken. In addition to Amharic, knowledge of Afan and Oromo languages are also desirable
• Experience in capacity development of project staff; strong facilitation and training skills

How to Apply

The closing date for the application is December 1, 2021. Qualified candidates should submit their application with the below link.

CLICK HERE

This position is only open to Ethiopian Nationals, who must be eligible to live and work in Ethiopia.

Please note that: 

NB: Applications and CVs written in English will be accepted and Shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please note that we are not accepting CVs that are not sent through the indicated link. Female applicants are highly encouraged to apply. Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.