Project Manager, Renewable Energy for Refugees (RE4R) at Practical Action Kenya

Description: Under the overall supervision and guidance of the Regional Director, Practical Action Eastern Africa with a matrix relation to the UK Energy Project

Manager, the project manager will be responsible for managing and delivering a high profile humanitarian energy access project in Rwanda, working with a team of local and international experts.

Being the primary lead for the Practical Action project in Rwanda, the post holder will also be expected to take on the a leadership role  for the country’s program portfolio specifically focusing on partnership building, compliance and new business development.

Among others, the key duties and responsibilities include:

• Leadership of Practical Action’s Rwanda Country presence including maintaining relations with government, donors and other key stakeholders in Rwanda.
• Responsible for all aspects of project delivery, including managing the assessment and start-up phases and analysis, planning, budgets and contract management, client relationships and partner co-ordination.
• Serve as the budget holder for Rwanda programs; where applicable manage and support delegated sub-budget holders for individual projects and grants.
• Oversee the setup of country office operations in Rwanda including lease arrangements, acquisition of office equipment and fixed assets.
• Ensure appropriate staffing within program operations, including field office staff.
• Manage program operations team; define expectations, provide leadership and technical support as needed, and evaluate direct reports regularly.

The prospective candidate should possess:

• A  Master’s degree in a relevant field such as in international development, project management, business administration or related fields.
• At least 10 years relevant experience, including experience in developing countries. Experience in Rwanda is highly desirable.
• Advanced project management skills, including finance and contract management, client and stakeholder management, managing inputs from team members, consultants and partners, capability to use project management tools to deliver projects to time and budget at the satisfaction of the donor/client.
• Experience of managing large budgets, over $500,000 on multi-year complex projects.
• Proven organizational skills
• Excellent communication and influencing skills across cultures, including proven technical writing and presentation/communication skills.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is essential.  Fluency in French is highly desirable.