Going Beyond Project Director at Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT)

The Opportunity:

• DOT is seeking an experienced and dynamic professional to join our team as a Project Director. This is a full time role, reporting to DOT’s Chief Operating Ofcer. In a hands-on position, you will:
• Serve as the overall project lead and ensure the timely, effective, and agile implementation of the project according to approved proposals and budgets, and in response to dynamic conditions and emerging learnings;
• Ensure the deepening and iteration of organizational learning and thought leadership around project strategies and objectives in collaboration with the
• Programs and Impact Lead, Operational Lead, and DOT’s Executive Committee;
• Lead the management of project risk, in collaboration with project staff, partners, and DOT’s Executive Committee;
• Oversee the project’s nancial management in collaboration with the project’s
• Finance Lead, including the development and adjustment of project budgets, the monitoring of project spending, and the ongoing analysis of value for money against the project’s outcomes and strategic goals;
• Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications Lead to ensure effective communication of the project’s outcomes, achievements and strategic goals in line with approved communications strategies and plans;
• Oversee the selection of project implementing partners (YLOs and YSOs) in line with project objectives, and the implementation of a strong and sustainable network of youth-led African organization;
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with key project stakeholders, including donors, strategic government institutions, and implementing partners;
• Directly supervise 6 project staff including country-based Partnership Leads, the Deputy Project Director and Manager of Youth-led Partnerships;
• Oversee the coordination of inputs from a wide range of project stakeholders and contributors, including functional departments, regional teams, and implementing partners, in collaboration with the Deputy Project Director;
• Lead and chair the Project Leadership Team, the main project management function of the project, responsible for the management, oversight, and day-to-day decision making of the project.
• Essential to your approach would be to represent, champion, and support project staff and partners in realizing the following values and project objectives:
• Youth-led: DOT’s youth-led model is rooted in the assertion that by transforming the individual, the individual can transform their society. Underpinning this model is DOT’s belief in the potential of youth to drive growth and development in their countries. This model positions young people as equal partners, leaders, and agents of change, equipped with the digital skills to scale their impact. Working with DOT requires a commitment to empowering youth and amplifying their voices, particularly young women.
• Collaborative co-design: DOT values ensuring that young people drive the development, iteration and ongoing innovation of programs and content that continue to address their needs and add value to their lives. To ensure sustainability, the “Going Beyond” project invests in the capacities and resilience of its local youth-focused partners to offer more innovative and impactful programs. This role requires a commitment to participatory, inclusive, and community based approaches.
• Gender equality: DOT uses a gender equity approach in its work to support youth economic inclusion and resilience, tackling the systemic barriers that limit opportunities for youth (especially young women) who face increased vulnerability, and creating opportunities to elevate the leadership of young women in spaces they have traditionally been excluded from. Central to our work is a commitment to gender equality and inclusion.
• Safeguarding: DOT has a robust safeguarding infrastructure to prevent and respond to Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH), grounded in DOT’s comprehensive PSEA Policy and Code of Conduct. DOT has a zero-tolerance policy for breaches of the CoC, and this applies to all employees and contractors of DOT, and all entities and their employees and individuals who have entered into partnership or sub-grant agreements with DOT.
• You are a solution-oriented individual possessing exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, who thrives in a fast-paced, multicultural, entrepreneurial setting.
• You are self-motivated and team-focused, capable of collaborating with colleagues across the DOT network within various functions. This challenging role offers a unique opportunity to join an inspired international team and contribute to global change!

Qualications:

• A resident of and able to legally work in one of the following countries: Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Côte d’Ivoire, or Kenya;
• A university degree in international development, social innovation/entrepreneurship, technology for development or a related eld, a master’s degree is strongly preferred;
• At least 10 years experience managing and coordinating large-scale and multi-country projects in Africa, including one or more of the project countries;
• Experience with project nancial management, including monitoring budgets, reviewing cash forecasts, and BVA analyses;
• Proven ability to establish and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, including funding, strategic, and implementing partners;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, able to work collaboratively in a cross-cultural environment;
• Excellent people management skills, including managing and motivating direct reports virtually;
• Strong digital skills, including familiarity with data management systems, digital education platforms, and remote collaboration tools;
• Team player with the ability to work in a diverse environment with multiple stakeholders, and coordinate a geographically dispersed team;
• Able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced and shifting environment, and work independently as a self-starter;
• A critical and strategic thinker, able to creatively and innovatively bring value across the multiple teams of the organization;
• High sense of responsibility and accountability for results;
• Demonstrated commitment to social change and/or community development, including working on issues related to youth, women, or other marginalized groups