Project Manager at AVSI Foundation

Aim of the position:

The main role of the Project Manager is to provide overall project management with technical expertise to all activities relating to the implementation of the project “Cook stoves implementation agreement” financed and implemented in partnership with an Italian company. The Project Manager has the key responsibility of coordinating and ensuring the successful implementation and targets’ achievements of the project. This initiative pursues concurrent objectives:

• Bridging the gap of the energy access within the targeted area by promoting the sustained adoption/use by families of improved and/or clean cooking technologies with a reduced impact on health, domestic finances and the environment
• Promote local development through the strengthening of the Improved cook stoves local value chain (e.g. producers, promoters) and demand activation (e.g. behavioral change and awareness raising campaigns)
• Contributing to the generation of carbon credits by virtue of the utilization of cleaner and more efficient cooking devices by the local population

Main tasks and responsibility:

• Supervise and have the final responsibility for the implementation of all the project activities in accordance with the projected/approved proposal, budget, financial planning and time schedule in concert with Clean Cooking and Carbon Finance Programme Coordinator
• Be responsible for the achievement of all project targets and key performance indicators
• Contribute to the recruitment, orientation and training of the projects’ staff
• Coordinate projects staff, strengthen their capacity, autonomy and sense of responsibility; and contribute to their further professional development
• Coordinate all registration and monitoring activities on the field according to the selected international standard (e.g. VERRA) and to project/Donor requirements in concert with the Clean Cooking and Carbon Finance Programme Coordinator
• Be responsible for the application of AVSI logistic and administrative procedures for the assigned projects portfolio in concert with Operations Manager, Country Representative and, for any specific donor’s requirements, with Clean Cooking and Carbon Finance Programme Coordinator
• Ensure quality and sustainability of project(s) results through strategic and operational planning, monitoring, evaluation and learning (continuous improvement)
• Promote nexuses and synergies with other national and international projects, programs, interventions
• Elaborate narrative reports as per donor and/or the selected international standard (e.g. VERRA) procedures and proactively support the preparation of financial reports including the collection and verification of the relevant project documentation.
• Elaborate any other reports as required by AVSI, local authorities and/or donor and/or the selected international standard (e.g. VERRA)
• Maintain and develop proactive relationships with partners, local authorities and with all stakeholders involved
• Periodically interact with HQs focal points for coordinating and sharing new strategies, innovations, lessons learnt, criticalities, trainings, workshops etc.
• Share within AVSI worldwide network the most significant experiences and lessons learnt together with the thematic focal point
• Represent AVSI in relevant sectorial (energy and environment) coordination structures (i.e. Clusters and Working groups) and other meetings at provincial/national level
• Identify new funding proposals also with other donors and program
• Carry-out any other duties and/or responsibilities assigned by the supervisor.

Essential Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environment studies, Rural Development, Economics, Management, Entrepreneurship, Development Studies or other related fields of study from a recognized university.
• Master’s degree in relevant field would be an added advantage

Work experience:

• at least 2 years of experience in development/Humanitarian context
• At least 3 years of experience in the sector

Language proficiency

• Proficient knowledge of English (written and oral) C1.

Required skills and experiences

• Proficient knowledge of the standard IT software
• Experience in community-based approaches in project implementation
• Strong organizational skills and able to coordinate and manage a diverse array of activities and stakeholders
• Strong negotiation and mediation skills and ability to work independently
• Report writing and computer skills in word processing, spreadsheets, power point presentation and Internet.
• Experience in conducting surveys, managing data and statistics is desirable
• Experience in working in rural economic development or business development is desirable
• Commercial and technical knowledge of clean cooking protocols is desirable
• Willingness to travel and work in rural areas for most of the times