Project Manager at Islamic Relief

Reporting To: Programme Manager

Staff Reporting: Project Officers, Assistants.

Base Location: Wajir 70% -Field visit to Mandera 30%

JOB PURPOSE:

Reporting to the Programme Manager, the Orphan Families Economic Strengthening Project Manager will be responsible for coordinating the project implementation. S/he will reate a conducive good working relationship with government line ministries, stakeholders, monitoring and reporting, as well ensuring adherence to quality and accountability commitments.

Programme Strategy and Planning (20%)

• Support in shaping the overall strategy for the Project as articulated in the country business plan and strategic plan.
• Ensure IRK’s mission, vision, values, and the Program objectives are communicated to the project staff and facilitate input from project staff in the strategic planning process.
• Assist the Programme Manager in defining required team composition and structure for the project team in accordance with the IRK staff grading structure and funding.
• Promote understanding of and ensure the appropriate use and adherence to global and National Standards relating to Livelihood programming.
• Provide leadership in undertaking needs assessment in line with priorities of the Programme and community needs.

Programme Development & Implementation (40%)

• Oversee the overall implementation of the Orphans Families Economic Strengthening Project in Mandera and Wajir Counties as per donor agreement and IRK guidelines
• Contribute in the development of concept notes and proposal for the Program growth.
• Lead the scheduling and planning of the project activities and follow-up, producing workplans for OFES activities for agreement with the Programme Manager
• Conduct regular Project monitoring visits to provide support to the project team and ensure quality implementation.
• Has overall financial oversight to monitor the Project budgets in consultation with the Programme Managers/officers and finance staff at the respective project target areas.
• Responsible for the development and submission of (internal) monthly, quarterly, bi-annual, and annual Project reports to MEAL Unit for review and sharing with the donor.
• Ensure project staff always uphold the Do No Harm approach to programming and comply with IRK policies and guidelines.
• Attend relevant coordination meetings and build strong productive relationships with key project, partners and stakeholders in the county and national government
• Provide regular technical support/backstopping/supervision during Programme/projects delivery processes.
• Regularly assess and provide feedback and recommendations on the quality of the programmes and interventions during field visits and at other relevant times.
• Lead project reviews – drawing key recommendations, lessons learnt and best practices,
• Ensure project completion, filing and archiving procedures are implemented

Capacity Building & Team Management (20 %)

• Oversee the administrative functions for the Programme/project team, line managing administrative staff in operation.
• Ensure staff performance management system is effectively implemented across the Programme teams, with objective setting, probationary reviews, regular catch ups, 6-month performance & Annual appraisals and exit interviews, carried out for all staff.
• Support the implementation of IRK’s staff development policy, including personal development planning, across the project teams in a way that is consistent and transparent.
• Responsible for health and safety for the project team in the designated area, ensuring policy/ guidelines is understood by staff, and any accidents/incidents are recorded appropriately.
• Responsible for the induction of project staff posted to the area, with the support of the HR office, ensuring their familiarity with IR mission, values, Quality Standards, policies and Programme objectives and their individual responsibilities in upholding these standards and policies.
• Hold regular team meeting through a consultative, transparent, honest, and supportive communication structure to develop and build a vibrant team.

Networking and Partnership Development (20%)

• Active participation and engagement with donors (institutional, UN & IPs) meeting, briefing session, Funding Information Sessions.
• Establish and sustain effective relationship with the Government (National & Counties) and other NGOs for coordination, compliance with regulations & policies and synergy building.
• Represent IRK at all relevant technical forums, Clusters, Workshops and Meetings and contribute to technical interactions and discussions on the same.
• Facilitate relationship building with IRK partner organizations and collaborative work in accordance with the IRK Programs.
• Fulfil any additional assignment as deem necessary by the organization and/or as assigned by Line manager.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Education, Qualifications & Experience Required

• Advanced Degree in Economics, Development Studies, Business Administration, Project Management, Community Development, or any other related fields.
• Minimum of at least five years’ experience in Project management
• Solid experience of developing and implementing Economic Empowerment Projects, Livelihood’s frameworks and Poverty Graduation Models
• Proven experience in developing small and micro enterprises including entrepreneurship development, Groups/cooperative development.
• Proven analytical skills and ability to think strategically.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills.
• Conceptual understanding of participatory approach and sustainable development
• Proven people management and communication skills leading a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrable experience in supervising managing coaching and training staff.

Special Skills, Aptitude or Personality Requirements

• Able to take initiative and work independently.
• Good in Problem solving, staff mentoring, advice, flexible and patient.
• Remarkably high attention to detail.
• Must be flexible and willing to adapt to a fluid situation.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills and good command of English.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Computer skills, especially in MS Outlook, MS Word and MS Excel

Desirable

• Experience in working in complex and hardship areas
• Knowledge of local dialect. Kiswahili & Somali an added advantage
• Willingness to travel to remote areas of Northern & Northeastern Kenya
• Able to work under limited supervision