Project Manager at Women's Global Education Project

Job Summary

The Project Manager will be responsible for meeting the objectives of the USAID-funded construction project, working closely with the construction manager, Architecture & Engineering (A&E) firm, M&E Consultant, and local partner Tharaka Women’s Welfare Project (TWWP) to ensure that all activities are on track. The manager will work closely with TWWP’s staff to ensure that programmatic goals and targets are being met. S/he will draft and complete all required USAID reports as required. S/he will also be responsible for managing the day-to-day logistical, financial, and administrative aspects of the program, including meeting donor reporting requirements and building the capacity of local partners The Project Manager will communicate regularly with WGEP to provide updates and program progress including putting systems and procedures in place that will facilitate program implementation. The Project Manager will report to the US-based Executive Director and will play a pivotal role in facilitating and promoting communications between local partner, TWWP, and US-based Women’s Global Education Project.

Responsibilities

Program Management

• Provide overall technical and administrative leadership to the project team, including development of work plans, leading regular check-ins, and taking a proactive approach to problem solving
• Lead and carefully monitor program implementation, impact, and milestone achievement, ensuring these are on track according to M&E plan
• Play a lead role in internal communications between TWWP and WGEP
• Take the lead on all construction activities, working in parallel with A&E firm and construction manager, ensuring all activities are in alignment with USAID regulations and Kenya environmental/construction laws
• Coordinate and ensure day-to-day implementation of activities through activity tracking and planning
• Identify issues and risks related to program implementation and guide appropriate adjustments and solutions
• Ensure full compliance with USAID rules and regulations, including environmental requirements
• Draft and complete high-quality donor reports in timely manner as required by the funder (including quarterly/annual reports, operations & maintenance strategy, etc.)

Logistics

• Lead procurement of all durable commodity program inputs, including computers and books
• Assist with tender processes for the construction of ICT center in accordance with donor guidelines, including tendering of construction firm
• Follow up on issues related to local government such as community buy-in meetings, securing an MoU for land use, land survey, etc.

Finance

• Ensure the proper management of finances including planning, cash flow management, and authorization of expenses in compliance with grant requirements
• Monitor and track program expenditures in coordination with TWWP and US-based Finance Manager
• Prepare financial reports on a monthly, quarterly, and yearly basis as required
• Conduct occasional mini audits of TWWP’s financial system
• Build capacity of TWWP to adhere to USAID’s financial reporting policies
• Finalize TWWP’s financial and HR policies and procedures

Other responsibilities as required

• Support with identifying new opportunities and contributing to proposals
• Networking and partnership development
• Supporting TWWP to brainstorm creative approaches to arising challenges
• Support WGEP with requests such as interviews with program participants, taking photo/video footage, etc.
• Support in recruitment and hiring process of new program staff
• Facilitate the Kenya registration process as needed

Requirements

Essential

• University degree, Masters preferred
• Minimum of 3 years progressive work experience in international development including experience working in a multi-cultural environment
• Minimum of 2 years of program management experience including management of complex, high-value, multi-activity projects, with complicated logistics
• Excellent spoken and written abilities in English is a must, with sensitivity to cross cultural context
• Work experience Kenya or East Africa
• Mastery of MS Office Suite, specifically Word and Excel
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented, open-minded, and flexible

Desirable

• Knowledge of USAID policies and procedures (or another major international donor)
• Knowledge of financial accounting and logistical procedures, including Quickbooks
• Skills in monitoring and evaluation
• Experience working with community-based organizations in rural Africa
• Knowledge and passion for girls’ education and women’s empowerment
• Understanding of construction logistics and/or processes, particularly in Kenya