Senior Project and Operations Manager at Free Press Unlimited

In close collaboration with the headquarters of Free Press Unlimited, the Senior Project and Operations Manager is responsible for the overall management of the media house, including project management, project development and acquisition, financial management, staff management and ensuring the security of the operation.

Core activities

• Responsible for the planning, organisation and implementation of a 2 years project, the financial management thereof, and meeting project and financial reporting deadlines;
• Responsible with Programme Coordinator of Free Press Unlimited to ensure a stable organisational financial position going into independence and the provision of a strong financial sustainability plan for the period after independence;
• Manages donor relations in close collaboration with Free Press Unlimited;
• Designs project proposals with Programme Coordinator of Free Press Unlimited that meet that demand (including the financial, personnel and logistics interpretation), where necessary according to the prescribed guidelines of donors involved;
• Represents the media house regionally and internationally, thereby developing and maintaining a strong network;
• Ensures effectiveness of the operation, including responsibility for staff salaries and other benefits, cost of running the office, and other services;
• Develops operational plan and overseeing project operations in support of transitioning process from current to newly registered (independent) entity to be approved by Free Press Unlimited;
• Ensures all legal, operational and financial requirements are met and maintained for the current- and new entity;
• Manages projects resources planning, recruitment and contracting;
• In collaboration with Heads of Departments, ensures staff performance management systems are adhered to;
• Identifies areas for organisational development and initiate capacity building opportunities;
• Maintains compliance with Free Press Unlimited security policies;
• Regularly analyses the security situation and update policies and guidelines where needed.

Education, knowledge and experience

• At least a bachelors degree in business administration, or equivalent qualification in relevant subject with proven finance skills and Project Management training and expertise;
• Proven success in raising funds for a non-profit organisation;
• Must have knowledge and at least 10 years’ experience working in project management (including planning, monitoring and evaluation);
• 5 years’ experience in the NGO sector;
• Requires excellent verbal and written communication and reporting skills in English. Knowledge of the Arabic language is an asset;
• Financial acumen and ability to interpret and analyse financial reports;
• Affinity with freedom of the press, freedom of expression and communication;
• Must have a minimum of 4 years of people management experience;
• Familiarity with South Sudanese socio-political and cultural context;
• Demonstrated interpersonal effectiveness with track record of appreciating and managing diversity, taking initiative, leading through influence and working well in a team to achieve success;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint.