Concern Universal (CU), a development and relief organisation, is contracted by European Union (EU) to implement a project titled “Capacity Building for Sugar Out-growers in Agricultural Methods and the Building of Sugar Out-growers’ Management Capabilities in Malawi”. The project is being implemented in Dwangwa and Kasinthula. The overall objective of the project is to contribute to supporting the effective implementation of the Government of Malawi’s National Adaptation Strategy (NAS) for sugar with a poverty reduction focus. The specific objectives of the project are (1) to improve the capacity of sugar out-growers in agricultural methods and (2) to build sugar out-growers’ management capabilities. CU invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced persons to fill the following vacancy tenable in Blantyre:
Project Manager
Job Purpose
Reporting to the Sustainable Livelihoods Programme Coordinator, the Project Manager is responsible for the overall planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of the project. S/he will manage the human, financial and other resources available to the project and is responsible for creating and nurturing a team that will successfully implement the project.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
• Supporting, managing and motivating the team in order to achieve the objectives of the project.
• Representing CU and the project in relevant national and other coordination fora.
• Coordinating the preparation of annual, quarterly and other necessary plans in line with the objectives, outcomes, outputs and inputs indicated in the project proposal and budget.
• Coordinating the preparation of contractual and other reports (as required) for submission to the EU, the Government of Malawi and other stakeholders through the Country Director.
• Leading on all aspects of the Project that require an OD approach.
• Ensuring that all resources that have been made available to the Project have been efficiently managed and used only for the intended purposes.
Qualifications and Experience
• At least a postgraduate degree level education in business administration, management, marketing, agriculture, development studies or other relevant disciplines.
• At least 5 years experience in project and/or organisational management, ideally in the sugar sector.
• Proven track record of building and effectively managing a team of professional and support personnel.
Skills, Competencies and Commitments
• Knowledge and experience of the sugar sector.
• Budgeting and financial management skills.
• Proven experience of, and commitment to, participatory methodologies to development
• Strong interest and commitment to work with rural communities in Malawi.
• Training, facilitation and mentoring skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and constructively with a wide variety of people of different backgrounds, education levels and professions.
• Good diplomacy, networking, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent report writing skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and to manage multiple tasks.
• Willing to travel extensively to project sites and other reasonably required locations for meetings.
• Computer skills especially word processing and spreadsheets.
• Understanding of operations and practice of NGOs, donors and Government agencies.
The position attracts a generous benefit package including a competitive salary, housing allowance, medical, insurance, annual leave, leave grant, etc. Those interested should request an application form from the contact below or download it via the CU website. Note that cvs alone will not be acceptable.
The Human Resources Officer
Concern Universal
P. O. Box 1535
Blantyre
E-mail: malawi.jobs@concern-universal.org
Closing date for the receipt of applications is the 27th May 2011. Only short listed candidates will be acknowledged. For more information about CU, please visit our website at www.concern-universal.org. CU is an equal opportunity employer.
