Save the Children Project Manager Jobs Vacancies

Save
the Children is the leading independent organization for children in need, with
programs in over 120 countries, including the United States. We aim to inspire
breakthroughs in the way the world treats children, and to achieve immediate
and lasting change in their lives by improving their health, education and
economic opportunities. In times of acute crisis, we mobilize rapid assistance
to help children recover from the effects of war, conflict and natural
disasters. Each year, we and our partners reach millions of children in
communities around the world. Join our dedicated and diverse staff in their
work to improve the well-being of children everywhere.

We
are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job
Title: Project
Manager
Location: Borno, Nigeria
Job Type: Full-time
Reports to: Deputy Team Leader North East
Staff directly reporting to this post: Education Officers in the Region

Role
Purpose

Reporting
directly to the Deputy Team Leader, the jobholder is responsible and
accountable for the overall management and implementation of the NMFA
& GIZ projects, new partnership initiation, development and
management, programme budgeting, budgetary and financial management,
programme and financial reporting, human resources management, and
administrative trouble shooting and support within the region.
Technical
programme management and implementation responsibilities include
developing project plans, budgets and implementation plans, managing the
accomplishment of targeted results and indicators, oversee programme
budgets and accounts to ensure adherence to approved budget and work
plans, undertaking routine budget monitoring and budget revisions, leading
in the definition of M&E plans and indicators, preparing timely and
high quality programme and financial reports, and taking initiatives and
actions to ensure that programme implementation is in compliance with all
Save the Children and donor requirements, rules and regulations.
In
addition the manager will ensure effective representation liaison between
Save the Children and other INGOs, CSOs, Local Authorities and visiting
donors and stakeholders at the local and regional level to promote
extensive participation and complementarity of Save the Children programme
and activities.
The
manager is also responsible for providing technical assistance and
appropriate monitoring and evaluation in emergency responses.

Dimensions:

Save
the Children supports programs in most parts of the country – 24 Sates in
the country including the North East with a current staff complement of
approximately 400 staff and current expenditure of approximately 40$
million each year.

Judgement
and Decision-Making:

The
jobholder has a middle level of decision-making authority and is authorised
to make decisions/take actions on the NMFA & GIZ Project management
matters such as work plans, human resource requirements, budget
monitoring, capacity building, and financial decision within the budget.
Strategic
and operational decisions require consultation with the Team Leader,
Director Programme Operations, Education Technical Advisors, SC members
and the Senior Leadership Teams. These also include major,
policy/procedural changes, approval of budgets and plans and major
disciplinary issues, financial decisions outside budget. Consultations are
equally necessary with Partnership Managers and Programme Development
Team.

Key
Areas of Accountability
Project Planning, Implementation and Management:

The
Project Manager leads the kick off meeting and the end of the project
meeting, which is due between 3 – 6 months before the end of the project
Preparing,
managing and regularly updating the project activities work plan,
procurement plan and financial plan, ensuring timely and quality
implementation in compliance with the defined project design, Country
Strategy as well as donor guidelines.
Collaborate
with the Team leader, State and LGAs officials to select the areas of
implementation.
Lead
the preparation and implementation of the programme based work plans,
M&E indicators in accordance with Save the Children and donor
guidelines to ensure and guarantee effective programme activities
delivery.
Monitor
and oversee the day to day implementation of the programmes and projects
to ensure compliance with the agreed work plans and that programme
objectives and targets are being realised in line with the funding
proposals.
Lead
the expansion and understanding of Save the Children working principles
and approaches (partnerships, child participations, child rights
programming etc) throughout the programme and follow up to ensure that
these approaches are effectively implemented.
Ensure
that all staff, partners and stakeholders implementing Save the Children
projects have clear understanding of Save the Children mission, vision and
values, goals, priorities and policies and that these are reflected in
programme implementation.
Conduct
regular programme review meetings with the relevant partners and
stakeholders to enhance information sharing and improve efficiency and
effectiveness of programme implementation and operations.
Initiate
and develop alternative mechanisms for optimal implementation, management,
monitoring and evaluation of programme activities.
Maintain
high standard of transparency and accountability in the course of
programme implementation while ensuring integrity and timeliness of
activities implementation in meeting programme objectives, compliance with
donors & Save the Children policies.
Provision
of regular operations and implementation updates on programme progress and
challenges to allow for timely interventions and corrective actions by
management.
Ensure
the timely reviews and adjustments for the programme operational and
implementation plans and budgets as may be required from time to time.

Human
Resources Management and Development:

Provide
line management and supervision of all the project staff
Working
together with the Deputy Team Leader and Programme Team to identify
learning and development needs of the programme teams and develop specific
plans to address the learning needs.
Setting
and managing staffing targets, performance and priorities
Collaborate
with Country office technical staff to build the technical capacity of
staff that work on the NMFA & GIZ Project through one-on-one coaching,
mentoring, observations on performance and deliverables, promotion of
strengths and attention to capacity gaps.
Conduct
monthly project management meetings to enable adequate staff support.
Support
the development of an organizational culture that reflects our dual
mandate values, promotes accountability and high performance, encourages a
team culture of learning, creativity and innovation, and frees up our
people to deliver outstanding results for children and excellent customer
service for our members and donors.
Support
implementation of the Save the Children performance management system, by
supporting, supervising and reviewing performance of the NMFA & GIZ
Project team through.
Establishment
of clear, measureable objectives, ongoing feedback, periodic reviews and
fair and unbiased evaluations;
Coaching,
mentoring and other developmental opportunities;
Recognition
and rewards for outstanding performance;
Documentation
of performance that is less than satisfactory, with appropriate
performance improvements/ work plans
Capacity
building of project officer through trainings, coaching, performance
management, implementation as well as in learning and reflection events

Partnership
Development:

In
close collaboration with members of the regional team, provide technical
capacity building to partners in the EiE, early recovery, accountability,
systems and any other areas of a strategic nature, and support Senior
Officers to ensure effective and efficient supervision and monitoring of
partners’ implementation of the NMFA & GIZ Project and budgets.
Work
with regional technical managers to provide support to Save the Children
International partners in planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring
and documentation.
Participate
in partner’s capacity assessment to identify and recommend capacity
building needs for the partner
Provide
technical capacity building and support , in implementation and ensure
quality control by partners in the NMFA & GIZ Project
Recommend
strategic partnership in NMFA & GIZ Project areas for consideration by
partnership management teams.
Support
partners in linking, networking with other institutions at regional levels
as well as support partners in developing funding proposals in
collaboration with the project Coordinators
Monitor
monthly partner programme and budget performance and ensure monthly
submission of narrative and financial reports by partners as well as 80%
budget utilisation.
Monthly
monitor project implementation with the partners and ensure that
implementation,
Support
partners in linking, networking with other stakeholders at LGA and Statel
level as well as build partner capacity in resource mobilization
Bi-annually
identify institutional capacity building needs for partners and build/
link them to support to strengthen their capacity to address children’s
and youth’s issues.
Support
partners in linking, networking with other institutions at regional and
levels as well as support partners in developing funding proposals to
create synergies and enhance sustainability of NMFA & GIZ project
goals.
Support
partners to develop their competence and capacity in fundraising
Conduct
monthly partner meetings and participate in quarterly partnership
monitoring. Develop with the partners detailed work plans and budgets to
cover and implement a selected programme.
Monthly
monitor and follow up the implementation of the agreed work plan and
budget to ensure that the programme objectives are being realized in
accordance to the programme and partnership agreement and take the
necessary actions for any identified deviations; ensure that partner
reports and accountabilities are submitted monthly.
Participate
in partner’s capacity assessment to identify potential partners to work
with in different areas and share the information with the Line Manager.
Monthly
provide technical capacity building and support, in implementation and
ensure quality control by partners during project implementation

Resource
Mobilization:

Working
in collaboration with the Education and other Technical Specialists,
engage actively on the review process for the education concept notes,
position papers, and proposals.
Support
the process of information gathering and analysis necessary for the
development of specific project concept notes and proposals.

Financial
Management:

Have
responsibility for project budget control and monitoring to ensure
adequate accountability and budget utilization in accordance donor
requirements and approved work plans, strategic objectives and Save the
Children finance policy and procedures.
Overseeing
the specific budget performance for NMFA & GIZ Project to ensure that
project implementation is on course and timely as per the work plans.
Ensure a monthly budget expenditure of at least 96%.
Annual
planning and budgeting for the project in line with the planning and
budgeting guidelines and timelines
Submit
accurate financial reports to the donor on a quarterly, semi-annual and annual
basis
Working
with finance team and line manager to ensure timely accountability and
accurate financial reporting for the NMFA & GIZ Project as per SCI
policy and donor requirements.
Ensure
that all budget adjustments are in line with the donor requirements and SC
members are informed and approve budgetary changes.
Develop
realistic, detailed plans, budget and proposals with consultation of the
community members, children and other key stakeholders.
Development
of programme and project budgets including the cash transfer plans to
guarantee availability of funds for programme implementation at all
levels.
Responsible
for monitoring and revising as necessary project budgets and ensuring that
funds are used optimally and accounted for in accordance to the funding
contracts and agreements.
Undertaking
monthly budget monitoring in order to ensure accuracy of financial
reports, manage budget variances, explain variances and propose measures
for managing the variances.
On
quarterly basis, review all programme budgets to ensure that budgets are
revised and rephrase timely and spent within donors budgets and
expenditure guidelines and no-cost extensions/cost extensions are timely
requested for.
Ensure
that all financial policies and regulations relating to cash flow
management, expenditure controls, cash management, accounting information,
advances management as put in place for the management and control of
funds are followed by the staff and partners in implementing the different
programme activities.
Support
partners and staff in making decisions regarding budget allocations and
utilizations and alerting management to any financial mismanagement which
may arise in the course of programme implementation.
Monitor
and manage over or under spending in a timely manner in line with
standards

Programme
monitoring and reporting:

Facilitate
effective monitoring, evaluation, accountability, learning, documentation
and reporting in line with agreed project targets and standards:
Establish
functioning project level M&E system and utilization of the
information from the M&E database;
Up-date
the beneficiary database monthly or quarterly
Support
proper documentation of NMFA & GIZ Project activities conducted case
studies, best practices and Compile and submit regular progress reports on
the planned implementation activities to Line Manager.
Ensure
appropriate filing and availability of documentation required for internal
and external communications, accountability, audits, evaluation purposes
and reporting
Supervise
on-going program assessments, evaluation and operational research studies,
and take lead in utilizing the recommendations to improve programming.
Document
vital project documents including fund summary, project proposal, M&E
plan, monthly, semi-annual and annual reports, reports on activities
implemented (approved concept, activity report and attendance lists).
Develop
project quality benchmarks and ensure that the issues in the MEAL Action
Tracker are implemented
Establish
and ensure a functional accountability platforms for information sharing
and feedback.
Manage
project information, documentation processes, and ensure effective
communication of the program/project results.
Provide
monthly reports (progress against planned activities, expense against
estimated budget, etc) of project activities to the Regional Team leader
as per agreed schedule.
Prepare
semi-annual and annual reports of project activities (progress against
delivery of outputs and achievement of outcomes, etc) to the donors, State
and country Office as per agreed schedule.
Ensure
appropriate filing and availability of documentation required for internal
and external communications, accountability, audits, evaluation purposes
and reporting
Supervise
on-going program assessments, evaluation and operational research studies,
and take lead in utilizing the recommendations to improve programming.
Ensure
Quality and timely delivery of assessments and plans by field projects.
Submit
quality and timely monthly, bi-annual and annual reports.
Lead
the process of developing project baselines and evaluations ToRs, 3 months
before the date of effective implementation.

Community
Empowerment and Impact:

Innovatively
support children, parents, schools and communities to participate, own and
benefit from the project interventions
Mobilize
and facilitate active participation of children, school, parents and
leaders to participate in planning, monitoring and implementation of
community development initiatives.
Build
the capacity of children, school, parents, communities and leaders to
collectively engage local leaders on issues identified.
Liaise
and follow-up on commitments made by leaders on improvement of the youth
well being.
Support
functional independent youth advocacy platforms

Communication
and Documentation:

Profile
project impact, success stories, most significant change stories,
captivating photography
Document
and share best practices and human interest stories
Manage
donor and SC branding and visibility through media visits, sharing reports

Advocacy,
Networking and Representation:

Represent
Save the Children externally at Regional, State and LGA levels, Sector
Working Groups/meetings, work groups, development forums workshops, and
via personal networking.
Ensuring
that the Save the Children programme experience is represented and given
recognition at State, LGA and regional meetings and workshops, donor,
networks.
Ensure
that the project activities are integrated and recognized in the States
and LGAs of operation.
Ability
to adhere to the SC Child Protection Code of Conduct, Security Guidelines,
Chronic Illness Policy and ethical principles.
Bi-annually
and annually submit a State specific project progress report on what has
been accomplished; highlighting the achievements and learning areas.
Annually
share with the State and LGAs project plans and activity budgets.
Represent
SCI and network on the EiE working group and Basic, Early Childhood
education sub theme both formal and informal education to external
stakeholders.
Actively
promote and develop advocacy objectives for the NMFA & GIZ Project in
consultation with the Advocacy Team, Education TAs and Team Leader.
Network
with other Save the Children International interventions in their areas of
operation to improve synergy and holistic approach to child support.

Academic
Background, Experience and Person Specifications

A
minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Education, Economics, Social Science or
Development studies. Experience in Education and safe and EiE programming
will be an added advantage. Postgraduate training/Advanced degree in the
related field, Social sciences/social works, or Management is an added
advantage
Willingness
to travel and work in hard-to-reach areas, occasionally under strenuous
conditions.
Computer
literacy and excellent documentation skills are a must.
Availability
and willingness to work extra hours during times of humanitarian
responses.
Highly
developed cultural awareness and ability to work well in an international
environment with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures
Ability
to intervene with crisis management or troubleshooting as necessary.
Highly
developed interpersonal and communication skills including influencing,
negotiation and coaching
Excellent
time management and planning capacity
Availability
and willingness to work extra hours during times of humanitarian
responses.
A
minimum of Eight years working experience in Education related program or
protection in Nigeria (preferably with an International NGO).
Experience
in managing a budget of at least US$ 700,000
Experience
of working with local partners and State and Local Government in
Education, protection and community based services
Strong
monitoring, evaluation and accountability skills
Strong
management of donor communications and visibility.
Ability
to speak local language and directly interact with target group will be an
added advantage
Strong
analytical skills and strategic planning abilities.
Ability
to establish and maintain conducive collegial relations and perform
effectively as a member of a team.

Skills
and Behaviors (our Values in Practice)
Accountability:

Holds
self accountable for making decisions, managing resources efficiently,
achieving and role modelling Save the Children values.
Holds
the team and partners accountable to deliver on their responsibilities –
giving them the freedom to deliver in the best way they see fit, providing
the necessary development to improve performance and applying appropriate
consequences when results are not achieved.

Ambition:

Sets
ambitious and challenging goals for themselves (and their team), takes
responsibility for their own personal development and encourages others to
do the same.
Widely
shares their personal vision for Save the Children, engages and motivates
others.
Future
orientated, thinks strategically.

Collaboration:

Builds
and maintains effective relationships with their team, colleagues, Members
and external partners and supporters.
Values
diversity, sees it as a source of competitive strength.
Approachable,
good listener, easy to talk to.

Creativity:

Develops
and encourages new and innovative solutions.
Willing
to take disciplined risks.

Integrity:

Honest,
encourages openness and transparency.

Occasional
duties:

Perform
any other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Contacts
Internal contacts:

Team
leader, Deputy Team Leader and Award/ Partnership Manager,Head of
Education – Frequent contact
Project
Coordinators and , Project Officers – Frequent contact
Education
Technical Advisors.- Regular contact

External
contacts:

Consortium
members – frequent contact
Regional
and State and LGA Officials – Regular contact
Other
NGOs, CBOs – regular contact
UN
agencies (WFP etc) – regular contact
Programme
donors and partners – occasional contact
Partner
auditors – occasional contact
Other
government officials and agencies – regular contact

How
to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply

Note

Due
to the urgency to fill this position applications will be assessed as they
are received and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Save
the Children International reserves the right to change the closing date
if necessary.

Application
Deadline 24th
August, 2017.