Project Coordinator WASH SDG – Plan International Uganda

Job: Project Coordinator WASH SDG

Location: Kamuli

Type of Role: 1 year fixed term (Renewable)

Reports to: Project Manager

Grade: C2

The Organisation

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls.

We believe in the power and potential of every child. But this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And it’s girls who are most affected.

Working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children.

We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood. And we enable children to prepare for – and respond to – crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge.

We have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 80 years, and are now active in more than 70 countries.

ROLE PROFILE

ROLE PURPOSE

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian not for profit organization that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. Plan International is committed to reach 100 million girls to Lead, Learn, Decide and Thrive in Uganda. We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood. And we enable children to prepare for and respond to crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge. We have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 75 years, and are now active in more than 70 countries.

To achieve these outcomes, PIU is currently implementing a five years WASH SDG programme in the districts of Nebbi, Kamuli & Buyende targeting the rural communities. The project has three core strategic objectives, namely (1) Behavior change with a focus on increasing demand for improved WASH facilities and practices, (2) provision of improved and quality WASH services and by (3) improving WASH governance and institutional frameworks. Plan International Uganda will specifically tackle the knowledge gaps, attitudes and practices affecting appropriate sanitation and hygiene behaviors in the community. The Project coordinator (PC) will be responsibility for the successful initiation, set up, planning, design, implementation, monitoring, controlling, closure and transition of the WASH SDG project at the district level. S/he shall deliver the project results in the context of time, budget, quality, scope, risk and in accordance with Plan International’s core values and behaviors, including gender transformatory outcomes.

Dimensions of the Role

The Project coordinator will be responsible and ultimately accountable for the WASH SDG project’s strategic direction, quality programming and delivery of results, financial management and compliance, coordination and collaboration with project stakeholders. S/he will demonstrate excellent project management and problem-solving skills, a very high degree of maturity, flexibility, organization and communication skills, and strategic thinking to meet the demands of a dynamic and sometimes unpredictable operating environment while ensuring Plan International’s systems and policies and donor requirements are adhered to, especially gender transformative programming and child and youth safeguarding.

Accountabilities

Project Set Up and Project Planning

• Define the scope of the WASH SDG project in collaboration with Project Manager – WASH SDG.
• Develop a comprehensive and detailed WASH SDG project implementation plan which identifies and sequences the activities needed to successfully complete the project.
• Determine the resources (time, money, equipment, etc.) required to complete the project
• Develop a schedule for project completion that effectively allocates the resources to the activities.
• Review the project schedule with senior management and all other staff that will be affected by the project activities; revise the schedule as required.

Project Implementation

• Execute the WASH SDG project according to the project plans and budgets.
• Liaise with the Monitoring Evaluation & Research Coordinator to develop the tools and databases to document the WASH SDG project activities and outcomes in a pragmatic manner.
• Set up files to ensure that all the WASH SDG project information is appropriately documented and kept secure.
• Monitor the progress of the project and make adjustments as necessary to ensure the successful completion of the WASH SDG project.
• Establish a communication schedule to update stakeholders including appropriate staff in the organization on the progress of the project.
• Review the quality of the work completed with the WASH SDG project team on a regular basis to ensure that it meets the WASH SDG project standards and donor requirements.
• Ensure that the Programme Quality Policy and Procedures are followed in his/her project.
• Ensure gender equality related action plans are planned, implemented with clear gender transformatory outcomes.

Partnership Management

• Manage the partners implementing the WASH SDG project activities following the PIU Partnership Framework and Guidelines.
• Ensure proper capacity assessment of all partners.
• Ensure all legal documentation is in place before bringing partners on board.
• Support their capacity building process and manage relationship building.
• Ensure that the partners follow all the requirements stipulated by the donor.

Project Monitoring and Evaluation and Control

• Measure the WASH SDG project progress and identify appropriate corrective action in situation where the project’s performance deviates significantly from the plan.
• Regularly Monitor the progress on implementation of all the WASH SDG project activities and share the monitoring reports.
• Write high quality project reports following the donor compliance guidelines.
• Follow the communication protocols with donors and the Business development team and provide information as outlined in funding agreements.
• Monitor all budgeted WASH SDG project expenditures and cash flow projections and report actual cash flow and variance to the project manager on a regular basis.
• Manage all WASH SDG project funds according to established accounting policies and procedures, ensuring value for money and strong accountability.
• Ensure that all financial records for the project are up to date.
• With support from Finance Department, prepare financial reports and supporting documentation for funders as outlined in funding agreements, ensuring consistency between narrative and financial reports.
• Ensure that the project deliverables are on time, within budget and at the required level of quality.
• Evaluate the outcomes of the WASH SDG project as established during the planning phase.
• Optimize the use of the SAP system to manage project outputs, budget, and expenditure and project closure.
• Manage project risks, ensuring they are effectively tracked and reported.
• Manage audit process and follow up audit action list.

Advocacy, Influencing and Visibility

• Represent Plan International at district to implement the advocacy activities as stated in the project.
• Support with technical documentation of evidences from the project and write stories of change when required.
• Ensure close technical and operational collaboration and coordination with Government Agencies & related Networks at district level.
• Ensures that the project is fully aligned with the Advocacy Strategy and the SDG influencing plan.

End of Project Transition and Project Integration

• Implement all the transition activities to ensure proper closure of the project (lessons learned, financial and contractual closure activities, etc.)
• Promote full integration of the project with other initiatives implemented in the same location in close coordination with the Project Manager.
• Participate and provide valuable input into the technical network meetings.
• Support the Business development Unit and the Project Manager in developing proposals that may facilitate the continuity of the project.

Dealing with Problems:

• Building and sustaining smooth working relationships with WASH SDG project team, other staff within the PA, partners and other key stakeholders.
• Compliance to donor requirements and ensuring quality and timely WASH SDG project outputs and communications

As a Child Centered Development organization, Plan International Uganda strives to ensure that children are kept safe in all the areas we operate. The organisation further has a Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy that every staff is required to sign. As a result, this position comes with additional responsibilities for safeguarding children and young people:

Additional Responsibilities:

Children and Young People Safeguarding Policy Responsibilities (mandatory for all staff)

• Adhere to the CYPSP, Code of Conduct and reporting any CYPSP issues.
• Responsible for the implementation of the CYPSP standards as they apply to the area of responsibility plus the development of actions to address identified gaps and monitoring their effectiveness.
• Ensure that all Plan International partners, visitors, and associates in his/her area of responsibility are provided with, are made aware of and have signed and returned a copy of the CYPSP. Inform the partners, visitors, and associates that they must comply with the policy in all contacts and communications with children during their visit.

 Sponsorship Commitments Responsibilities

• Design and support implementation of programmes that are aligned with the Sponsorship Commitments, ensuring that the interventions benefit Sponsored Children.

Child Protection and Gender Equality & Social Inclusion

Ensures that Plan International’s global policies for Safeguarding Children and Young People and Gender Equality and Social Inclusion are fully embedded in accordance with the principles and requirements of the policy including relevant Implementation Standards and Guidelines as applicable to their area of responsibility. This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring staff and associates are aware of and understand their responsibilities under these policies and Plan International’s Code of Conduct (CoC), their relevance to their area of work, and that concerns are reported and managed in accordance with the appropriate procedures.

Key relationships

• Communicates with tact, diplomacy and maintain professional working relationships at all times.
• Close collaboration and interdependence with the Programme Team and Resource Mobilization Unit at CO level, and other support departments (Finance, Admin, Risk Management, HR, Sponsorship)
• Regular working relationship with PA teams, especially PC/PM, PALT and other focal points implementing similar projects.
• Communications Department to ensure proper visibility and compliance to branding.
• Local, national and international Civil Society Organizations, Private Sector actors, Government institutions and UN agencies to ensure Plan’s work is well linked to other initiatives.

Leadership and Business Management Competencies

Leadership Competencies

• Set and communicate ambitious but realistic work goals and priorities, explaining how these contribute to Plan International’s purpose.
• Set high standards for self and others’ behavior, inside and outside work. Championing our values and commitment to rights, gender equality and safeguarding. Supporting the health, well-being and both physical and psychological safety of the WASH SDG and other PIU staff, including their safety to speak out.
• Hold self and others to account for what we have agreed, dealing with poor performance quickly, firmly and constructively.
• Create a positive team spirit among the WASH SDG team and other members of the PA, helping others work well together, to reflect and continuously improve the efficiency and quality of the WASH SDG project and PIU.
• Collaborate with WASH SDG team members, colleagues and partners in finding creative solutions to problems by sharing information, experience and ideas and actively seeking their input.
• Motivate and developing others by taking an interest, giving constructive feedback and praise, ensuring they are properly trained and helping them  utilize their potential.
• Accept change and support others in adjusting to it, helping them understand.
• Communicate in a manner that positively portrays the image of  PIU its core values

Business Management Competencies

• Understand relevant sectorial context including how the sector operates in terms of funding and governance and awareness of Plan’s purpose, values, and global strategy
• Manage legal and reputational risk including risk assessment, communication, risk management and reporting in full compliance with risk-related standards, including in areas such as Children and Young people Safeguarding , Gender equality and inclusion, Counter Fraud, Safety and Security
• Manage activities and resources including skills in strategic thinking, planning and organizing, financial planning and monitoring, negotiation and programme and project management
• Manage people and information including skills in assessment and coaching, evidence-based management, communication skills, both speaking and writing, and digital working, including personal digital skills

Technical expertise, skills and knowledge

Essential

Knowledge

• A degree (preferred) Public Health, Environmental Health Science, Social Sciences or its equivalent, with professional training in WASH programming.
• Post graduate training in project planning and management or M&E is an asset
•  2-3years years’ of relevant experience coordinating/managing WASH project(s) preferably with INGO with good track records.
• Must have experience in WASH Project delivery including implementation and monitoring.
• Knowledge of key community driven and other sanitation approaches including CLTS, SANIMARK & MHH is essential.
• Knowledge of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in WASH programming is desirable.
• Comprehensive knowledge of WASH polices and framework for WASH in Uganda.
• Demonstrated experience in evidence based reporting, donor compliance and budget management.
• Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned directly linked to grant implementation, promotion of knowledge management, documentation of best practices and lessons learned from project implementation, and facilitation of dissemination in appropriate format to relevant stakeholders.
• Demonstrate Influencing and advocacy skills to facilitate changes in policies, laws, budgets, harmful social norms, attitudes and practices.
• Experience working with social structures district local governments.
• Knowledge and dynamic in working with vulnerable young girls, women and boys.
• Proven computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft software including MS Word processing, Power point presentation, Excel spreadsheets, e-mail and web based conferencing.

Desirable

Skills/Competencies

• Communicate Effectively: Speak, listen and write in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques. Strong verbal communication skills, including networking, negotiating ability and influencing others.

• Creativity/Innovation: Develop new and unique ways to improve operations of the organization and to create new opportunities.
• Lead: Positively influence others to achieve results that are in the best interest of the organization.
• Make Decisions: Assess situations to determine the importance, urgency and risks, and make clear decisions which are timely and in the best interests of the organization.
• Organize: Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details/data/information/activities.
• Plan: Determine strategies to move the organization forward, set goals, create and implement actions plans, and evaluate the process and results.
• Solve Problems: Assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work with people from diverse cultures, ability to lead and motivate people to work in teams
• Good understanding and ability to use participatory approaches for involvement of stakeholders and creating program ownership.
• Excellent skills of working with children, facilitating child participation and gender equality
• Excellent project management and team leadership skills
• Knowledge of the local language(s) spoken in Busoga sub region is a plus.

Plan International’s Values in Practice

We are open and accountable

• Promotes a culture of openness and transparency, including with sponsors and donors.
• Holds self and others accountable to achieve the highest standards of integrity.
• Consistent and fair in the treatment of people.
• Open about mistakes and keen to learn from them.
• Accountable for ensuring we are a safe organisation for all children, girls & young people

We strive for lasting impact

• Articulates a clear purpose for staff and sets high expectations.
• Creates a climate of continuous improvement, open to challenge and new ideas.
• Focuses resources to drive change and maximize long-term impact, responsive to changed priorities or crises.
• Evidence-based and evaluates effectiveness.

We work well together

• Seeks constructive outcomes, listens to others, willing to compromise when appropriate.
• Builds constructive relationships across Plan International to support our shared goals.
• Develops trusting and ‘win-win’ relationships with funders, partners and communities.
• Engages and works well with others outside the organization to build a better world for girls and all children.

We are inclusive and empowering

Seeks constructive outcomes, listens to others, willing to compromise when appropriate.

• Builds constructive relationships across Plan International to support our shared goals.
• Develops trusting and ‘win-win’ relationships with funders, partners and communities.
• Engages and works well with others outside the organization to build a better world for girls and all children.

Physical Environment

Field based.

Level of contact with children

High contact: Frequent interaction with children.

Closing Date: 21st July 2021

Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the very heart of everything that Plan International stands for.

We want Plan International to reflect the diversity of the communities we work with, offering equal opportunities to everyone regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

Plan International is based on a culture of inclusivity and we strive to create a workplace environment that ensures every team, in every office, in every country, is rich in diverse people, thoughts, and ideas.

We foster an organisational culture that embraces our commitment to racial justice, gender equality, girls’ rights and inclusion.

Plan International believes that in a world where children face so many threats of harm, it is our duty to ensure that we, as an organisation, do everything we can to keep children safe. This means that we have particular responsibilities to children that we come into contact with and we must not contribute in any way to harming or placing children at risk.

A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with Plan International’s Safeguarding Children and Young People policy. Plan International also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this scheme we will request information from applicants previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.