Project Manager -ELMA Project at Plan International

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 child rights and humanitarian organization committed to children living a life free of poverty, violence and injustice.

We actively unite children, communities and other people who share our mission to make positive lasting changes in children’s and young people’s lives. We support children to gain the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to claim their rights to a fulfilling life, today and in the future. We place a specific focus on girls and women, who are most often left behind.

We have been building powerful partnerships for children for more than80 years, and are now active in more than 70 countries.

[Add a concise statement, capturing the primary reasons that this role exists and a clear articulation of the context of the role. How will this role contribute to creating lasting change for children?]

The Project Manager will be fully responsible for timely, efficient, and gender-responsive implementation of all the project activities including: 1) Strengthening district, Early Childhood Development Centers, and community structures to collaborate, network, and implement project activities aimed at improving access, enrollment, attendance/participation, safety and transition of children especially girls to Primary Schools 2) Champion use of learner centered approaches and models such as learning through play in order to  Improve quality of learning at the Early Childhood Development Centers. 3) Strengthening gender awareness and accountability of communities and ECD center-based structures on the importance of Early Childhood Development. 4) Champion and Promote parenting education to ensure Parents and caregivers are responsive care-givers for their children. 5) Advocate and Influence national and local authorities, and private sector actors to provide gender equal and inclusive ECD services.

Dimensions of the Role:

• Project Set Up and Project Planning – define/review the project governance structure; launch of the project and define key communication mechanisms with the different stakeholders including CSOs, government and the private sector. Develop a comprehensive and detailed implementation plan and review on regular basis to reflect the changing context of the project.
• Project Implementation – Lead project implementation planning, making sure the process is, regular, participatory and gives opportunity to the project key stakeholders to input, learn and reflect together dealing with issues and creatively integrating the different elements of the project plan, including inclusive & gender transformatory outcomes.
• Staff Management – this position supervisees all staff under the project.
• Partnership Management – manage the partners implementing the project activities; support their capacity building process and manage relationship building.
• Budgets/Assets – responsible for managing a total budget of € 2,721,148   and all the assets from the project, monitor budget performance and review financial reports to ensure consistency with narrative reports. Ensure effective and efficient communication between project staff and finance colleagues to ensure budgets are reflective of work completed. Track budget expenditure and complete analysis on a quarterly basis to understand project savings/over expenditure per budget line and next steps.
• Project Monitoring, Evaluation and Control – measure the project progress and identify appropriate corrective action in situations where the project’s performance deviates significantly from the plan. Report to donors following the donor compliance guidelines and ensure programming and expenditure is donor compliant. Coordinate with colleagues to ensure completed baseline, midline and end line assessments.
• Reporting – provide timely and quality reporting as per reporting deadlines. Provide information on project progress and context situation where the project is being implemented as needed and requested on an ad hoc basis
• End of Project Transition – implement all the transition activities to ensure proper closure of the project (lessons learned, financial and contractual closure activities, etc.)
• Advocacy, Influencing and Visibility –representing Plan International at district and national level to implement the advocacy activities as stated in the project and ensure that the project is fully aligned with the Advocacy Strategy and the SDG influencing plan

Accountabilities:

Project set up and project planning

• Define the scope of the project in collaboration with senior management.
• Develop a comprehensive and detailed implementation plan which identifies and sequences the activities needed to successfully deliver the project.
• Complete budget forecasting on a quarterly basis which compliments the detailed implementation plan
• 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.
• Define/review the project governance structure.
• Launch of the project and define key communication mechanisms with the different stakeholders.
• Determine the objectives and measures upon which the project will be evaluated at its completion

Staff Management

• In consultation with the Technical Advisor, recruit, interview and select staff and/or volunteers with appropriate skills for the project activities.
• Manage project staff and/or volunteers according to the established policies and practices of the organization.
• Ensure that all project personnel receive an appropriate orientation to the organization and the project.
• Initiate and manage the process of contracting qualified consultants to work on the project as appropriate.

Project Implementation

• Execute the project according to the project plan. Provide timely justification for any changes or modifications required
• Liaise with the MER team to develop tools and databases to document project activities.
• Set up files to ensure that all project information is appropriately documented and secured.
• Monitor the progress of the project and make adjustments as necessary to ensure the successful completion of the 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 project team on a regular basis to ensure that it meets the project standards.
• Ensure that the Programme Quality & Influencing Policy and Procedures are followed in the entire project cycle.
• Ensure inclusive & gender equality related action plans are planned& implemented with clear gender transformatory outcomes.
• Provide detailed and frequent updates on project progress to the national office and senior management

Partnership Management.

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

Project Monitoring and Evaluation and Control

• Measure the project progress and identify appropriate corrective action in situation where the project’s performance deviates significantly from the plan.
• Write high quality reports to donors following the donor compliance guidelines.
• Follow the communication protocols with donors and the Resource Mobilization team and provide information as outlined in funding agreements.
• Monitor all budgeted project expenditures and cash flow projections and report actual cash flow and variance to senior management on a regular basis.
• Manage all 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. Ensure 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 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 and national level 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, CSOs, Private sector actors and other related  Net works at national and 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 Program Area Manager.
• Participate and provide valuable input into the technical network meetings.
• Support the Resource Mobilization Unit and the Technical Advisor in developing proposals that may facilitate the continuity of the project.

Problem Solving and Challenges:

• Building and sustaining smooth working relationships with project partners and other key stakeholders.
• Compliance to donor requirements and ensuring quality and timely project outputs and communications
• Flag challenges with senior management and propose next steps and solutions, document lessons learned

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 & Inclusion

Ensures that Plan International’s global policies for Safeguarding Children and Young People and Gender Equality and 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 maintains 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 PU teams, especially PC/PM 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.
• Plan Federation: other COs, Regional Offices, National Offices and IH as requested by the project demands.

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 our 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, helping people work well together, to reflect and continuously improve the efficiency and quality of what we do.
• Collaborate with 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.

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 Child and Youth Safeguarding and Protection, 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

Knowledge

• At least 5 years of demonstrated experience in managing Early Childhood Development programs in Development and Emergency contexts
• Degree in an interdisciplinary area such as Early Childhood Development, Primary Education, Child Development and Children’s Ministry, Education Management, Development Studies or equivalent. Possession of Master’s Degree will be an added advantage.
• Experience working with government and CSOs implementing Early Childhood Development Programs
• Conversant with current policy environment and developments in Early Childhood Development programming.
• Strong understanding of gender responsive Parenting programming and meaningful child participation in programs.
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with other partners in consortium or Community of Practice arrangements.
• Strong financial and budget management of projects with multiple donors
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in person and with remote teams
• Conversant with national and decentralized education service delivery systems, structures, operations, and networks
• Knowledge of effective participatory Monitoring, Evaluation and Research systems and processes
• Ability to work independently and as a team player who demonstrates leadership
• Experienced in engaging with the donors and developing donor reports for grants

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.

Behaviors

• Open to feedback and willing to try new approaches for programme communications
• Understands Plan’s needs and behaves strategically
• Ability to work with minimum supervision
• Demonstrate behaviors that embrace Child-centeredness, Community participation and partnership
• Promotes creativity, innovation and learning
• Willing to travel throughout Uganda
• Supports learning and sharing and knowledge management

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 organization 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

• Actively promotes diversity, gender equality and inclusion, inside and outside of Plan International
• Listens with humility to others, promotes & supports participatory decision making, delegates responsibility as appropriate and develops the potential of others.
• Encourages a climate that empowers  children and young people as agents and drivers of change in their own lives
• Does not tolerate any form of bullying, harassment or discrimination in the workplace.

Physical Environment

• Office based with regular travel throughout Uganda and occasionally, international travel.

Level of contact with children

• The job incumbent will have interaction with children especially while in the field.

Location: Lira

Type of Role: 1 year fixed term Renewable

Reports to: Programme Area Manager

Grade: D1

Closing Date: 25th February 2022

Candidates who have received atleast 1 Covid 19 Vaccination jab have a higher chance of being considered

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.

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