PROJECT MANAGER-BE SMART PROJECT 241 views0 applications

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.

Job Description

Position	Project Manager-Be Smart-Learn and Stay Protected Project	Grade		D1
Department & Location	Programmes,- Volta Program Unit	Date		04/2021
Reports to position	Programmes support manager
Purpose: How does this post support Plan’s strategy and mission?	Plan International is an independent non-profit organization that advances children’s well-being and equality for girls. Working in building powerful partnerships for children for over 80 years and present in 70 countries, Plan International strives for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children while working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners. Plan International Ghana is looking for a Project Manager to lead, coordinate and manage project titled Be Smart-Learn and Stay Protected. The project is funded by Beiersdorf AG. This project will be implemented in the Oti And Eastern Regions of Ghana and has a strategic fit with Plan International Ghana’s CS which recognizes gender-responsive and inclusive quality basic education as a major strategy to improve knowledge and resources of adolescent girls to learn from Child protection and SBV. The project has a duration of two years (2021-2023) and a budget of € 749,909.

 

 

Dimensions of Role:

Financial measures or statistics relevant to post such as budget; list of direct and indirect reports

The Project Manager will be responsible for coordinating project activities of two regions. That is, the Eastern and Oti Regions. He/she will also be responsible for bringing on board and working with other specialist and protection agencies, (E.g. DOVVSU). Child protection and safeguarding principles of collaboration, participation, transparency, and respect for the agencies women and children’s rights will be integrated into all aspects of this role. The post-holder will be based in Jasikan but travel to the project locations across the country approximately 70% of his/her time.

Typical Responsibilities – Key End Results of Position:

“What” is done and “why”, but not “how”; include indicators for success

 “BE SMART” Strategy and management

• Facilitate the work planning and management of the Be Smart Project in the Oti and Eastern Regions.
• Ensure that project results are achieved and reported on through the project’s Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) system.
• Ensure that the Be Smart project delivers high quality programming that is compliant with best practice as outlined in the Be Smart project proposal, Plan Country Strategic Plan and relevant Ghana Government guidelines and policies.
• Manage the partnership and relationship with relevant stakeholders in project planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting for effective linkages.
• Actively engage with stakeholders and government agencies involved in Be Smart promotion and formal protection agencies in Ghana in order to promote collaborative planning toward long term sustainable solutions.
• Support in engaging local partners for Social Mobilization, group formation and training, business skills training and financial literacy education under the Be Smart project.
• Facilitate and organize review meetings with the regional and national offices with stakeholders in collaboration with other relevant organisations.
• Liaise with other Technical Specialists and other project staff to ensure effective integration of Plan programmes.
• Ensure Gender is mainstreamed in all Be Smart related activities and maintain gender sensitivity towards staff and Plan associates to avoid gender discrimination.
• Ensure Safeguarding and Child Protection is mainstreamed in all Be Smart related activities.
• Manage the financial, logistical and reporting aspects of Be Smart partnership assuring compliance with Plan and donor reporting requirements.
• Actively participate in all network meetings (both local and international) to learn and share best practices for management decision making.

 

Partnership and Networking

• Establish and maintain productive collaborative relationships primarily with the relevant agencies and stakeholders.
• Organize and lead technical and coordination meetings between all stakeholders.
• Keep supervisors and Other Project staff informed of any relevant anticipated changes/developments.

 

 

Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

• In collaboration with the Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator, ensure ongoing monitoring and timely reporting of the project against project goals and planned results.
• In conjunction with the relevant persons, prepare Terms of Reference (TOR) for baseline and evaluation of the project and organise evaluations and learning reviews with consultants hired for the purpose.
• Compile, analyse, and disseminate, on a regular basis, reports to Country Management Team on the Be Smart project.
• Prepare and submit quality and timely periodic donor required report to the Household Economic Security Specialist.
• Work closely with the finance and grant departments to review and assess monthly accruals and disbursements to ensure compliance with donor guidelines.
• Monitor and update the project risk register regularly and manage them.

Others:

• Manage the performance of direct reports.
• Perform any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

Indicators of success:

• Effective working partnership exists with the agency partners and other stakeholders.
• Timely delivery of quality project activities.
• Quality and timely periodic reporting (financial and narrative).
• Quality documentation of best practices on the Be Smart learning themes.
• Documentation of best practices Be Smart activities.
• An effective monitoring system to track performance of local partners.

Dealing with Problems:

Complexity of problems handled & the degree of investigation, analysis, & creative thinking required to solve them

• Experience with in depth analysis of current issues on GBV and providing innovative solutions.
• Demonstrated skills in dealing with the complexity of working with international and local NGO partners.
• Demonstrated ability to deal with comprehensive and demanding requirements of the donor.
• Effective decision-making regarding the most appropriate, effective and efficient approaches to ensure quality financial management, ensuring maximum alignment with donor requirements.
• Works with minimum supervision
• Analyse issues for decision making to strengthen and support delivery of Be Smart programs that meets organizational requirements and refer to a higher manager for approval.
• Ability to develop and implement strategies to minimize project risks.

 

 

 

Communications and Working Relationships:

Working contacts inside and outside the organization; include the purpose and level (high, medium, low) of the contact.

Internal:

• Country Office (COs) and Project Areas: The position will collaborate with Programmes and Business Development and project staff including the Project Manager, technical experts, M&E and finance staff at CO. (high level).
• There is a medium contact with community members, children and other stakeholders to develop and implement project activities ( Medium)

External:

• Plan International Ghana, National Office
• Maintains high contact with Partner staff working on the Be Smart project activities in Volta, Eastern and Greater Accra (high level)

Knowledge, Skills, Behaviours, and Experience Required to Achieve Role’s Objectives: Gained through education, training, & experience.

Knowledge and Experience:

 

• University degree in public health and at least 5years experience in a health and protection related field.
• Strong understanding and proven application of project cycle management.
• A proven passion for innovation and a commitment to protection focused programming as well as familiarity with current trends on SGBV.
• Fluency in English
• A successful track record in supervising, designing, coordinating, managing and implementing donor-funded projects.
• Proven commitment to mainstream gender and equality issues.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal and the ability to use different communication media effectively, including email, telephone, SKYPE, and written correspondence.
• Experience in designing integrated participatory strategies, community mobilization and capacity development.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to listen, coach, mobilize others and develop effective relationships with internal and external colleagues, partners, volunteers and youth participation.
• Ability to work well and respectfully as part of a diverse team, and in cross-cultural contexts.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities, finding innovative solutions to difficult and complex challenges.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, work with deadlines and attend to projects and work processes.
• Energetic and collaborative spirit, with the ability to work independently and take initiative, and a willingness to develop new skills on the job.
• Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail and willingness and ability to travel locally.
• Experience conducting research and evaluation of programs.
• At least 5years, experience working in an international organization similar to Plan International.
• Strong knowledge of the Rights of the Child and Safeguarding issues.

Skills:

• Strong knowledge in girls rights and protection related issues
• Strong negotiating, facilitating and influencing skills.
• Excellent coordination and representation skills
• Strong analytical and presentation skills.
• Good communication skills.
• Excellent report writing skills
• Strong team-building and motivational skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft applications and use of relevant software and other applications,

E.g. word processing, spreadsheet, database, internet.

Behaviours:

• Promotes learning to influence high performance by Be Smart staff and collaborators.
• A process-oriented working style, with the ability to be flexible and adaptable.
• Ability to work independently and as a team player who demonstrates leadership qualities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Creates a strong sense of purpose within the portfolio and with stakeholders.
• Holds self and others to account to deliver on agreed goals and standards of behaviour.
• Sound judgment and decision-making in complex situations.
• Commitment to working transparently and with integrity
• Teamwork player.
• Works well under pressure.
• Builds solid network

 

 

Physical Environment and Demands:

 

May be “typical office environment”; note if heavy lifting, climbing, excess travel, etc. Travel requirements

This position entails 70% travelling to the field to supervise, coordinate staff and partners in the project locations.

Level of Contact with Children:

 

Mid contact: the job responsibilities of this position require occasional contact with children and it is expected that children shall be protected at all times.

 

 

 

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 maximise 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.

Location: Volta PU

Type of Role: Project Management

Reports to: Interim PSM Operations

Grade: D1

Closing Date: 23rd April 2021

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.

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.