About the job

Job Title: Project Manager- Education (Ugandan National) Contingent recruitment based on anticipated funding.

Reporting to: Deputy Program Manager- West Nile

Purpose of the position

The Project Manager is responsible for the implementation of the HOPE (Harvest Opportunities for Pupils in Emergencies) Project, in line with the full project proposal, both financial and programmatic. S/he also oversees the project activities implemented by the co-implementing partner and ensures effectiveness and efficiency in the project implementation.

The project is funded by Education Cannot Wait (ECW) and will be implemented in Imvepi Refugee Settlements in Terego and Bidibidi settlement in Yumbe District.

Responsibilities

Leadership and management

• Oversees the activities that will be conducted by the project staff and ensures accountability.
• Oversees the activities that will be conducted by the co-implementing partner and makes efforts to ensure accountability.
• Builds capacity and ensures support of co-implementing partner in line with identified needs.
• Contributes to programme and knowledge development specifically related to quality and inclusive education, gender and protection.
• S/he is a member of Program Management Team (PMT) in West Nile Programme.

Project management

• Plans, organizes and manages the implementation of activities as described in the project proposal and in line with ZOA’s strategy and the country strategic annual plan.
• Develops and implements the procurement plan and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEAL) plans.
• Provides technical support and ensures effective support to implementation of the project engaging with the PGQ department.
• Reports on the project progress through a Project Implementation Plan (PIP) on a monthly basis; and writes donor reports in line with contractual obligations.
• Manages project budget and ensures expenses are incurred in line with the approved budget.
• Contributes to ZOA’s quarterly report against Country Strategic Annual Plan (CSAP).
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), and local authorities specifically the District Education Office (DEO), ECW implementing and coordinating partners, the Lead Education partner of UNHCR and other key actors.
• Monitors performance of the local partner NGO and provides subsequent advice and guidance, including capacity-building and supports.
• Participates in and sometimes leads development of education project proposals.
• Any other duty assigned by the Programme Manager or Country Director.

Human Resource Management

• Ensure the ECW staff have weekly and monthly targets.
• Conduct weekly or monthly meeting to achieve targets.
• Conduct staff appraisal/evaluation as per ZOA’s policy.
• Provide technical support through coaching and mentorship of staff for quality implementation of ECW activities.
• Approval of expenditures and related cost allocations, on the basis of approved project and programme organizations budgets following ZOA Management Charter.
• Contribute to the recruitment of well-qualified project staff if and when necessary, reviewing the job descriptions, participating in job interviews.
• Ensures that project staff are conversant with their job description, ZOA’s internal regulations, standards, policies and donor regulations and get acquainted with their colleagues in the West Nile Programme team.
• Ensures staff capacity-building and adherence to ZOA’s integrity framework.
• Ensures effective leave management within the project team, in liaison with the Field Administrator.

Procurement and finance

• Initiate timely purchase requisition of project goods/services.
• Ensure expenses are in line with approved budget.
• Provide appropriate codes for expenses.

Requirements

Knowledge & Experience:

• Degree in Education, Development Studies, or another relevant field.
• At least 5 years successful project cycle management experience in a similar position implementing education projects ideally involving access to education, quality education, protection, gender, and disability inclusion.
• Education in Emergencies experience / experience implementing education projects in refugee settlements is an added advantage.
• Experience in WASH in school activities, including Menstrual Hygiene/Health Management is an added advantage.
• Having led a project in partnership with a local NGO is an added advantage.
• Excellent spoken and written command of English.
• Language skills in relevant local languages of refugees and West Nile host communities is an added advantage.

Skills:

• Outstanding communication, writing and facilitation skills.
• Innovative, creative and enthusiastic.
• Participative leadership.
• Provides regular feedback, acknowledges success and the need for improvement.
• Coaches, challenges and provides opportunities for growth.
• Self-motivator, able to work with limited supervision.
• Good computer skills: Ms Excel and Ms Word.
• Ability to work in an innovative environment where plans are developed fast and being open for change.
• Ability to drive a motorcycle with valid driving/riding license is a MUST.

Attitude/behaviour:

• High level of personal integrity.
• Flexibility and adaptability.
• Interpersonal and cross-cultural sensitivity.
• Able to work under pressures and meet deadlines.
• Able to work in a sometimes fluid and innovative environment.
• Commitment to ZOA’s mission, vision and values

Salary and other terms of employment

The Project Manager will be based at the ZOA office in Arua. Regular field visits to the project locations/other districts in the region are anticipated, which may necessitate overnight stays. Visits to other ZOA programme locations may also be requested for coordination, training and learning.

The role is 1.0 FTE (40 hrs/ week). Working hours are outlined in the ZOA Uganda Employee handbook. Some flexibility on working hours may be required, e.g., for travel at weekends, or during reporting times.

The role is recruited at Grade M1 in the ZOA Uganda 2023 salary scale.