Job description: Programme Manager

Supervision: The Programme Manager (PM) reports to the Programme Director. He/she will support supervision of two field extension officers and acts as the focal point for an integrated agriculture, food and nutrition security project.

He/she works in collaboration with the administrative authorities in Gisagara and Nyaruguru Districts where the project will be based.

Context

The PM will be based in Concern’s Huye office and play a crucial role in developing, planning, implementing, and monitoring initiatives that aim to improve food access, production, and nutrition, with a particular focus on vulnerable communities and small-scale farmers. The PM is responsible for ensuring that activities are implemented and managed in accordance with the established timetable, and that objectives are achieved on time through: i) the implementation of the project, ii) close coordination with the local implementing partner iii) the management of human resources, iv) the involvement of project staff, beneficiary communities and other stakeholders in the planning, monitoring and implementation of the project in accordance with Concern’s and the donor’s organisational policies and procedures as well as the commitments of the Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS).

Responsibilities 

Team management and coordination

• Act as project leader and focal point on the project,
• Supervise and coordinate the field extension officers in Gisagara and Nyaruguru,
• Coordinate and supervise the teams in the field,
• Coordinate the activities of the field extension officers in an efficient, regular and documented manner,
• Establish regular performance plans and reviews based on clear and achievable objectives discussed and validated with team members,
• Support each field extension officer in developing and implementing their individual work plan,
• Prepare the annual and monthly work plan, in collaboration with the project team members,
• Regularly analyse staff capacity and identify capacity-building needs, both practical (e.g. planning, reporting) and technical (e.g. approaches to be used in the field),
• Provide interim support in the event of the absence of field extension officers,
• Coordinate closely with the Concern and partner teams implementing a similar project in Gisagara and Nyaruguru
  
  
  

Project management and reporting

• Assess new needs/changes in context and adjust the project accordingly, in collaboration with the partner field officer, programme management, staff from Concern and its partner implementing a similar project in Gisagara and Nyaruguru and technical teams in Rwanda, Burundi and HQ,
• To ensure regular monitoring – in collaboration with the partner field officer and MEAL manager – of relevant aspects of the programme, including those relating to support (Finance and Systems),
• Ensure that the targeting of beneficiaries corresponds to the defined criteria, that all project stakeholders are made aware of the organisation’s gender and accountability policies and that the complaints and response system (CRM) is implemented and respected,
• To ensure that the budget is properly managed in line with the work plan and to produce expenditure plans,
• To harmonise and synchronise the monthly planning of activities with the logical framework (toolkit), the monitoring and evaluation plan, the review and reporting calendar, the procurement plan and the leave plan,
• Facilitate and maximise opportunities for synergy and complementarity with the Concern and partner teams implementing a similar project in Gisagara and Nyaruguru, the Integrated Programmes Adviser, Programme Quality and Development Coordinator, technical advisers and project managers from other projects,
• Identify and/or monitor opportunities to increase networks and professional relationships with NGOs, actors and other stakeholders in civil society development, including the administration, at provincial and communal levels,
• Regularly monitor and analyse the planning, preparation and rate of expenditure and coordinate efforts with relevant support colleagues,
• Produce high-quality monthly and annual reports on time, as well as any other reports, documents or information relating to the project requested.
  
  
  

Monitoring and evaluation

• Ensure that planning and monitoring and evaluation are carried out in compliance with the commitments of the Fundamental Humanitarian Standards (CHS) and in accordance with the donor’s rules,
• Working with the MEAL officer and Quality and Programme Development team to design and implement an effective monitoring and evaluation system that analyses the project’s progress in relation to the objectives to be achieved and the expected impact,
• Monitor and analyse the project’s progress and propose, discuss and validate solutions to the challenges encountered.
  
  
  

Representation

• Represent Concern in working groups and meetings with relevant partners and stakeholders at sector, district and at national level where relevant.
• Defend the interests of Concern and the programme in particular.

Accountability

In line with Concern’s commitment under the Core Humanitarian Standard of Quality and Accountability (CHS):

• Actively promote meaningful community participation and consultation at all stages of the project cycle (planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation),
• Work with colleagues to ensure that our Complaints and Response Mechanism (CRM) is functional and accessible, and that feedback and complaints are welcomed and addressed,
• Work with colleagues to ensure that information about the CRM, Safeguarding and the expected behaviour of Concern staff is disseminated to programme participants and communities.
  
  
  

Other

• Carry out any other duties as requested by line management.

Skills and experience

Essential

• University degree, preferably in agriculture, health and nutrition, social sciences, community development or environmental sciences,
• Be of Rwandan nationality or have a permit to work in Rwanda,
• Demonstrate strong team management and coordination skills,
• Experience in implementing and managing complex projects across several thematic areas,
• Knowledge of project cycle management and budget management,
• Be fluent in English and have very strong writing skills,
• Knowledge of project proposal development,
• Experience of participatory approaches,
• Computer skills: Excel, Word and PowerPoint,
• Leadership and human resources management skills,
• Ability to prioritise and work under pressure,
• Strong solution-oriented communication skills,
• Good communication skills and team spirit.
  
  
  

Desirable

• Have worked for Concern Worldwide,
• Master’s degree in the above-mentioned fields,
• Have a good capacity for training adults,
• Have a good ability to coach adults,

Special skills, aptitudes or personality traits required

• Be proactive, a good communicator, good at networking, self-confident,
• Good communication and interpersonal skills,
• Be flexible and willing to adapt to a fluid/changing situation,
• Ability to take initiative and work independently,
• Confidentiality and ability to manage stress in the workplace.

If you have the qualifications, experience and skills we are looking for; please forward your application letter and updated CV/Resume by email to:dermot.hegarty@concern.net

JOB VACANCY- PROJECT MANAGER

1. JOB OVERVIEW

Job Title Project Manager

Reports to Rwanda Country Director

Direct reports No Direct reports to

Job location Kigali-Rwanda

Annual Salary Competitive. Local terms and conditions will apply

Job type National position, Full time

Contract Duration 3 Years

Travel Regular travel to fields of operations

Hope and Homes for Children (HHC) is an international organization recognized globally for its expertise in the field of Deinstitutionalization by placing children including children with disabilities from institutions/ orphanages into families, and family-based alternative care and supporting children to remain with their loving, caring, stable families, and working with governments to tackle the root causes of family breakdown/family separation.

We believe in a world where children will no longer suffer from institutional care.
In Rwanda, HHC has been working for over 20 years to transition children and young adults from institutions/orphanages to families and strengthen families and communities to take care of children.

From 2018, in partnership with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) and the National Child Development Agency (NCD), HHC Rwanda started to implement the disability-Inclusive child care reform to ensure children with disabilities are not left behind into institutions rather they are supported to fully enjoy family life like their peers and achieve family/community inclusiveness. HHC Rwanda is supporting children with disabilities to transition from orphanages to family-based care and supports their families to become more resilient.

Building from previous achievements and experience of working with persons with disabilities from each individual partner, HHC together with Ubumwe Community Center (UCC) located in Rubavu Disctrict and Wikwiheba Mwana (WM) in Gatsibo District will implement a joint three year project called “Transforming disability-inclusive child protection and care for vulnerable and marginalised children and youth in Rwanda” subject to funding approval from European Commission in Rwanda in 3 Districts Rubavu, Musanze and Gatsibo. In order to achieve this, HHC Rwanda is recruiting a dynamic and experienced project manager to lead the implementation of this project.

2. JOB PURPOSE

The Project Manager will be responsible for the overall management of the European Commission (EC) funded Project which includes: Efficient management of project resources; review and approve project plans, budgeting and monitoring expenditures; partnership relationship management; supervision of field operations, supervision of monitoring, evaluation and reporting; and ensuring quality control, compliance with all EC grant conditions and timeliness of all deliverables as required.

The post holder will be responsible for the successful implementation of the project and ensure that project staff and partners have the knowledge and expertise needed to achieve high-quality, high-impact project outputs and outcomes. This will involve working closely with the HHC team and project partners’ staff in a mentoring role, providing constructive feedback and capacity building support aimed at strengthening our integrated approach of supporting children and young adults with disabilities.
The post holder will ensure full compliance with the donor contract and regulations and will oversee the project timely reporting process to the donor (monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual reports; evaluation report and end of project report) on the progress of the project and its financial status.

The post holder will also have knowledge and experience of program design and management including responsibility for budget monitoring, project reporting, staff support and evaluation, donor relations and civil society partnerships. In addition, strong experience in managing EC funded projects is essential to the role.

3. KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Project Management and implementation (60%)

• Provide overall leadership and responsible for quality, performance and coordination of the project implementation.
• Manage all aspects of project delivery, including planning, team management, budgeting, contract management, partner relationships and coordination.
• Collaborate with the appointed project staff team from UCC, WM and HHC Headquarters and Rwanda staff (Deputy Country Director, Director of Finance and Administration, Musanze
• District Project Coordinator, Musanze District Project Officer and MERL manager) to develop project annual, semi-annual, quarterly and monthly work plans and related budgets.
• Coordinate the delivery of project activities across 3 Districts (Musanze, Rubavu and Gatsibo) according to the agreed plan with the donor.
• Ensure that project activities progress in accordance with the grant agreement, project work plans and in line with approved budget.
• Conduct regular project team meetings to enhance information sharing among staff involved in project delivery and effectiveness of operations.
• With support from HHC team, ensure that project partners have the capacity to implement the project and lead on capacity building of staff through coaching, mentoring and training.
• In collaboration with the finance teams, review and analyse budget comparison reports and take necessary steps to ensure proper management and utilization of budgets.
• Ensure sound donor-compliant financial management systems and tools are in place for the project.
• Ensure the implementation of any audit, or due diligence recommendations relating to the project.
• Ensure financial accountability of the project is rigorous and that appropriate finance requests are made to the donor.
• Oversee timely expenditure of project budget, avoiding both underspending and overspending on grant line items.
• Identify key project challenges and recommend changes to the project plan and budget where necessary and seek donor approval.
• Conduct and carry out preliminary review of internal audit reports and facilitate the preparation of external auditor’s reports.
  
  
  

B. Monitoring, Learning and Reporting (25%)

• Coordinate the overarching contractual MEL elements of the project and manage the MEL budget (programmatic MEL and program quality, inception workshop, annual partner meetings, external final evaluation etc.)
• Work with the MERL team to develop tools and ideas to ensure that the project is monitored against measurable and appropriate indicators.
• Make necessary visits to project sites to monitor and oversee project implementation and provide technical and managerial guidance/support by identifying issues that need timely action and support at different levels.
• Ensure production of timely, accurate, and high quality project reports and other relevant project documentations, in line with the donor and HHC requirements.
• Work with the project staff team, partners, and MERL staff to build a culture of learning, with regular (minimum quarterly) review meetings to assess anticipated/ unanticipated outcomes, capture learning, and modify projects accordingly.
• Ensure that all risks to the project are identified, managed and monitored appropriately, and mitigation plans are developed to address new risks or emerging developments.
• Ensure Project case studies, success stories and lessons learned are documented and disseminated on a regular basis.
  
  
  

C. Internal and external communications (15%)

• Manage the communications strategy for the project (including donor visibility compliance), including liaising with HHC and partner communications teams to coordinate key external messaging and communications about the project at key moments.
• Represent HHC and the project at District and community levels.
• Maintain good working relationships with government officials and other local partners.
• Lead on all coordination with the EC Delegation on the donor contract and accompany all donor visits.
• Responsible for capturing and sharing the advocacy and learning outcomes from the project with the wider organization and externally.
• Ensure effective communication with project team staff from implementing partners.
• Work closely with the advocacy/communications/fundraising team from UCC, WM and HHC HQ and Rwanda office to ensure that all communications materials for the project are accurate, of high quality, and in line with the donor requirements.
  
  
  

4. PERSON PROFILE

• Qualifications, experience and skills
• Bachelor degree in Social Sciences or other related fields with plus three (3) years’ working experience in the Development Sector.
• Experience of Social Protection and implementing disability inclusive projects in Rwanda would be of added value.
• Extensive experience in project cycle and grant/contract management, with knowledge of institutional donor compliance requirements.
• Extensive experience working with institutional donors and multilateral agencies or with philanthropy, particularly on proposal development and report writing. Strong experience with EC funded projects is an added value.
• Strong experience in project management, monitoring, evaluation, learning and accountability – including budget holding responsibilities.
• Strong understanding of Child Rights situation and disability rights in Rwanda.
• Excellent planning, organizational, and time management skills, able to work well under pressure both proactively and prioritize a challenging workload.
• A high degree of flexibility and adaptability to respond to changing needs and effectively address issues.
• Proven experience in managing relationships with partner organizations and supporting the strengthening of their capacity.
• Excellent leadership, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Fluent in English and Kinyarwanda with exceptional report writing skills in English.
• Demonstrable computing skills (word processing, Excel spreadsheets, presentations).
  
  
  

Child safeguarding

Hope and Homes for Children believes that it is always unacceptable for a child to experience abuse of any kind and recognizes its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all young people with whom it works by protecting them from abuse; the post holder must adhere to HHC child safeguarding policy and code of conduct.

Equal opportunity Employer

Hope and Homes for Children is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity and inclusion. Any kind of discrimination and harassment based on gender, race, color, religion, disability or any other characteristic is prohibited.

We encourage women and persons with disabilities to apply.

HOW TO APPLY

If you have the qualifications, experience and skills we are looking for; please forward your application letter (1 page) and updated CV/Resume (3 pages max) in PDF format by email to: info@hhcrwanda.org with a copy to enduwimana@hhcrwanda.org clearly indicating the subject: EC Project Manager. The application deadline is on 18^th August 2023 at 05: 00 PM Kigali time.

Done at Kigali, 03rd August 2023

HABIMFURA Innocent

Country Director