General Project Manager

Solidaridad is a global civil society organization (CSO) that provides market-driven solutions for sustainable production practices across different supply chains. We envision a world in which all we produce, and all we consume, can sustain us while respecting the planet, each other, and the next generations. Our mission is to bring together supply chain players and engage them with innovative solutions to improve production, ensuring the transition to a sustainable and inclusive economy that maximizes the benefit for all stakeholders. 

Position Overview

The Project Manager reports to the Country Manager or the Head of Programmes. The Project Manager coordinates people, and processes to ensure that the assigned project is delivered on time and produces the desired results within the scope and allocated resource envelope. S/he will also be expected to work closely with the national and regional programming team, as well as the regional innovation team.

The main objective of the function

The Project Manager works directly on a specific project by offering project management and direction for the realization/achievement of project objectives and results. In addition to the specific project, the Project Manager gives strategic guidance for new and existing projects/program plans and directs project activities in line with available resources, organizational objectives, and donor requirements for other projects in Solidaridad Ethiopia.

• Responsible for overall operational leadership, management, and compliance of new/existing agricultural, food security, and industry (leather and textile) projects.

• Provides overall support and coordination for all Solidaridad Ethiopia Projects including but not limited to leading the concept proposals developments, planning, design development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the country project. 

• Ensuring that the quality of projects’ implementation, donor reporting, and field-level management of projects are at the highest standards and meet the needs of all stakeholders.

• Supports the Country Manager's pursuit of high-level operational, strategic, and business development, networking, partnership development, and management. 

• The Project Manager shall direct the process of developing and growing Solidaridad's country portfolio with close support and direction  from the  Country Manager,

Organizational position

The Project Manager reports to the Head of Programmes at the regional level and the Country Manager at the country level. The Project Manager works closely with the innovation advisers, Project Managers, Project Officers, Project Associates, and the Quality Function team.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Organizing programs/project activities per the mission and Goals of the organization.

• Developing new programmes/projects to support the strategic direction of the organization.

• Provide continued support for project teams, field resources, and budgets and ensure these are used in compliance with the approved plans, Guidelines, and ECA strategies for the country.

• Support all project teams to develop annual budgets and work plans consistent with project documents and donor contracts.

• Support teams in undertaking the necessary reviewing and updating of the work plans and budgets to respond to emerging field implementation challenges and project review processes.

• Support for the review of the Solidaridad Ethiopia Country project progresses monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.

• Support the PMEL team in the execution of their mandate. 

• Organize project Monitoring, review, and other workshops for successful engagement of stakeholders and incorporate feedback for further project improvements.

• Undertake monthly, quarterly etc. budget monitoring and variance analysis with all Project Managers and support the projects in reviewing and tracking spending to adhere to various plans and donor agreements.

• Support Project Managers/project leads to plan and undertake corrective management actions arising out of project operations, review meetings, and budget monitoring reports.

• In consultation with the Country Manager lead on the development, implementation, and update of the Solidaridad Ethiopia BD-related issues.

• Lead the resource mobilization with existing and new International Financial Institutions, multi-partner funds, private sector, etc.

• Lead on the design and implementation of effective advocacy strategies and methods for strategic targeting of existing and prospective donor partners, in collaboration will Participate and engage in networking to establish connections, leading to the development, mobilization, prioritization, and management of partnerships to mobilize resources

• In consultation with the Regional Business Development Manager Lead in program design and proposal development at the Country Level

• Prepare and Review regular monthly, quarterly, and semi-annual reports from the project manager, project officers, and other relevant staff and support the team to comply with requirements of quality reporting and timeliness.

• Periodically Review donor reports from the project  team to ensure they comply with requirements in terms of quality and timelines 

• Compile monthly, quarterly, etc. Country project/Program Reports to provide oversight of the Country project implementation for donors, government, and other relevant stakeholders in timely and quality manner

• Compile the Solidaridad Ethiopia Annual Report for the government (BoFEC, ACSO, etc.), donors, stakeholders, and consortium members.

• In collaboration with the communication team Support country projects in developing and documenting lessons learned, experiences, and dissemination of the same to inform future project development.

• Capacitating and taking a lead role in conducting case studies, and development of significant change stories and assessments for internal and external communications and visibility purposes

• Other additional individual and team-level assignments from the country and the region.

Duration: 1 Year with the possibility of extension based on performance and fund availability 
Reporting line: Country Manager

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Key Qualifications

• Relevant academic education, Master or higher in Rural Development, Project Planning and Management, Development Studies, Project Management, Strategic Management, Agriculture, Agribusiness (dairy, cotton, coffee, etc.), industry (textile and leathers), Climate change and Environment, or any other relevant qualifications 

• 12-year years of relevant experience in Program management, business development, and different community development work with a minimum of 5 years of supervisory/managerial experience.

• Thorough understanding of programming processes, systems, and principles, and the ability to provide leadership and support to staff working at the head office and community level. 

• Proven capacity in project management cycle, business development, and value chain.

• Understanding of market systems development in the Leather, Agriculture sector (Dairy, Vegetable, fruits, Coffee, and other cereals) cotton and, textile and cotton, green jobs and other commodities value chains, etc.

• Demonstrated knowledge on resource management, strategic planning processes, BD, and fundraising

• Capable of working in a dynamic, inter-cultural and multi-stakeholder setting.

• Able to travel extensively within Eastern and Central Africa and occasional international travel.

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to produce professional reports in the English language.

• Experience setting up new projects and programs

• Knowledge of strategic, human resource, financial, and quality management.

Specific job requirements

• Leadership skills in motivating teams, resolving conflicts, and decision-making.

• Excellent client-facing and internal communication skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Solid organizational skills including attention to detail and multitasking skills.

• Time management and prioritization.

•  Skilled in developing, and tracking budgets and ensuring prudent use of project resources.

• Analytical skills in problem-solving, data analysis, and decision-making.

•  Proficient in project management.

• Ability to coordinate, inspire, and motivate a great team.

• Action-oriented strategic thinker.

• Effective communicator with strong relationship-building skills and abilities.

• Capacity to understand and embrace new technology and strategic ideas.

•  Passion to empower teams through capacity development.

•  Integrity and objectivity.

How To Apply

To apply: Send a one-page cover letter (including salary expectations and availability) and CV through the career site.

Link: Solidaridad ECA Career Site

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Apply by 10th August 2024.