NATURE AND SCOPE
The Project Director (PD) oversees the strategic and operational implementation of the ACT project in Kenya and Malawi. The Project Director manages relationships with key stakeholders, including with national and local Governments, project partners, local partners, the private sector and the funder.
The Project Director for ACT will report to the Director of Program Management and Operations and work closely with the Kenya Deputy Director and Malawi Country Director. The Project Director will be responsible for the following:
Partner Relations and Communications
Establish and maintain effective relationships between key project partners, including those based in Kenya and Malawi
Develop robust relationships with project stakeholders, including relevant governments, financial institutions, investors, consultants and civil society organizations
Organize and manage governance structures / committees
Represent WUSC among stakeholders, ensuring that the ACT project can provide value to local actors and make a positive impact within the entrepreneurial ecosystem
Technical Direction & Project Management
Provide technical and managerial direction and guidance to the initiative, in line with the project’s expected outcomes
Develop key project planning deliverables (i.e. Initiative Inception Plan, Annual Work Plan) using results based management approaches and tools;
Develop specific strategies for cross-cutting themes (capacity building, gender equality, private sector engagement, environmental sustainability) for the initiative
Ensure focus on gender equality outcomes and deliverables
Maintain open and effective communication amongst strategic partners and project team members in Canada and Kenya and Malawi
Oversee day-to-day coordination and delivery of project activities in conjunction with staff, technical advisors, volunteers and partners
Monitoring & Evaluation
Establish and oversee a results monitoring system for the project
Stay apprised of developments in key markets of interest to the project and develop systems for monitoring changes and adaptations in these markets over time
Regularly monitor progress towards results, ensuring appropriate course correction and iterative management
Work with team members to produce regular reports to key stakeholders, including the donor agency
Maintain regular communication with WUSC colleagues in Canada and with key overseas partners to ensure appropriate support
Human Resources Management
Manage the project teams in Kenya and Malawi
Supervise, guide and evaluate the work of project staff and consultants
Oversee human resources management issues such as employment policies and practices, in line with local law
Work with colleagues and partners to ensure the effective mobilization, orientation and coaching of volunteers and technical advisors
Financial & Office Management
Establish and oversee a financial management system for the project
Ensure that the project complies with relevant local taxation, banking controls, and labour laws
In conjunction with the finance team, develop and monitor the project budget and ensure regular reporting to the donor
Recruit, maintain and direct the required administrative and project infrastructure of staff, field offices and equipment as well as making decisions on administrative policy, planning and procedural matters
Risk Management & Security Preparedness
Actively assess the risk profile of the initiative; identify specific risks and appropriate mitigation strategies
Ensure the application and relevancy of WUSC security policies, procedures and preparedness to the operational context of the project
Donor Liaison & Coordination
Establish a strong working relationship with the Donor, including planning, capacity building and information sharing
Convene Project Steering and Advisory Committees at regular intervals
Coordinate regularly with other development actors to ensure harmonization and synergy with similar initiatives
Represent the Project in official communication and fora
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
A university degree in international development, business administration, finance or other relevant area
Specialized training in entrepreneurship support, financial inclusion, gender and/or the care economy would be an advantage
Experience and Competencies
A minimum of ten years of progressively more responsible assignments related to management of development initiatives
Knowledge and experience in entrepreneurship ecosystem support, gender lens investment and financial inclusion
Proven experience engaging the private sector in development programming
Demonstrated capacity to work in cross-sectoral collaboration; able to work independently and collaboratively in multicultural teams
Experience managing technical advisors considered an asset
Experience working with international development donor agencies
Knowledge of Results Based Management (RBM) and environmental and gender policies and reporting requirements
Proven technical, financial, administrative and organizational skills
Knowledge of donor financial and narrative reporting procedures and requirements
Proven experience managing a large, multi-disciplinary and international team of staff
Diplomatic skills and the knowledge of cross-cultural, interpersonal communication
Proven experience of adaptability to a challenging and constantly changing environment requiring iterative planning on a regular basis
Proven knowledge of and commitment to the concepts of Gender Equality
Experience in capacity building with local partner organizations and a commitment to a participatory partnership approach to development
Share in WUSC’s commitment and approach to advance gender equality and social inclusion for all young people
Ability to contribute to WUSC’s organizational culture that respects differences, including sex, age, ability, refugee or migration status, race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, and other identity factors
Flexibility, ability to work with multiple time zone and frequent domestic and international travels (especially to Malawi)
Language Proficiency
Strong verbal and written communication skills in English
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