Project Manager

Job Summary:

Duties include developing, coordinating and managing project activities and timelines in accordance with DIL’s strategic plan; implementing project protocols, identifying, partnering and working with different primary education establishments for students’ learning activities; developing and managing project budgets; writing project progress reports and any other documents associated with the project.

The project manager should be familiar with the rural area primary education system and issues; have experience launching new initiatives; be comfortable with technology and communication tools; be flexible in adapting approaches to local conditions; and be able to articulate project objectives and motivate the project team. This position supervises project staff and collaborates with other DIL departments and project stakeholders. This position reports to the Sr. Regional Program Manager and Program Manager

Key responsibilities and accountabilities:

•             Develops, implements and manages project planning processes, work plans and activity schedules to meet objectives.

•             Coordinates internal and external resources to ensure optimal management and utilization of human, physical and financial resources allocated to the project.

•             Guides and collaborates with project staff, providing support as appropriate.

•             Leads the team to prioritize project activities based on developed project plan, analysis of strategic importance, tasks outstanding, obstacles or barriers, budgets, resources and deadlines.

•             Develop and implement training or professional development strategies and activities for project team.

•             Establishes and maintains a usable and well-communicated schedule for all phases of the project.

•             Works with the line manager to ensure changes are understood and approved.

•             Creates and participates in the creation of project documentation.

•             Explains implications of changes to project scope and/or objectives to the stakeholders and to the project team.

•             Work as a team member to ensure efficient and effective operations of DIL.

•             Manages and ensures effective utilization of DIL virtual training hubs.

•             Tracks and reports quarterly on project progress, budget burn, challenges and other key project metrics.

•             Prepares, reviews and edits project data and documents. Ensures that they are complete, current and stored appropriately.

•             Discusses project quality, stakeholders’ satisfaction, and project success metrics during regularly scheduled and ad hoc project review meetings with the project stakeholders and DIL senior management.

•             Monitors progress of project activities to ensure objectives, milestones and performance indicators are met.

•             Obtains, analyzes, interprets and reports data findings in graphical, tabular and/or written forms.

•             Directs and coordinates the development of strategies and tools to evaluate the quality, standards and effectiveness of project outcomes.

•             Assists with project evaluations and assessment of results.

•             Strengthens existing partnerships and explores possibilities of new joint ventures and collective activities with other organizations working in education

Education, qualification, skills and experience:

Education:

•             Minimum of bachelor’s degree in education, computer science, psychology, sociology, development studies or related field. Master’s or higher degree in similar disciplines is preferred.

•             Certificate in Project Management

Experience:

Three to five years of progressive experience in project planning, implementation and management, supervision of project staff, and collaboration with organizational partners required.

Experience of DFID project management preferred.

Communication Skills:

Excellent interpersonal, presentation and verbal/written communication skills.

Organizational and Other Skills:

Excellent time, project management and related organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to prioritize work effectively and adjust to multiple and competing demands. Experience in creating realistic project and production timelines where appropriate and necessary.  Good knowledge of budgets and budget management.

General:

Highly motivated and versatile, with the ability to work independently, take initiative, exercise discretion, maintain confidentiality, demonstrate sound judgment, participate as an effective team member, demonstrate cooperative behavior with co-workers and supervisors at all times, and follow through assigned tasks to completion. Ability to multi-task and work in cross-functional, multicultural settings with all levels of an organization and with diverse external partners.