Project manager - community based risk reduction

Background

Focus Humanitarian Assistance is an international group of agencies established in Europe, North America and South Asia to complement the provision of emergency relief, principally in the developing world. It helps people in need reduce their dependence on humanitarian aid as it facilitates their transition to sustainable self-reliant, long-term development. Focus Humanitarian Assistance is affiliated with the Aga Khan Development Network, a group of institutions working to improve opportunities and living conditions, for people of all faiths and origins, in specific regions of the developing world.

The position

The role of the Project Manager (PM) is to plan, execute, monitor and evaluate FOCUS' project, according to strict deadlines and within approved budget while maintaining optimum quality. This includes acquiring resources and coordinating the efforts of team members and consultants in order to deliver projects according to plan and grant agreement. The PM is also responsible for maintaining effective coordination with other partners and stakeholder and identifying opportunities for collaborative engagements and synergies. Moreover, the PM is responsible to: maintain good community relations, identify latest trends in disaster risk reduction approaches and incorporate as appropriate in the project, and provide input for FOCUS's strategic planning dialogues/processes.

Duties and responsibilities

• Creates and executes project work plans and revises as appropriate to meet changing needs and requirements
• Accomplishes project's human resource objectives by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, assigning, coaching, counseling, and disciplining employees; communicating job expectations; planning, monitoring, appraising, and reviewing job contributions; enforcing policies and procedures
• Conducts meeting with project staff to address the project issues and barriers and find appropriate solutions
• Ensures that project activities comply with the policies and regulations of FOCUS and the donor organization as well as enforce project standards
• Trouble shoots project problems. Identifies and implements creative solutions
• Works with field program coordinator and officers to ensure general activities of the programs are maintained, implemented and all project requirements are met
• Ensures project documents are complete, current, and stored appropriately
• Ensures close collaboration and coordination with cooperating partners to guarantee smooth implementation of activities and achievement of results as specified in grant agreements
• Ensures to maintain effective communication of the project activities according to the project's communication plan

Monitoring and liaison

• Maintains good relationship with communities, government officials, NGOs, UN and communities stakeholders
• Facilitates donors visit with close coordination with Senior Program Officer and Program Coordinators
• Effectively communicates relevant project information to superiors
• Monitors and evaluates the project implementation process, prepare periodic progress reports as required
• Conducts regular site visits to monitor the project implementation status and address any inconsistencies noticed between project implementation and plan

Financial / accounting

• Manages project budget including preparing monthly activity-based forecasts, financial report and variance analysis
• Ensures timely, accurate invoicing, and monitors project expenditures
• Works with Finance staff to ensure the project monthly payroll, bills, cash receipts and petty cash objectives are met

Other activities

• Recommends and proposes appropriate training and development courses for staff to effectively carry out their duties and enhance their competence
• Lead and motivate the project team and monitor project activities and project expenditure and coordinate work with consultants and volunteers in the project

Required knowledge and experience

• At least 3 years' experience in managing Disaster Risk Reduction projects and programs
• Ability to write and communicate in a clear and concise manner, including writing reports, conveying information to the management and etc

Qualifications/ skills

• Master degree from a relevant field (project management, or administration) is required
• Fluency in written and verbal English. Knowledge of Afghan national languages is an advantage
• Ability to manage conflict and apply sound judgment to resolve issues
• Proven ability to manage, plan and establish priorities