Project Manager - Environmental Health and Biodiversity Platform at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

Responsibilities 

• Depending on the size and complexity of the projects a Project Manager may be responsible for one large project or several smaller projects.

Proposal Development

• Assist in project specific opportunity pipeline to ensure timely delivery, compliance and adherence to the Program Management Framework process
• Align the project level strategy with the overall program strategy and highlight any variances to the Project Leader for realignment/adjustment

Project Planning

• Lead, with the Project Leader, the development of the project workplan
• Analyze the staffing needs for the project and participate in the workforce planning process
• Contribute to the development of a procurement plan and closely monitor and manage the procurement activities for the project
• Ensure project documentation and the different project activities are up to date and make the necessary update in case of variances/ changes
• Liaise with the program manager to review and update the projects exit strategy/sustainability plan by providing project specific inputs
• Liaise with the program manager in budgeting, assessing alignment and establishing timelines for the project work plans
• Ensure the communication outputs align with the program communication strategy and project communication plan

Project Execution

• Effectively manage the project budget, ensuring proper expenditure, booking and appropriate burn rate and/or highlighting any variances, and providing suggestions for resolution
• Maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders and facilitate effective flow of information between all partners, team members and relevant stakeholders in project activities
• Work closely with the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialists to ensure project level monitoring, data analysis and reporting to support effective project management
• Coordinate the preparation of timely and quality reports to be submitted to ILRI, Partners, and Stakeholders
• Lead the project management team and build their capacity on ILRI Program Management Framework to enhance their performance
• Act as the focal point for Program Management Framework at a project level and be responsible for maintenance of the same

Project Closing

• Responsible for the implementation of closure activities for the project including the disposal of physical assets, research materials and staff separation/ reassignment, archiving of documentation, impact assessment in line with the PMF process
• Coordinate the preparation of timely and quality reports to be submitted to ILRI, Partners, and Stakeholders
• Perform any other related duties as may be required

Requirements

• Master’s degree in business administration, Program Management, or related field
• Project Management certification – desirable
• At least 5 years relevant experience in project management working in an internationally focused research or development organization.
• Professional training or demonstrable practical experience in leadership and project management
• Knowledge of administrative and financial management of development programs and/or donor funded projects/programs.
• Experience in managing work plans, results-based budgets and systems to monitor and report progress.
• Strong English language skills, both written and spoken. French language skills will be an added advantage.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and an engaging personality.
• Experience with science communication will be an added advantage.
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment.
• Strong IT skills.
• Experience with data entry in electronic databases will be an added advantage.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with interdisciplinary teams of scientists and partner organizations.
• Ability to communicate with different stakeholders.