Project Manager – Social Protection and Resilience – EU Delegation to the Republic of Malawi

The European Union Delegation to the Republic of Malawi is looking for

Project Manager – Social Protection and Resilience

Social Sectors and Infrastructure Section

Ref. No: ADM/AL-I/243473/2017

The European Union (EU) is an economic and political partnership between 28 European countries. It plays an important role in international affairs through diplomacy, trade, development aid and working with global organisations. Abroad, the EU is represented through more than 140 diplomatic representations, known also as EU Delegations, which have a similar function to those of an embassy.

The EU Delegation to Malawi’s mission is to support Malawi and its population effectively in its development ambitions; notably, eradicating poverty, achieving economic growth, integrating its economy into the world economy and becoming a mature and well governed democracy, while taking into account the interests of the European Union.

We offer a post of Project Manager – Social Protection and Resilience in the Social Sectors and Infrastructure Section of the Delegation. Under the supervision of the Team Leader of the Social Sectors and Infrastructure Section, the Project Manager will supervise and monitor the implementation, management and evaluation of the European Union’s programmes and projects in Malawi related to Social Protection and Resilience, in close consultation with all partners, notably Government, Development Partners and Civil Society Organisations, to promote policy dialogue and coordination. He/she will advise the Team Leader, the Head of Cooperation and the Head of Delegation on all relevant aspects of this portfolio. The main emphasis of the job is on effective dialogue, coordination and sound project management in accordance with EU procedures.

This post within the Social Sectors and Infrastructure Section of the EU Delegation requires a dynamic and committed individual.

Main Functions and duties:

• Help advance policy dialogue with national authorities and other stakeholders in the Social Protection and Resilience sectors, with the objective of supporting alignment with the country’s development strategy and Sectorial Policies;
• Monitor development cooperation between the European Union and the Government of Malawi (GoM) in Social Protection and Resilience in view of promoting aid effectiveness;

• Support all aspects of programme management in the areas of Social Protection and Resilience, including, identification, design and implementation of programmes and projects, public procurement processes, contract administration and supervision, in close co-operation with the NAO Support Unit and the geographical co-ordination unit;
• Ensure efficient management and implementation of the Social Protection and Resilience programmes, in respect of the EU rules and procedures, reporting and visibility guidelines;
• Monitor financial and operational performance of projects through occasional field missions.
• Prepare draft terms of reference for tenders and contracts, participate in contract negotiations, preparation of contracts and contract amendments or revisions;
• Participate in evaluation committees, technical meetings, coordination meetings, steering committee meetings, workshops and conferences as required.
• Ensure sound financial management of the programmes and assist in all aspects of financial management including validation of invoices and payment certificates for projects, procurement, financial transactions, evaluations and audits in line with relevant Financing Agreements and Contracts;

• Liaise with and coordinate among a wide range of stakeholders including NAO Support Unit, Line Ministries, Civil Society Organisations and Contractors.
• Inform the Team Leader, Head of Cooperation, Head of Delegation and headquarters regularly on achievements and problems encountered;

Qualifications:

• University degree in a relevant discipline or related field is required.

Experience and knowledge:

• A minimum of 3 years of relevant post-degree work experience is required, preferably in the area of development cooperation
• Experience implementing Social  programmes;
• A good appreciation of the policy context in Malawi, especially with regards to Social Protection and/or Resilience is an important asset.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required, as well as good presentational skills and knowledge of Word and Excel.
• Sound understanding of project and financial management.
• Experience of adhering to administrative procedures in a systematic manner.

Abilities and skills:

• Ability to set priorities, analyse needs and convert those into plans and action as well as effective time management.

Personality:

• Demonstrated commitment to development cooperation.
• Good resilience, showing drive and determination in the pursuit of goals, even when faced with difficulties and when working under pressure.
• Good creative/inventive approach to problem solving.

How to apply:

Applications including a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a letter indicating the job reference number ADM/AL-I/243473/2017 should be submitted to:

Read more and apply here.