Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian non-profit organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood, and enable children to prepare for - and respond to - crises and adversity. We believe in the power and potential of every child, but know this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination.
We are recruiting to fill the position below:
Job Title: Project Manager
Location: Maiduguri, Borno
Role Purpose
Plan International Nigeria is seeking applicants for a project Manager for the FCDO funded through UNICEF for Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE) Education in Emergencies Component activity in Nigeria.
The PLANE activity aims to equip out-of-school children and youth in northeast Nigeria (in Borno and Yobe states) with the foundational skills needed to progress to higher levels of education, training and/or engagement in the workforce.
Dimensions of the Role
Communicates within Plan International Nigeria, UNICEF and development partners and related government institutions in two States Borno and Yobe.
The Project Manager will be responsible and ultimately accountable for the project’s strategic direction, planning, quality programming and implementation, management, team leadership, stakeholder and partner relationships, and donor deliverables.
He/she will be responsible for overseeing activities contributing to increased systems strengthening.
He/she will implement education activities and also document lessons learnt, support assessments and monitoring and evaluation of the Education in Emergencies components of Plan International's emergency response.
He/she is responsible for assessment, response analysis, capacity building. The post holder will also contribute towards the capacity building of EiE staff and Plan Internationals implementing partners.
Accountabilities
Ensures proper stewardship of Plan Nigeria resources, and adherence to government and donor policies and regulations.
Project cycle management processes and tools (including detailed implementation plans and annual workplans, M&E Plan, Procurement Plan, Risk register, etc…) effectively implemented to achieve project results and comply with donor requirements, government, and partnership agreements with UNICEF.
Grant management, disbursement and reporting (quarterly and annually) processes developed in collaboration with the project team(s)
Expenditure (including that of local implementing partners) is monitored monthly to ensure spending is on track and forecasts are duly updated based on project needs and in compliance with donor regulations.
Participates fully in strategic planning, annual planning and budgeting and other program planning processes, and ensures that implementing partners are involved where appropriate.
Provides leadership and management for all direct reports and ensure the establishment of and functioning of a strong, effective and coordinated team.
Coordinates the management of ongoing relationships with existing partners at the field level and where relevant, leverage those relationships to greater collective impact.
Regularly communicates to the Education Unit on organizational priorities and key decisions
Represents Plan International Nigeria with external stakeholders, by attending meetings, making presentations, and providing advice where necessary depending on EiE Specialist request.
Ensures that team members and all other colleagues uphold Plan shared values in all aspects of their work, perform their duties and functions in a collaborative, effective and supportive team environment.
Coordinates with all other units as may be required for the support necessary to advance the work for education development.
Identifies best practices and incorporates new ideas for building the education program.
Ensures the integration of partners’ voice into program planning and the development of innovative projects.
Ensure provision of timely and quality programmatic and financial reports as per the requirement of Plan International and the donor.
Ensure sufficient and efficient management of projects’ budgets.
Provide leadership and technical support including trainings to both Plan International and partner staff as well as the government.
Perform any other project related duties as specified by the Supervisor.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential:
Master's or Bachelor’s Degree in International Education, Special Education, Education, Education Policy and Planning, Educational Administration, International Development or related field required.
Minimum of five (5) years of education project implementation experience in similar role
Specific experience in primary education reform, policy framework development, and working in crisis-affected environments
Demonstrated experience working with government agencies, actors, and other stakeholders at the national, district, and local levels
Demonstrated expertise in policy mapping
Ability to lead workshops, trainings, and strategic planning sessions;
Experience in Monitoring and Evaluation highly desired
Good knowledge and understanding of DO NO HARM principles and established international child protection standards (especially UNCRC)
Work experience in North East Nigeria highly preferred
Strong ability to work independently, organize work, meet deadlines, maintain composure, prioritize work under pressure, coordinate multiple tasks and maintain attention to detail
Prior work experience on UNICEF or FCDO funding is an asset
Proficient English oral and written communication skills are essential
Support the development and implementation of quality assurance policies and tools
Identify new opportunities to shape and inform quality equitable education policies and programs with data, evidence and lessons learned from non-formal education in Nigeria
Facilitate local accountability for management and oversight of non-formal learning centers.
Desired:
Experience managing projects in collaboration with local implementing partners
Experience working with IDPs, refugees and other vulnerable populations (ideal)
Experience with participatory approaches to education, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, or other related area.
excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills, creativity and flexibility
Understanding of gender issues in Nigeria, especially pertaining to the education sector.
Works well in and promotes teamwork, comfortable in a multi-cultural environment, flexible and able to handle pressure well.
Ability to read and write in both English and others languages in North East appropriately.
Skills and Behaviours:
Creates strong sense of purpose and commitment within own part of operations and with stakeholders
Holds self and others to account to deliver on agreed goals and standards of behaviour
Demonstrates a high degree of professionalism/integrity
Provides good and adequate administrative and logistical support to enable programmes to meet meets it’s agreed financial and program outcomes.
Actively seeks for support in addressing difficulties in execution of duties.
Strategic thinking and effective contribution to own work and Organizational development.
Sound judgement and decision-making in complex situations
Strong emotional intelligence including self-awareness.
Leads by example to motivate high performance of others.