Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organization that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We believe in the power and potential of every child. We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood and we enable children to prepare for – and respond to – crises and adversity.

We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge. In Zimbabwe, we have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 31 years. Plan International operates an equal opportunities policy and actively encourages diversity.

Project Manager – Digital Skills 4 Youth Project

Location: Harare Program Area  

Job Description

Reporting to the Head of Programs, the Project Manager is responsible and accountable for all aspects of implementing the Digital Skills 4 Youth Project.    The incumbent will also lead a consortium comprising of a social enterprise and private sector consultant, coordinating the consortium to ensure grant implementation and compliance and will represent Plan International Zimbabwe at networks and government engagement platforms in relation to young people’s digital entrepreneurship/employment

Accountabilities

Program Management

• Provide effective oversight in the delivery of the Digital Skills 4 Youth project in Harare, Bulawayo, Chiredzi, Tsholotsho and Mutare, with overall responsibility for achievement of the project objectives
• Coordinate implementation and on-going development of monitoring, evaluation, and research initiatives and systems which collect output and outcome level data and include beneficiary accountability mechanisms
• Establish and maintain clear contractual arrangements between Plan International Zimbabwe and partners with agreed operational, administrative and reporting requirements
• Ensure sharing of knowledge and learning about the project among relevant stakeholders and ensure that this knowledge and lessons are incorporate into the project
• Track and manage project expenditure ensuring no over or under-expenditures
• Coordinate the writing and submission of regular narrative and financial reports to the donor
• Provide regular reports to the Head of Programs and the Program Leadership Team, working in liaison with the Youth Economic Empowerment Technical Lead as required

Stakeholder Coordination

• Establish effective working relationships with the Swedish Embassy, SNO Program Specialist and in-country team
• Support the project team and key stakeholders to ensure that activities are implemented in a coordinated manner, in accordance with Plan International’s program and influence approach, gender and inclusion, partnerships, gender transformative programming, policy and guidelines
• Provide technical guidance and direction including ongoing training, coaching and mentoring to project staff and stakeholders to ensure quality programming
• Ensure good relationships and regular, structured communications with the Fund Management Team through for instance review and modification meetings and budget revision processes
• Represent Plan International in general meetings with the donor and with other government and civil society partners in relevant fora
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with relevant ministries including Ministry of Youth, Sports, Arts and Recreation, Ministry of Women and Youth Affairs, Ministry of ICT and other relevant INGOs and national NGOs
• Identify and participate in relevant Working Groups or Fora and other relevant coordination entities
• Identify strategic issues and opportunities in order to support Plan International’s influencing work

Program Learning and Communication

• Ensure that effective use is made of learning from program monitoring and evaluation to strengthen program delivery and inform wider practice in relation to Plan International Zimbabwe’s work
• Identify emerging issues of complex grant management and document best practices
• Undertake regular field monitoring visits to assess progress and identify technical quality issues (in relation to uptake of digital skills) and/or other implementation issues, provide solutions and implement modifications as required

Logistics/Finance/Administration

• Familiarity with donor compliance issues, ensuring the project is compliant with these and Plan International procedures
• Ensure partners are supported with capacity strengthening on organisational systems gaps that exist (financial, admin, compliance, M&E, programs), including effective monitoring of donor compliance by partners
• Ensure appropriate administrative, financial and logistical Plan International systems/procedures are in place, maintained and adhered to so that all support functions are carried out effectively and efficiently, including supporting partners to adhere to the set administrative procedures
• Responsible for the preparation of project expenditures quarterly
• Overall responsibility of the project financial management in line with approved project budget

Safeguarding, Gender Equality and Inclusion

• Ensure that Plan International’s global policies for Safeguarding Children and Young People and Gender Equality and Inclusion are fully embedded in accordance with the principles and requirements of the policy, including relevant Implementation Standards and Guidelines as applicable to their area of responsibility. This includes but is not limited to ensuring staff and associates are aware of and understand their responsibilities under these policies, and Plan International’s Code of Conduct (CoC), their relevance to their area of work, and that concerns are reported and managed in accordance with the appropriate procedures.

Qualifications and Experience: 

• A Postgraduate qualification in IT, computer science, Business Management, development studies or other relevant qualifications
• Demonstrated experience in complex project management, particularly working with private sector and local enterprises. Previous experience in the private sector a plus.
• Qualification or training on digital technology, and experience in curriculum development with a focus on digital skills or youth entrepreneurship
• Consortium management experience with or working through partners is a key requirement
• Experience in programming related to addressing gender inequality, and meaningful youth engagement in both urban and rural areas
• Knowledge of development trends within the digital market, including polices and guidelines
• A minimum of 8-10 years practical experience working in youth programming, especially youth economic empowerment, as well as working with local enterprises/organisations including capacity strengthening
• Experience in donor liaison and grant reporting
• Ability to work with teams, communicate and coordinate with government departments and other agencies at various levels
• Experience in financial, budget and administrative management or related issues
• Knowledge of strategic planning processes and theories on gender transformative programming
• Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies including experimental designs

Skills

• Excellent networking and partnership building skills
• Research, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Good communication, facilitation and report writing skills
• Strong team-building and motivations skills
• Strong negotiating, strategic thinking and influencing skills
• MS Office skills

Behaviours

• Demonstrates clear respect to all and especially young people without discrimination
• Ability to develop, motivate and coach mentor others
• Confident and demonstrates cultural sensitivity

PLAN INTERNATIONAL’S VALUES IN PRACTICE

We are open and accountable

1. Promotes a culture of openness and transparency, including with sponsors and donors.
2. Holds self and others accountable to achieve the highest standards of integrity.
3. Consistent and fair in the treatment of people.
4. Open about mistakes and keen to learn from them.
5. Accountable for ensuring we are a safe organisation for all children, girls & young people.

We strive for lasting impact

1. Articulates a clear purpose for staff and sets high expectations.
2. Creates a climate of continuous improvement, open to challenge and new ideas.
3. Focuses resources to drive change and maximise long-term impact, responsive to changed priorities or crises.
4. Evidence-based and evaluates effectiveness.

We work well together

1. Seeks constructive outcomes, listens to others, willing to compromise when appropriate.
2. Builds constructive relationships across Plan International to support our shared goals.
3. Develops trusting and ‘win-win’ relationships with funders, partners and communities.
4. Engages and works well with others outside the organization to build a better world for girls and all children.

We are inclusive and empowering

1. We empower our staff to give their best and develop their potential.
2. We respect all people, appreciate differences and challenge equality in our programs and our workplace.
3. We support children, girls and young people to increase their confidence and change their own lives.

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements are required to submit their curriculum vitae & cover letter outlining their suitability for the position. Plan International takes very seriously the responsibility and duty to ensure that we and anyone who represents us does not in any way harm or place at risk children and young people. In this regard, reference & background checks will be performed including clearances on child related offences in conformity with Plan’s Safeguarding Policy.

This position is open to Zimbabwean nationals

Location: Zimbabwe (Harare)

Type of role: Fixed Term Contract

Closing Date: 11 August 2023

Please note that Plan International does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

TO APPLY

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