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 Coordinator – Promoting Education, Skills and an Enabling Environment for Ending Child Marriages (PROSE-ECM) Grant Funded Project

Location: Kwekwe Program Area  

Job Description

Reporting to the Program Area Manager, The Project Coordinator is responsible for the overall implementation of the Promoting Education, Skills and an Enabling Environment for Ending Child Marriages Project and that this is implemented with the highest standards and quality for impact on the lives of children as defined in the Plan International Zimbabwe (PIZ) Country Strategy and project documents. The incumbent will be accountable for delivery of the project on time, scope and budget as per project management standards.

Accountabilities

Project Planning and Initiation

Participates in the design, planning and initiation of new projects in the designated Program Area:

• Participate in the situational analysis and baseline studies to obtain a full understanding of the project scope, targets and intended impact
• Working closely with the Programme Area Manager, set and evaluate Project milestones to be realised in the Programme Area for particular periods
• Lead planning meetings and come up with ways of addressing any gaps that are identified including supporting partners, district stakeholders during supervision and monitoring of Project activities.
• Monitor and ensure timely implementation of project activities as per detailed implementation schedule
• Contribute towards the implementation of the project by ensuring desired results are achieved on time and to the standard

Partnership Management

Coordinate partner on-boarding for effective implementation of the project by ensuring that ongoing relationships with partners are maintained:

• Support partners to cascade project plans and milestones for clarity of linkages and contributions to the main project
• Review reports on partner due diligence and capacity assessments ensuring that the project is on the right track and feedback shared with the partners for any corrective action
• Develop programme for induction, coaching and training for partners to equip them with the necessary skills, knowledge and tools to effectively implement the project
• Support,  organize and conduct Project reflection and review meetings at team and district levels that bring on board different stakeholders
• Ensure tracking, monitoring, evaluation, documentation and reporting of project outputs, outcomes, impact or results and changes.

Influencing

Support the development and implementation of an innovative influencing and communication plan for the project:

• Actively participate in meetings within the Program Area that raise PIZ’s profile and advocacy agenda
• Support strategic partnerships, alliances, networks, and coalitions to spearhead and promote project objectives and outcomes
• Work with other team members to implement internal PIZ principles of communication
• Contribute to the development and implementation of a communication strategy
• Organise regular community awareness meetings about Plan programs and approaches, in particular ensuring that sponsored families and communities are updated on Plan’s interventions and the graduation process
• Provide technical information and analysis from Project results that help in influencing and raising PIZ profile

Ensuring Impactful Implementation  

Work collaboratively with the Project team and other colleagues in the program area to develop and implement a cost-effective and impactful community engagement strategy, ensure an accurate representation of project benefits is communicated, and carefully manage expectations:

• Support district and sub district stakeholders in the implementation of the Project interventions supported by Plan International Zimbabwe; working with the respective district technical working Committees for smooth coordination of all Project activities.
• Executing the project according to the project plan, with all activities carried out on time, scope and budget; provide timely justification for any changes or modifications required
• Support project stakeholders conduct quarterly project monitoring and support supervision visits and meetings.
• Review data, analysis and reports from MERL teams to assess whether implementation progress is being realised as per project milestones and other parameters
• Support all the transition activities to ensure proper closure of the project (lessons learned, financial and contractual closure activities, etc.)

Risk, Compliance and Accountability

Effectively identify and manage risks, in particular those associated with procurement, finances, safeguarding, and staff health, safety and security:

• Implement all relevant policies, procedures and guidelines (e.g. finance, procurement, security, IT, gender equality & inclusion, harassment, bullying and non-discrimination policy as well as the Global Policy on Safeguarding etc.) at all levels
• In collaboration with Programme Area Manager, comprehensively map out all the risks and compliance requirements relevant to the project area
• Generate report on level of partner compliance and implementation to guide any interventions needed
• Conduct quarterly project monitoring and support supervision visits and meetings to the partners: ensuring compliance to project guidelines.
• Implement the policies and Plan International’s Code of Conduct (CoC) to all areas of work, and concerns promptly reported and managed in accordance with the appropriate procedures

Other key deliverables including:

Adherence to Plan policies, including:

• Ensures that Plan International’s global policies for Safeguarding of Children & Young People and Gender Equality and Inclusion (GEI) 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.

Qualifications and Experience: 

• A Degree in Social Sciences
• At least 3 years’ post-graduation experience, with a minimum of one year’s experience in supporting donor projects preferably with an International Non-Governmental Organization
• Good understanding of broad trends in the development and humanitarian sector and key external organisations relevant to teen pregnancies anbd child marriage
• Experience of the project management cycle, especially on the participatory approach, and a track record of successful delivery of impactful projects
• Good understanding of financial and procurement systems, with a good track record of complying with relevant procedures and controls.

Skills

• Proven ability to develop project proposals and concepts
• Excellent networking and partnership building skills
• Research, analytical and problem solving skills
• Strong team-building and motivational skills
• Strong negotiating, strategic thinking and influencing skills
• Proficiency in MS office tools.

Behaviours

• Demonstrates clear respect to all and especially children without discrimination
• Ability to develop, motivate and coach and mentor others
• Promotes high quality programs
• Having initiative and able to work independently
• Promotes innovation and learning in program coordination
• Communicates clearly and effectively on child rights programming
• Confident in taking initiative and exploring new opportunities
• Assertiveness and shows cultural sensitiveness

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 (Kwekwe)

Type of role: Fixed Term Contract

Closing Date: 10 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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