Project Manager

Programme & Policy

Overview

Lead the WASH component of an integrated project to combat poverty.

You have:

• Relevant postgraduate qualification in business, development studies, economics management, WASH, or equivalent experience.
• At least 8 years of experience in international development, with a minimum of 3 years in strategic leadership roles managing complex private sector development programs.
• Proven track record in designing, implementing, and managing enterprise development and/or market systems development programs, with specific experience in the WASH sector.
• Prior experience in the sanitation sector is highly preferred, demonstrating a strong understanding of sector-specific challenges, solutions, and best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to engage the private sector, co-create sustainable solutions, and manage large funds while ensuring compliance and value for money.
• Strong strategic planning and adaptive management skills, with the ability to diagnose and integrate market systems development components into project design.

Description

iDE is an international nonprofit dedicated to combating poverty in the developing world not through handouts, but by helping rural households access the tools and knowledge they need to increase their income and improve their health and well-being. iDE has 40 years of experience and programs in 11 countries in Africa, South Asia, South East Asia, and Central America. iDE's vision, to catalyze the power of entrepreneurship to allow millions of people to lift themselves out of poverty, is ambitious and bold. We need a person who is, first and foremost, passionate about this vision.

iDE established its first country program in Bangladesh in 1983. Today, it is the longest-standing NGO specializing in market systems in Bangladesh. Our diverse portfolio spans agricultural markets, nutrition, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH); renewable energy; and climate-smart technologies.

iDE Bangladesh is seeking a dynamic Project Manager to lead WASH component of an anticipated integrated project. The Project Manager will be responsible for driving the successful implementation of the WASH component, in particular in the sanitation sector – in particular in Sanitation Marketing, providing strategic vision and leadership. This role requires significant expertise in managing complex projects that integrate market systems and engage with private sector partners. The PM will lead a technical and field-based team, ensuring that all project objectives are met effectively and efficiently.

The PM will oversee the development and execution of project strategies, including the Development Implementation Plan (DIP) and budget. They will guide field operations, monitor project progress, and implement necessary adjustments to enhance outcomes. The role also involves adept management of human resources, facilitating staff capacity building, and leading both project startup and closure activities.

In addition to internal management, the PM will represent the project to key stakeholders, including donor consortium partners and the Government of Bangladesh. Crisis management and effective communication with all project partners are critical components of this role.

No of Vacancy: 01 (One)

Reports To: Associate Director Programs

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership and Project Management:

● Define the vision and implementation strategy in alignment with donor priorities and guidance from the project partners to achieve core programmatic deliverables

● Track major sectoral developments in the WASH sector, as well as actively identifying partnership opportunities with private and public sector partners

● Strengthen implementation approach utilizing adept understanding of the sanitation sector, market based approaches in sanitation, market actors and improved sanitation solutions

● Actively engage and onboard private sector partners for collaborating on inclusive market based partnerships in WASH

● Lead the co-development of different new, emerging technologies, delivery mechanisms and demand creation strategies with private sector partners

● Monitor and analyze key challenges in the WASH sector, using a market systems development perspective to identify and address intervention opportunities.

Project Management:

● Oversee the development of work plans and intervention designs, ensuring that implementation activities progress as planned.

● Establish and manage project monitoring systems, incorporating both system-specific and contextual monitoring to ensure that results remain on track.

● Proactively identify challenges and develop adaptive management plans, seeking feedback from iDE Senior Leadership and the project partners to refine approaches.

● Actively manage the budget by planning, tracking fund utilization, ensuring donor compliance, and achieving value for money.

● Provide supervision and mentorship to project staff, enhancing their technical skills and implementation capabilities while fostering motivation and professional growth.

Knowledge Management:

● Establish an effective system of knowledge management by maintaining knowledge plans and documentation systems utilizing existing technology setups.

● Develop and finalize technical SOPs and guidelines in collaboration with the iDE Communications team.

● Ensure internal learning by leveraging coordination platforms to inform program teams, partners, and primes on progress while acquiring relevant strategic inputs to shape program implementation plans.

● Lead the development and positioning of key learning briefs, tactical reports, and case studies, both proactively and as required by the prime.

● Engage with the iDE Communications team and HQ to position learning briefs across social media, websites, and relevant journals

Consortium Engagement:

● Work cross-functionally with other technical leads (SBC, Nutrition, Agriculture, Market Systems, Women and Youth Empowerment) within the routines and spaces developed by the project to ensure optimal project impact.

● Provide regular inputs and recommendations to the Project Management Committee and strategic leadership (comprised of representatives from the coalition partners) to achieve project goals.

● Lead engagement with partner organizations and represent iDE within the consortium, to the donor consortium, and to other external stakeholders.

● Create a positive environment for piloting, testing theories, learning from mistakes, and critical analysis

Benefits

Application Deadline: 28 September, 2024

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview

(Any personal persuasion will result in disqualification)

Women are actively encouraged to apply

iDE provides a women friendly work environment with flexible work arrangements, appropriate skill development opportunities and good career development potential for high performing individuals. We are committed to creating a diverse environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Employee selection and related decisions are made without regard to gender, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, or any other protected class.

Fraud Alert: Protect Yourself from Fraudulent Job Offers. Please be vigilant against any job postings falsely claiming to be from iDE. At no point in our recruitment process do we request payment, fees, or sensitive personal information from applicants. Ensure you are accessing genuine iDE job opportunities by visiting only our official social media pages (Facebook, LinkedIn) and recognized national and international job sites.

Requirements

● Education: Relevant postgraduate qualification in business, development studies, economics management, WASH, or equivalent experience.

● Experience:

○ At least 8 years of experience in international development, with a minimum of 3 years in strategic leadership roles managing complex private sector development programs.

○ Proven track record in designing, implementing, and managing enterprise development and/or market systems development programs, with specific experience in the WASH sector.

○ Prior experience in the sanitation sector is highly preferred, demonstrating a strong understanding of sector-specific challenges, solutions, and best practices.

○ Practical experience of introducing basic and improved sanitation solutions in rural settings of Bangladesh

○ Prior experience and knowledge in sanitation marketing and market based sanitation will be an advantage in this role

○ Demonstrated ability to engage the private sector, co-create sustainable solutions, and manage large funds while ensuring compliance and value for money.

○ Leadership experience in project cycle management, including strategic planning, supervision, and monitoring.

○ Experience working with international donors, preferably USAID, and familiarity with Logical Frameworks, Impact Logic, or Results Chains.

○ Extensive understanding of rural markets, trading relationships, and the roles of the private sector, government, and civil society/NGOs in service market creation.

○ Proven ability to manage large, diverse project teams and mentor staff to strengthen technical and management capacities

● Skills;

○ Strong strategic planning and adaptive management skills, with the ability to diagnose and integrate market systems development components into project design.

○ Expertise in private sector-led skills development and business decision-making processes.

○ Proficiency in developing and functionalizing project monitoring systems to ensure progression toward results.

○ Advanced problem-solving and creative thinking abilities, with a focus on fostering programmatic learning and knowledge sharing.

○ Excellent verbal, intercultural, and interpersonal communication skills, with the capacity to work independently and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Behaviors and Values:

● Demonstrates empathy, humility, authenticity, and respect in the workplace.

● Willingness to ask questions and seek feedback.

● Excellent problem-solving and creative thinking abilities.

● Ability to work independently and prioritize effectively.

● Desire to work in a fast-paced environment across multiple time zones and languages.

● Excellent verbal, intercultural, and interpersonal communication skills.

● Enthusiastic with a sincere interest in the mission of the organization.

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: ideglobal.org