Project Manager (QAIECE) - Children Believe

Our Mission is to empower street-connected children and their families in Ghana and beyond to live healthier, happier, and better lives. Since our inception over 20 years ago, we nurtured an inclusive environment that embraces the diversity and uniqueness of everyone. Irrespective of gender, role, or background, we pride our relationships on highest levels of integrity and trust.

Job Description

Careers that empower young dreamers

When you make a decision to work with Children Believe you’re not just doing something great for your career, you’re helping empower children around the world to access education, pursue their dreams and be a voice for change.

We know there are lots of career options for talented, top performers like you, but not many offer the opportunity to help children live and dream fearlessly. Children Believe is currently recruiting for the following position:  

Project Manager (QAIECE) – Ghana Office

The position holder is responsible for the overall project planning, coordination and accountability for efficient and effective implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the “Quality and Inclusive Early Childhood Education Services for all Children (QAIECE)” project.

The Project Manager (QAIECE) will also provide guidance to partner project staff in the management of the project, establish and foster working relationships with the donor, partner NGOs and relevant government agencies at the national, regional and municipal level. 

This is a field centric role and the position holder is expected to provide facilitative leadership.

This role includes, but not limited to:

1. Project Planning and Management (30%)
   • Ensure appropriate planning of the project in participatory way involving concerned government offices, communities, partners and Children Believe staff and responsible development actors
   • Coordinate and ensure development of detailed implementation plans for the project. 
   • Actively participate and facilitate coordination, networking and experience sharing meetings, workshops or forums that contribute to effective harmonization and synergic effect of project interventions.
   • Ensure that the implementation of the project and resources (human, financial and material resources) utilization are in compliance with donor, government and Children Believe policies, guidelines, rules and regulations.

1. • Follow up and ensure timely implementation of anticipated risk mitigation strategies pertinent to the project.
   • Ensure that project capacity building activities are properly planned and implemented.
   • In consultation with the Country Manager-Program and project staff, respond to communications related to the project.
   • Ensure the performance of contracts, memorandum of agreements (MOAs), and other internal/external regulations relevant to the implementation of the project as needed.
2. Monitoring, Learning, Evaluation and Reporting (20%)
   • Work with project MELKS Officer to develop the project’s Performance Monitoring and Evaluation Plan including Performance Measurement framework.
   • In collaboration with MELKS Officer, facilitate and make sure that baseline survey, annual and bi-annual project reviews are undertaken within the planned timeframe and their results are reported/ communicated to concerned bodies.
   • Ensure timely implementation of monitoring and evaluation activities. 
   • Ensure timely completion of the project including endline survey, final evaluation, other closeout activities and proper handing over of project assets to local government and communities.
   • Assess the performance of project and provide feedback to implementing partner organization and Country Manager-Program.
   • Ensure that recommendations as per monitoring and evaluation learnings are incorporated into planning for improvement.
3. Grant/Donor Management (20%)
   • Develop reports on the project and ensure their timely submission to the donor, national and regional government authorities and Children Believe country and Canada offices as per agreed reporting format.
   • Ensures proper documentation of the project performances.
   • Facilitate donor visits and accompany donors on field visits in consultation with the Country Manager-Program.
4. Networking and Collaboration (20%)
   • In liaison with partner project staff, ensure active involvement and proper function of stakeholders at all levels.
   • Ensure the project staff closely work with concerned government agencies and other project stakeholders. 
   • Fosters effective working relationships with project stakeholders and liaise the project with donor, concerned government bodies and partner NGOs.
   • In collaboration with Country Office Communication Manager and Country Manager-Program, advocate for and build Children Believe and donor’s public image with multiple audiences in the country. 
   • Coordinate and regularly communicate with partners and track their activities so as to assist in technical and managerial issues.
5. Sustainability (10%)
   • Follow up and facilitate the implementation of activities that ensure sustainability of the project results.
   • Support the NBD Manager and Country Manager-Program to develop proposals for new projects/programs that helps to sustain the gains of the project.

Required Skills or Experience

The ideal candidate possesses: 

• Master’s degree or equivalent post graduate training qualification in Development Management, Integrated Development Studies or relevant social science discipline. 
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in child centred development field, with at least 3 years in managerial position with INGOs.
• Demonstrated sound understanding of project development and management principles. 
• Highly skilled in networking, developing partnerships; building commitment, contributing to team success, innovation with problem solving and analytical ability. 
• Excellent interpersonal, relationship-building, conflict management, and negotiation skills, especially when developing / maintaining contacts and influencing partners.
• Fluency and excellent written skills in English.
• Ability to speak any of the local languages spoken in the North East Region will be considered an asset.
• Experience in the application of Results-Based Management (RBM) tools is essential. 
• Strong computer skills - Microsoft Office suite and other relevant applications. 
• Excellent verbal and analytical writing skills for preparing and presenting world class reports to donors, board members and other stakeholders. 
• Ability to travel within project catchment area and nationally as may be required. 
• Commitment to Children Believe's Vision, Mission and Values. 

Attributes, Traits, Behaviours:

• Respect for Diversity
• Integrity

• Professionalism
• Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues
• Accountability
• Creative Problem Solving
• Effective Communication
• Inclusive Collaboration
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Leading by Example