Program Manager (Two Positions)

Description

Heifer International is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.

Function 

The Program Manager reports to the Director of Programs and is responsible for the successful implementation of the Power, Water and Internet (PWI) project and initiatives primarily in Eastern Province, Vubwi district but also in support of all Heifer Partners, organization and communities across Heifer work in Zambia. The Program Manager assumes overall responsibility, for feasibility assessments, baseline assessments, design and implementation of the power, water and internet infrastructure investments, planning and budgeting and leveraging additional partner investments for the successful implementation of PWI initiatives. S(he) is also responsible for project delivery, staff management and project reporting, monitoring and evaluation and impact reporting. These positions are 6-month contract & contingent upon funding and donor approval.

Essential Character Traits

 Alertness; Availability; Firmness; Cautiousness; Creativity; Decisiveness; Dependability; Determination; Diligence; Enthusiasm; Flexibility; Resourcefulness; Self-Control; and openness to learning.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DELIVERABLES

A. Program Management and Coordination (30%)

• Develop and undertake feasibility studies and assessments for key PWI projects including dams and potential investments in the District Women’s Associations.
• Act as the Project Manager for all the infrastructure and construction projects ensuring the timely, quality and on budget delivery of all construction work.
• Lead in the preparation of well-designed annual work plans and budgets, alongside project reports compatible with the priorities and orientations of Heifer Zambia Country Program and those of the donor.
• Develop effective Project Management Plans (Communication, Risks, Procurement, Stakeholder)
• Coordinate, collaborate and communicate key PWI stakeholders including, District Women Associations (DWAs),Vubwi community and government partners. regularly
• Coordinate the effective and efficient management of: Project scope, Project schedule, Project budget & Project risks.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships amongst all the partners involved in the program.

B. Management of Human Resources and Personnel Development (10%)

• Provide leadership and technical support to the staff at the Provincial office.
• Create a conducive work environment for staff.
• Create awareness and ensure staff compliance with existing policies and procedures.
• Document staff performance reviews and performance objectives with requisite recommendations to the Director of Programs for decision-making.
• Establish deeper insights on project staff requirements and compliance with global HPI practices and policies shared with the Director of Programs for quick decision-making.
• Motivate, productive and satisfied staff.
• Establish enabling work environment.

C. Capacity Building, Skills and Program Development (20%)

• Identify DWAs and Vubwi community skill gaps and develop a capacity-building plan
• Sensitize and train farmers, staff and other key stakeholders on: Shared and personal leadership, Conflict Management, Effective communication & Reporting (financial and narrative).
• Skilled DWAs, farmers, Vubwi community leadership. staff and other stakeholders.
• Ensure adequate, timely and good quality resources (material, human & finance) available for project delivery.
• Ensure well-equipped offices and staff.
• Ensure functional office equipment.

D. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Documentation (15%)

• Periodically monitor project progress against set milestones using Key Performance Indicators with respect to scope, schedule, and budget.
• Identify risks and manage them timely.
• Identify, escalate, and resolve issues effectively and efficiently.
• Ensure a developed and functional MEL system in place.
• Document milestones from the process and results monitoring carried-out on a monthly and quarterly basis respectively.
• Narrative and financial reports on project results and impact are tracked, analyzed, documented, and shared semesterly.
• Document lessons learned and best practices from PWI projects implemented.
• Project closed, and all resources disposed of/transitioned.

E. Financial Management and Budget Control (10%)

• Supervise and monitor project expenditure within the provisional project budgets.
• Monitor the project budget as committed by the donor.
• Re-enforce compliance to stated accounting practices, policies, and procedures including procurements.
• Monitor budget variance with respect to schedules and deliverables.
• Well-formulated Activity-based budgets.
• High-quality and timely financial reports submitted to HQ and donor.
• Re-enforced compliance with financial processes, procedures, practices, and policies.
• Project cash flow and burn rates closely monitored.

F. May perform other job-related duties as assigned (5%)

Minimum Requirements

1. Bachelor’s degree in the fields of Water Management, Water Engineering, Agriculture Engineering, Natural Resources, and Development Studies plus seven (7) years of job-related experience.
2. Preferred Requirements:
3. Master’s Degree in the fields of Water Management, Water Engineering Agricultural Engineering and Natural Resources, Resource Development, Rural Development Administration or another related field, and Development Studies and a minimum of five (5) years relevant experience.
4. Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in rural development in Zambia particularly in water resource management, community water resource conservation and management , and three (3) years project management level work experience.

Most Critical Proficiencies

1. Knowledge of water infrastructure feasibility assessments, survey and construction design.
2. Proven team leadership and supervisory skills with the ability to train and work cooperatively with a diverse staff, including field staff in several locations.
3. Experience with community water resource management projects.
4. Skilled with computers as a tool for word processing, database, e-mail, spreadsheets, and organizing.
5. Licensed drivera

Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands

1. Demonstrated ability to communicate with and engage communities, groups and government partners.
2. Knowledge of and experience in capacity building of community institutions to manage natural resources
3. Demonstrated ability to use participatory development processes.
4. Proven interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to relate to individuals and groups diplomatically and tactfully.
5. Demonstrated written and oral fluency in English.
6. Willingness to travel extensively.