Finn Church Aid (FCA) is the largest international aid organization in Finland. FCA operates in 14 countries where the need is most dire.  FCA works with the poorest people, regardless of their religious beliefs, ethnic background or political affiliations. FCA work is based on promotion of human dignity and fundamental human rights and freedom, implying that FCA operations are guided by equality, non-discrimination and responsibility.

FCA is seeking to recruit a Project Manager to lead a two-year project funded by the US Government/Bureau for Population, Refugees, and Migration based in Kampala, Uganda.  Project Manager reports to humanitarian program manager.

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE POSITION: To manage and coordinate the LEARN — Lasting Education Achievements Responding to Needs project focusing on secondary education activities, implemented in 4 refugee settlements, funded by the US Government/Bureau for Population, Refugees, and Migration. The Project Manager is based in Kampala, but with frequent travels to the 4 project districts/settlements, and s/he is responsible for the overall project planning, including development of annual plans/follow-up phase plans, project implementation, budget control, project staff management supporting operational activities and establishing and enhancing relations with local stakeholders (UNHCR, OPM, other implementing partners) as well as donor representatives and Ugandan authorities within the specific project districts of Yumbe, Obongi, Kamwemge and Kyegegwa.

The Project Manager will also work closely with the FCA Uganda programme team in Kampala and in the field offices, ensuring complementarity of the project with other FCA Uganda education projects, and with FCA Uganda and Helsinki Grants team to ensure quality grant management. Supervisory role and reporting directly to the Head of Programme.

KEY RESULT AREAS

Project implementation    

• Plans and assigns deliverables and activities, reviews their progress and addresses deviations in terms of timelines and quality, based on project planning, deliverables agreed and set budget.
• Prepare quarterly work plans with activities, performance targets and budgets.
• Manage and oversee all aspects of project implementation according to the projects’ grant agreement and annual work plan ensuring delivery of activities and outputs
• Managing the project staff to ensure quality and timely implementation of activities and that monitoring and evaluation plans are developed and implemented, and all relevant data is collected and analysed as required.
• Conduct regular visits to field offices and project sites to monitor program performance. Provide feedback to staff on gaps and areas for improvement and identify needs for ongoing capacity building
• Support field teams in implementation of programme activities by tracking and following up on planned activities under the project

• Conduct program reviews for the projects in each location and ensure implementation meets donor timelines and guidelines
• Coordinate activities with FCA’s Area Managers and other Project Managers to ensure complementarity of FCA’s education programme/projects
• Compile progress reports about the project as per the donor agreements and ensures timely submission of the same

Project Monitoring 

• Review and monitor budget Vs expenditure between narrative and project financial reports on monthly basis and ensure management is informed in case of over-/under spent affecting program results.
• Facilitate the provision of technical guidance and support to staff to ensure program quality and cost-effectiveness
• Responsible for the preparation and review of project reports and ensure they are delivered on time, are of good quality and according to donor requirements and FCA standards.
• Proactively monitor program implementation, promptly reporting unexpected delays, costs or quality issues, and resolving issues and initiating appropriate corrective action, and adapt the project work plan as appropriate if/when deemed necessary and if aligned with FCA and donor approval

External relations and donor liaison

• Build and maintain relationships with target communities, relevant local authorities (UNHCR, OPM, PRM Desk Office District Education Offices), other implementing partners and key stakeholders to create a network of collaboration to positively support programme implementation in line with government requirements and implementing donors
• Attend sector level meetings (development and humanitarian/emergency) at settlement and district level, and if required, at national level, and other networking forums for learning and sharing good practices where applicable

Education Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Project management, International Education development, International studies, business or related field as well as professional certification.
• Minimum 4 years’ experience in working in development and humanitarian program related field operation or field activities in developing countries and knowledge of Education in Emergencies
• Proven experience and capacity in project management (PMER), including project financial management
• Good understanding of the Ugandan education context
• Flexible and capable of working and living in difficult circumstances in a multicultural environment
• Detailed and thorough understanding of the operational refugee context in Uganda
• Previous experience managing donor grants is a MUST
• Experience in cooperating with local authorities, international actors and UN agencies
• Proven team management and orientation skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment with both technical and non-technical staff
• Excellent inter-personal and inter-cultural skills
• Ability to travel/frequent field visits to all 4 target settlements/districts

This is a fixed term position of one year with six months’ probation period, starting September 2020.