Apply: Search for Common Ground Head of Project

By Development Diaries
July 19, 2021

Deadline: Ongoing

Location: Bunia, Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Search for Common Grounds (SFCG) is seeking applications from eligible applicants for the role of Head of Project.

Search for Common Ground is an international non-governmental organisation that works to end violent conflict and build healthy, safe, and just societies.

Responsibilities

Ensure the effective use, updating and analyses of key programme management tools to guide decision making, including by ensuring close collaboration and consultation with all relevant departments of the organisation
Ensure the project is implemented on schedule, according to the work plan, and with high technical quality
Determine and develop strategic and programmatic approaches, taking into account the contextual dynamics in the areas of action and transmit programmatic orientation to the teams and partners in collaboration with the technical staff and the country director
Collaborate closely with the monitoring and evaluation, learning and research department in the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the quality and impact of activities, ensuring that lessons learnt and analysis are integrated into decision-making and strategic direction
Organise weekly/monthly project progress review with relevant staff, allowing updates of the BVA, expenditure plan and activity plan based on a joint analysis of progress
Ensure the implementation of activities is consistent with the organisation’s vision
Coordinate the necessary support and guidance, as required, within the project with the involvement of various departments
Ensure daily budget monitoring and compliance with budget planning, and coordinate with the different departments of the organisation, as well as with partners to introduce any necessary corrections
Ensure the funds allocated to the project are used in accordance with the forecasts and that their accounting allocation is in line with the budget
Ensure the follow-up and review of all purchase requisitions before validation or submission to the hierarchy for approval
Ensure all expenditures are made in compliance with and in accordance with the organisation and the donor’s administrative, financial and operational procedures, including approval of expenditures and documentation
Ensure funds are made available to the project and its partners in a timely manner and in accordance with internal procedures
Develop/update partner strategy in support of projects
Initiate an in-depth analysis of partner skills and capacity building needs as the basis of the work plan for the organisation’s team and partners
Lead the contractualisation and management of partners according to the organisation’s procedures
Ensure regular assessment and planning meetings with partners
Accompany and follow up directly with partners in the implementation of activities and reporting
Ensure the development of a conflict-sensitive communication strategy with project partners
Ensure compliance with the organisation’s values, rules and procedures in relation to the management of partnerships and relationships in the field

Requirements

Master’s degree in Political Science, International Relations, International Development, Public/Business Administration, Conflict Studies, or a related field
Bachelor’s degree and at 15 years, minimum, of experience in strategic planning and implementation of related activities in similar conflict-affected areas may be accepted in lieu of the master’s degree qualification
Experience in implementing conflict resolution, mitigation, management, and reconciliation programming, utilising people-to-people peacebuilding approaches
Ten years, minimum, of experience in relevant management, supervisory, and technical experience with progressive responsibility working with activities that are of similar scope and scale to this activity
Demonstrated ability to work in complex, politically charged, unstable environments, and manage diverse teams to deliver impact within agreed timelines
Proven experience in managing complex projects across dispersed areas in consultation with local implementation partners
Excellent capacity for adaptive project management as well as a strong ability to coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to arrive at consistent, timely, and fair decisions that could mitigate risks and maximise project results
Solid knowledge of financial and operational procedures
Strong communications and interpersonal skills
Flexibility and ability to travel at least 50 percent between Epulu, Bunia, Goma, and Kinshasa
Fluency in French, English, and Swahili