The Project Manager, under operational guidance of the Area Coordinator and technical guidance of the Deputy Country Director and Country Project Coordinator, is responsible for ensuring the proper implementation of ACTED’s Food Security, Agriculture and Livelihood project.

Project description:

Project Manager will oversee ACTED’s intervention; “Strengthening the agricultural value chain trough local government structures to regenerate sustainable livelihood opportunities in Syria” staring from January 2018 in Dara governorate. The main project objectives are as follows:

• Value chain assessment.
• Strengthening of capacity of local authorities.
• Comprehensive agricultural chain rehabilitation.
• Strengthening productivity and profitability of local farmers, livestock holders and agricultural entrepreneurs.
• Increasing capacity of Syrian farmers and livestock holders via trainings, information campaigns, providing the agricultural inputs.
• Provision of veterinary services to livestock holders.
• Rehabilitation and construction of communal agricultural assets and irrigation infrastructures.• Supporting the agricultural entrepreneurs with grands to start their own business.

The Projects Manager (PM) oversees the success and achievement of the projects and ensures effective and timely completion of activities, delivery of quality outputs and achievement of outcomes with maximum impact for beneficiaries. The PM will recruit, manage and monitor the achievements project staff. In addition, the Projects Manager will give technical input and influence the development of the overall FSL Strategy.

The Projects Manager supervises the relevant project staff members, based in Amman and remotely manages all the FSL projects staff inside Syria with relevant internal departments, implementing partners and project stakeholders.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Project Planning

a) The development the overall project implementation strategy, systems, approaches, tools, and materials
b) The organization of the project kick-off and close-out meetings c) The planning of the various stages of project implementation and prioritizing and organizing activities and resources to achieve project objectives

2. Project Implementation Follow-up

a) In coordination with the team members and implementing partners oversee and manage the implementation of the project ensuring that technical quality and standards are considered and respected during project(s) implementation taking into consideration the remote project management
b) Organize regular project coordination meetings with project team, also using the internet in remote context
c) Ensure budget utilization and physical target achievements are reviewed at least once a month as per work plan
d) Ensure project implementation is on time, target and budget, using effective M&E systems to reach desired impacts
e) Ensure that the projects are implemented in accordance with relevant ACTED technical guidelines and standards
f) Anticipate and mitigate risks and trouble-shoot any unforeseen challenges during the project implementationg) Support the project managers in updating the work plan, output tracker, PMF and other documents relevant for effective project management.

3. Administration and Operational Management of Project Implementation
3.1. Finance
a) Provide guidance to the project managers in the review of the BFU(s) and forecasts with BOQsb) Provide guidance to the staff members forecasting the budget, monthly cash requirements of the project and submit to AC

3.2. Logistics – Provide guidance and support to the staff team in doing the following:
a) Contribute to the development of Procurement plans
b) Send accurate and precise order forms in a timely manner
c) Contribute to quality checks and procurement committees to finalize suppliers’ selection according to applicable scenario
d) Confirm quality of material selection if and when applicable
e) Ensure a proper management and use of the project assets and stocksf) Plan team movements based on available fleet and applicable policies

3.3. Administration/HR
a) Participate in the recruitment of technical staff (development of organograms, ToRs, elaborating the tests and reviewing them; interviews etc.)
b) Ensure that projects staff understand and are able to perform their roles and responsibilities
a) Support the project managers in the follow-up the work plans and day-to-day activities of the project staff
b) Manage the project staff, in cooperation with Area Coordinators
c) Ensure a positive working environment and good team dynamics
d) Undertake regular appraisals of staff and follow career management
e) Manage interpersonal conflictsc) Ensure capacity building among staff in relevant sectors

3.4. Transparency

a) Ensure project records and documents (Flat files, beneficiary list, donation certificates, attendance sheets etc.) are adequately prepared, compiled and filed according to ACTED procedures.b) Ensure staff awareness of, and respect of, ACTED’s code of conduct and FLATS procedures.

3.5. Security
a) Ensure that each member of the project team is aware of security issues, policies, SOPs and they follow them accordingly.b) In cooperation with the relevant Security Officer, monitor the local security situation and inform the Country Director or Area Coordinator and Country or Area Security Officer of developments through regular written reports.

4. External Relations

a) Support, facilitate or undertake communication and liaison activities to actively consult and involve beneficiaries, key informants, actors, partners and stakeholders in all stages of project design and implementation
b) Cultivate good relations with key humanitarian actors – local and international, including government authorities and non-state actors, through regular attendance at technical meetings and bilateral meetings
c) Ensure that at all times contact with beneficiaries is conducted in a sensitive and respectful manner.
d) Where relevant, liaise with donors and work closely with implementing partners on project updates, site visits and other communication. e) Identify opportunities to collaborate and coordinate efforts with other organizations to ensure our activities build upon – rather than replicate – the work of others

5. Quality Control

a) Assess the activities undertaken by the implementing partners and staff members and ensure efficient use of resources
b) Undertake regular field visits to provide technical guidance and supervision as well as regularly monitor the progress of project activities
c) Ensure lessons learned are documented, shared and reflected in project planning and decision making
d) Advise on, and assist with, project reviews conducted by AMEU
e) Ensure quality control, analysis of added-value and impact, identification and capitalization on best practices and lessons learnt and provide relevant feedback for new project development f) Identify and analyze gaps, ACTED’s added value, synergies and opportunities in the areas the project(s) is / are implemented and pass relevant information to the N+1

6. Reporting

a) Provide regular and timely updates on progress and challenges to supervisors and other team members
b) Support the staff memebers in the Draft (internal) narrative reports and contribute to the development of financial reports through regular budgetary follow up. c) Contribute to drafting of (external) project progress reports, ensuring the quality and accuracy of technical information provided

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

 % of milestones completed on time as per the original plan
 Project completed on time without the need for an NCE
 Project completed within budget flexibility (not requiring a budget amendment for project lines)
 % of contractual performance indicators achieved
 Project records and documents (beneficiary lists, donation certificates, attendance sheets, payment sheets) available for all project activities
 Positive monitoring and evaluation reports (internal and external)
 Number of complaints received related to the projects
 % ineligible expenses on project budget lines
 % retention rate of project staff  % of increase in fundraising in Food Security and Livelihood.

CANDIDATE PROFILE:

 Masters degree in agriculture, agronomy, veterinary, socio-economic, rural development, anthropology, geography, international development, etc.
 Further qualification in agriculture or live stock farming or related subject essential. Open, creative, experienced, mature, responsible, flexible, culturally sensitive.

EXPERIENCE

 FSL project management – essential. Particularly experienced in management of livestock or arable agricultural practices project related to ACTED’s project description.
 Overseas experience is an asset. Experience in managing staff and partnerships.