(OPEN) Project Manager

Community Empowerment for Rural Development (CEFORD) is a non-profit and an indigenous NGO registered as a Limited Liability (by Guarantee) under Registrar of Companies – in year 2000; and also registered in November 2000 with Uganda Non-Governmental Organizations Board as S.5914/3432 according to the NGOs Statute of 1989.

CEFORD in collaboration with Muni University, Gulu University, Bishop Stuart University, Finn Church Aid, Danchurch Aid, Palmcorps, Meeting Point Kitgum and Young Africa Refugees for Integral Development are implementing RETI Program an initiative contributing towards the realization of Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works Strategy. The four (4) years RETI Program seeks to address the youth unemployment challenges in 15 refugee hosting Districts in Adjumani, Obongi, Arua, Koboko, Madi Okollo, Terego and Yumbe in West Nile; Kiryandongo, Lamwo, Gulu in Northern Uganda and Kyegegwa, Kamwenge, and Mbarara in South Western Uganda. The program will improve access to quality, innovative and relevant skills development for refugees and host community youth and transit them into dignified and fulfilling work.

In order to realize the project’s goals and objectives, CEFORD invites application from competent and suitably qualified candidates to fill the following Position;

Location: Arua
Reports to: Programme Manager

Job Summary: The Project Manager will be responsible for providing overall leadership and management to RETI project in CEFORD. The Manager shall oversee various project activities, collaborate with stakeholders, and ensure the project’s objectives and targets are met within the established timelines and budget and ensure safeguarding and strict observance of the CEFORD and Foundation core values. The project manager will work closely with Program Manager and Technical team, Artisans, partners, and project participants to deliver relevant skills development programs, ensuring they align with industry needs and support youth employment. Additionally, the role involves managing resources, tracking progress, and reporting on project outcomes while fostering stakeholder engagement and continuous improvement.

Specific Roles and Responsibilities

Provide Project Leadership and Management

1. Work closely with the Program Manager to develop detailed annual and quarterly plans, including work plans, targets, budgets, and timelines.
2. Oversee the execution of project activities, ensuring they align with project goals and objectives.
3. Ensure adherence to the program’s, goal, outcomes, outputs, and timelines.
4. Develop and maintain a comprehensive work plan, ensuring alignment with the objectives of the project.
5. Manage human resource and assets of the project

Project Coordination and Collaboration

• Foster effective collaboration through effective and open communication among staff, partners, ensuring that all stakeholders work cohesively to achieve objectives of the project.
• Coordinate regular project meetings, workshops, and fora to facilitate knowledge sharing and decision-making.
• Manage and resolve conflicts and challenges that may arise within the project
• And attend all stakeholder meetings including those initiated by PMU, OPM, UNHCR and the DLGs in relation to the project activities, youth employment, industry standards and quality assurance.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

1. Implement a robust monitoring, evaluation and learning framework to track project performance
2. Support the MEAL Team to collect and analyze data to assess the impact of project interventions.
3. Organise project reflection meetings and learning events both with internal staff and external stakeholders.
4. Support the MEL officer and Project assistants with this in facilitating learning

Documentation and Reporting

1. Prepare timely, and high-quality regular progress reports, including narrative and financial reports, and updates on project status for internal and external stakeholders.
2. Ensure accurate and timely documentation of project activities, achievements versus targets, challenges and mitigation measures, lessons learned, and best practices.

Capacity Building

1. Provide guidance and support to youth participants to ensure they maximize their learning and development opportunities.
2. Organize apprenticeships, internships and other necessary on the job trainings
3. Provide training and support to project staff, trainers, and facilitators.
4. Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in skills development.

Stakeholder Engagement

1. Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including; local governments, OPM, Partners in the same sector, local artisans among others in provision of relevant services to project beneficiaries.
2. Represent the project at relevant meetings, events, and fora, advocating for the goals and objectives of the project
3. Represent CEFORD at meetings, workshops, and conferences related to the project.

Financial Management

1. Oversee the project budget and expenditures, ensuring responsible financial management and compliance with the funding requirements.
2. Work closely with the Finance Manager, Project Accountant and Program Manager to track expenses.
3. Support the finance team during internal and external audits.

Risk Management

1. Identify potential risks and challenges to the successful implementation of the project and develop mitigation strategies (risk matrix).
2. Implement a robust monitoring, evaluation and learning framework to track project performance

Person specifications and qualification

• Should possess a Masters Degree in project planning and management, development studies, or social work and social administration.
• At least 5-years’ experience in managing projects or youth skilling programs or working in consortiums.
• Should have a clear understanding of a project management cycle, result based monitoring and taking corrective actions.
• Good understanding of gender and safeguarding.
• Strong understanding of the challenges faced by youth in refugee and host communities.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural and diverse environment.
• Proven experience in project management, project coordination, or a related role
• Experience working with refugees and host communities and their stakeholders

Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.

• Attention to detail and commitment to quality.

How to Apply:

Application lettersaccompanied by detailed curriculum vitae and photocopies of relevant academic documents like transcripts, certificates, testimonials and contacts and email addresses of 3 referees including day telephone numbers, should be addressed to:

The Executive Director – CEFORD

P.O. Box 303

Arua.

Hard copy applications can be delivered to CEFORD Offices in Arua, Yumbe, Paidha, Moyo and Adjumani. Electronic application having all the required documents combined as one pdf file should be emailed with the subject clearly marked “Position Applied-Name of Applicant” torecruitment@ceford.or.ug. All applications should reach the above address not later than Tuesday 5^th November, 2024 by 4:00PM. Late submission of applications and those not in one pdf file will not be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please submit Once, either hard copy or soft copy NOT BOTH.

NOTE: Women and persons with disability are encouraged to apply.