WORLD VISION ARMENIA
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Project Manager
REGION: Middle Easter/Eastern Europe
OFFICE: Yerevan, Armenia - position based in Tavush Province
DURATION: 36 months - estimated start date of employment 2nd Quarter 2004
REPORTS TO: Operations Director - with close collaboration with Tavush ADP Manager
GRADE LEVEL: 12
DATE PREPARED: January 2004 DATE REVISED:
GENERAL FRAMEWORK
World Vision Deutschland e.V. - in close co-operation with World Vision Armenia - has successfully applied for funding under 'Co-financing with European development NGOs - Operations in developing countries (Budget line B7 - 6000)
PROJECTS
In order to guarantee the effective implementation of the below described project, the position of a qualified expatriate project manager needs to be filled as soon as possible. Project Summary Sheet - attached annex 1.
PURPOSE OF POSITION
To facilitate the efficient and effective implementation of the project entitled 'Building Sustainable Rural Livelihoods In Tavush Region - Armenia' building on, integrated in, and expanding WV Armenia's long-term development activities in Armenia.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
All tasks and responsibilities to be carried out in close co-ordination with the Operations Director of WV Armenia, the Manager of the Tavush ADP, and relevant support teams in WV Armenia's National Office.
1) Arrange for a structured project start including office establishment, notification to all stakeholders concerned in collaboration with OD and ADP manager, purchase of budgeted equipment + materials etc. in line with WV Armenia Policy and Procedures.
2) Manage recruitment and contracting of national staff, ensuring compliance with WV Armenia procedures.
3) Based on the project's logframe, develop an operations plan and establish a monitoring system that allows for the measurement and documentation of project progress toward objectives and results, which maximises cross- cutting themes and programmes within the Tavush ADP
4) Provide leadership to the project bringing your knowledge and experience of multi-sectoral development projects that include agriculture, income generation and community development.
5) With the support of WV Armenia's finance team ensure that project finances meet the standards of the WV Armenia Finance Manual and the specific EU requirements.
6) Engage in networking with the donor and develop relationship of mutual confidence and respect in coordination with the OD.
7) Maintain an ongoing familiarity with the requirements and compliance procedures of the donor.
8) Maintain good working relationship with local government bodies without compromising the independence of World Vision and its non-governmental role.
9) Support the ADP Manager in her role of overall WV representation in Tavush Province.
10) Ensure municipal approval of projects is secured, as well as coordination of current and future activities in the region.
11) Coordinate visibility actions with donors and WV Armenia Marketing team.
12) Maintain appropriate security for personnel and World Vision property in line with WV Armenia's National Security Plan.
13) Work with WV Armenia Programme Officers to prepare narrative and financial reports for the donor as stipulated in the contract and ensure any difficulties or changes that might arise during the implementation of the project are agreed with the Operations Director and communicated to the donor in due time. Ensure that any appropriate permission is gained from the donor for relevant amendments.
14) Prepare monthly narrative reports to be distributed to WV Armenia national office, WV Deutschland e.V., and other stakeholders as deemed appropriate.
15) Monitor and evaluate budgeted and actual expenditures with the project accountant on a monthly basis and ensure a monthly financial report (and all documentation required by WV GFRO) is approved by the WV Armenia Finance Director prior to their timely submission to WV Germany.
16) Supervise the financial management (management of expenditures, cash-flow planning etc.) of all project activities in relation to project objectives and results.
17) Provide all necessary information/documentation needed for the regular monitoring and evaluation missions in collaboration with WV Armenia's M&E Officer.
18) Network with other non-governmental organisations (NGOs), local government officials, and community leaders in the project area to ensure continued project co-ordination, quality and innovation.
19) Undertake continuous capacity building of national staff engaged in the project in the areas of agriculture, income generation, sustainable livelihoods, rural development, and project management, so as to create and strengthen relevant indigenous skills & understanding.
20) Assist the Operations Director and the ADP Manager in the development of strategies for long-term or additional interventions, including the preparation of further plans and proposals, and handling the marketing of these.
21) Other duties as assigned by the Operations Director.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
The following knowledge, skills, and abilities may be acquired through a combination of formal schooling, self-education, prior experience, or on-the-job training:
- Requires 3-5 years of similar management experience in cross cultural environment.
- Agronomist with experience in working with farmer associations and an understanding of marketing.
- Understanding of environmental issues and micro-catchments' management.
- Prior work experience in project implementation, monitoring, evaluation, training/capacity building, conceptual programme planning, office administrative procedures and report writing.
- Excellent English and German speaking, reading and writing skills.
- Working knowledge of Russian and/or Armenian.
- Computer literacy (word processing and spreadsheets).
- Ethnic sensitivity and understanding, with an ability to resolve complex cultural issues.
- Strong inter-personal and cross-cultural communications skills and sensitivity. Ability to work closely within a team/group environment and to be diplomatic and flexible in a sometimes remote and challenging environment and/or under stress.
- Team player, with initiative & self-confidence to develop and lead programme.
- Strong organising, planning and writing skills. Strong attention to detail.
- Able to handle representation - including relations with donors.
- Experience of working in FSU transitional economies preferable.
Please note that the position requires a significant amount of local travel (including over night stays in not always very comfortable environments). It is anticipated that up to 40% of the candidate's time would be spent on the road visiting the various sites.
