SolidarMed is a leading non-profit organization working to improve the health care of 2.5 million people in Lesotho, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Working with national partners to strengthen health systems and community capacities, we are committed to scientific evidence and policy dialogue both as foundations and objectives of our work.
The project manager is primarily responsible for the overall implementation of the “Leap Start Lesotho” project. As it is the first year of implementation, the project manager will be required to initiate partnership agreements with the Ministry of Health and the District Health Management teams and conduct an initial stakeholder assessment in the two districts to identify existing ECD actors. The project manager will oversee the baseline survey, establish the e-health registries, and develop all relevant project documents (e.g. annual plans of operation, budgets, donor reports) that will be regularly tracked and updated throughout the project cycle. He/she will ensure effective communication within the project team but also with the rest of the SolidarMed Lesotho programme to foster smooth cooperation between the project and national/district authorities.
Contract Type
Full time
Place Of Assignment
The place of assignment will be determined after the final selection but will most likely be based in Butha Buthe or Mokhotlong district, Lesotho. Regular travel to the site offices in Butha Buthe and Mokhotiong and frequent travels to the project sites will be required. Additional travel to Maseru and other districts may be occasionally needed and recommended for networking and policy dialogue.
Main Tasks and Responsibilities:
Establishment of Partnerships and Stakeholder Groups
- Introduce the project to relevant Mo/DHMT personnel and initiate partnership agreements
- Conduct a stakeholder mapping exercise to identify key ECD players in our project areas and establish partnership agreements with relevant actors
Project implementation, steering, technical support
- Ensure the overall responsibility for the set-up, functioning and implementation of the project “Leap Start Lesotho” in Butha Buthe and Mokhotlong Districts.
- Prepare the annual project documents such as yearly plan of operations, reports and budgets in coordination with the Technical and Operation Directors and the SolidarMed team in Lesotho.
- Implement the project according to the ProDesc and logframe, using standards and agreed upon management tools such as periodical work plans, monitoring or result mapping.
- Ensure that all relevant project staff and authorities are included in the planning and implementation of the project.
- Ensure that appropriate administrative, financial and logistic procedures are in place, maintained and adhered to so that all support functions are carried out consistently, effectively, efficiently and in a transparent manner.
- Accurately manage and control the budget through preparation and submission of reports on projected expenditure and monthly monitoring of expenditure versus the budget, using the budget tracker templates.
- Use financial resources effectively and efficiently, and in conformity with the project objectives and responsibility matrix (Organisation Handbook) The immediate responsibility for the finances and the financial controlling lies within the Project Manager.
- Provide technical support to the development of new SolidarMed projects in Lesotho or other countries where SolidarMed is active.
Leading, managing and coaching the project team
- Supervise and guide the Leap Start project staff regarding implementation and monitoring of project activities.
- In line with the project documents, act as Trainer and Mentor: identify training needs, organise and/or facilitate training and mentoring sessions as needs arise.
- Ensure project staff adhere to SolidarMed rules and regulations as defined in the respective national and organisational regulatory frameworks.
- Conduct regular performance reviews to project staff under the reporting line (typically once per year)
Implementation Research
- Proactively initiate, develop, plan, implement, and evaluate implementation research activities, in close consultation and collaboration with the Technical Director and SolidarMed office Lucerne.
- Collaborate with scientific partners in the implementation of research activities, when relevant.
- Actively promote the sharing of research findings within SolidarMed, with local partners, stakeholders and at national and international level
- Partner and policy dialogue
- Contribute to increased visibility and enhance the reputation of SolidarMed both locally, nationally and with donors.
- Use and extend thematic networks both within and outside Lesotho for the benefit of the project and for the country programme.
- Actively look for and contact other relevant actors in the ECD sector, possible additional local partners and prospective donors.
- Provide inputs to policy development, policy dialogue and knowledge capitalisation.
- Ensure appropriate dialogue and good coordination with the local administration, partners and other stakeholders at district, regional and national level and representing the project in official matters (such as towards donors, authorities etc.). Organise regular partner meetings for review, dialogue and planning.
Monitoring and Reporting
- The Project Manager is directly in charge of all monitoring and reporting regarding the “Leap Start” project including the monthly tracking of the yearly plan of operations.
- The Project Manager ensures that written reports, as requested by SolidarMed and/or donors are submitted according to the deadlines and in adequate quality.
- The Project Manager ensures monitoring of project activities and data collection for the reporting on project indicators. Reporting language is English. Standardised reporting templates are an integral part of the SolidarMed Programme Project Cycle Management.
- The Project Manager ensures to meet other local reporting necessities (concept papers, annual work plans, interim reports etc.) towards local administrations and other partners that arise occasionally.
- The Project Manager will respond to additional and occasional case by case reporting needs as demanded by SolidarMed, such as proposal writing, capitalisation or monitoring reports, project descriptions or short reports for SolidarMed publications
- Photo documentation is part of reporting as indicated in the reporting templates and guidelines.
Skills, Required Experience and Competencies:
- Sound computer literacy, communication skills, report writing skills, ability to work and deliver results under pressure, basic knowledge of research principles, sound knowledge or willingness to learn good clinical practices in conducting clinical trials
- Excellent oral and written English, including report writing and presentation skills
- Fluent in Sesotho is advantageous.
- Positive overview in a complex working environment, good interpersonal skills
- Experience in -ECD curriculum development and Trainings
Qualifications
- Bachelors Degree with 5 years experience OR Honours degree with 2 years in Early Childhood Development, Education, Public Health
- Project Management qualification with 3 years of experience.
Interested candidates should send applications via email to: [email protected] before close of business 27th October 2023. Subject line: “Leap Start Lesotho” Project Manager
Applications must include:
- A cover letter outlining your motivation and how you meet the requirements.
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae indicating relevant work experience and contact details of referees.
- 3 professional references, two from immediate supervisors.
- Certified copies of your latest and /or most relevant qualification
NB:
- ALL applications must be submitted via email – NO HARD COPY/in person application submissions will be accepted
- Only short-listed candidates will be contacted