294 Project management jobs

Overview

We are looking for an experienced Programme Manager to join our International Programmes Team on a permanent basis, working within our Sub-Saharan Africa region. The post is office-based working, and includes travel within the wider region as required. It is subject to a probationary period of 6 months.

The Programme Manager is a core member of the regional Programmes Team, working alongside other Programme Managers and Project Officers to deliver a coherent portfolio across the wider region. Reporting to the Regional Director, the post-holder has primary responsibility for one or more nominated sub-regions (or specific countries), and provides flexible support to colleagues across the region when required. The role works closely with the Quality Team to ensure consistent standards, due diligence, learning and compliance.

The Programme Manager manages the full project cycle, from identification and appraisal through approval, contracting, monitoring, reporting and close-out.

They also manage a portfolio of project partners, ensuring it is strategically aligned and that partners grow in capacity and impact in line with Barnabas Aid's mission. They will be supported by one or more Project Officers, and are expected to coach and mentor them to build capability and ensure high-quality delivery.

Key Responsibilities

·Partner Management

o Identify suitable partners aligned to Barnabas Aid's mission and regional strategies.

o Conduct rigorous due diligence on partners, in line with Barnabas Aid's policies and procedures.

o Ensure that partners' Barnabas Aid-funded portfolios are manageable for the maturity of the partner.

o Support partner growth through capacity building, coaching and mentoring, and by helping them identify stretching projects.

o Empower partners and sustainably grow their capacity, to the point where they do not need ongoing support or funding from Barnabas Aid.

·Project Identification and Proposal Evaluation

o Engage with churches, Christian ministries and other partners to identify needs and potential programmes aligned to the organisation's strategy.

o Support partners to conduct rigorous needs assessments and design impactful projects.

o Appraise proposals for strategic fit, feasibility, risk, value for money and anticipated impact, including objectives, implementation plans, safeguarding, timelines and budgets.

o Build a coherent, selective projects portfolio that achieves impact across the geographic remit.

o Present proposals through the appropriate internal governance and approval processes.

·Grant Management

o Manage the end-to-end grant and project process, from approval and contracting through implementation, monitoring, reporting and close-out.

o Ensure response letters contain all the conditions necessary to manage each grant effectively.

o Ensure funded work meets agreed objectives and conditions, and that documentation is complete, accurate and stored in line with internal requirements.

o Monitor progress, expenditure, results and risk, working with the Quality Team on due diligence, quality assurance, compliance and safeguarding.

o Undertake monitoring visits, partner meetings and spot checks as required, and follow up on agreed actions.

o Capture lessons from projects and share them with the Quality Team to drive quality improvements across Barnabas Aid's global portfolio.

·Stakeholder Engagement

o Work with the Quality Team to implement continuous improvement and monitoring and evaluation processes.

o Build and maintain constructive relationships with partners and stakeholders.

o Coordinate with regional colleagues to provide consistent partner communication, cover and surge support.

o Represent the organisation at internal and external meetings as required, and brief the Regional Director and wider team on key developments.

o Participate in relevant sectoral networks, seeking best practice to enhance Barnabas Aid's programming.

·Budget Management

o With the Regional Director, set annual targets for countries and sub-regions.

o Manage budgets across the nominated portfolio, ensuring resources are planned and used effectively in line with approvals and organisational policy.

o Track expenditure against budgets and milestones, and escalate issues in good time.

o Contribute to financial updates and reporting for the Regional Director and other internal stakeholders.

·Line Management

o Support and oversee one or more Project Officers, providing coaching, mentoring, objective-setting and regular feedback.

o With the Regional Director, provide day-to-day direction, quality-checking and workload prioritisation.

o Promote a collaborative, supportive culture within the regional team, sharing learning and providing cover when needed.

o Address performance or conduct issues promptly and constructively, escalating in line with policy where required.

·Reporting and Documentation

o Maintain comprehensive programme documentation, including partner due diligence, agreements, budgets, reports and correspondence, using Barnabas Aid's project systems.

o Support internal audits of projects as necessary.

o Produce timely internal updates and high-quality partner and donor reporting where required, working with the Quality Team.

o Share learning and recommendations with the Regional Director and colleagues to improve programme quality, efficiency and impact.

Other duties

The above is not an exhaustive list of duties. From time to time, the postholder may be asked or required to carry out additional tasks, or duties, over and above their usual day to day activities.

Person Requirement

Essential

You will demonstrate strong evidence in the following areas:

Experience:

·Demonstrable experience of working in sensitive contexts, and a commitment to supporting vulnerable communities in line with the organisation's values.

·Experience of managing programmes or projects across the full project lifecycle with external partners, including assessing risk, monitoring delivery and strengthening partner capacity.

Skills:

·Strong communication, relationship-building and interpersonal skills.

·Strong attention to detail and sound judgement.

·Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.

·Ability to interpret and critically evaluate proposals, schedules and step-by-step action plans.

·Proven leadership and team management skills.

·Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within a diverse, dispersed team.

·Excellent organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage a heavy caseload and multiple projects simultaneously.

·Cultural sensitivity and the ability to work effectively in diverse cultural contexts.

·Resilience and the ability to handle challenging and sensitive situations.

·Proven experience managing budgets.

·Ability to facilitate processes involving partners and other local actors (e.g. needs assessments, project design workshops).

Educational background:

·Bachelor's degree in International Development, Project Management, or a related field.

Desirable

·Additional language skills relevant to the region or country portfolio.

·Proficiency in project and grant management software and tools.

·Familiarity with risk management for international programming (e.g. international sanctions, foreign-exchange variations, cross-border currency flows).

Person specification

·A strong commitment to the values and mission of Barnabas Aid, with an understanding of Christian principles and ethics in project management.

·High level of integrity, ethical conduct and professionalism.

·Willingness to travel regularly within the UK and internationally as required.

·Personal resilience and adaptability.

·Discretion and sensitivity, with an understanding of issues of confidentiality.

·A flexible approach to work, with a cooperative and collaborative attitude, ensuring excellent standards of service are maintained at all times.

From time to time, additional training, including safeguarding training, may be required.

The offer of employment will be subject to the appropriate pre-employment checks such as references, qualifications, DBS criminal records, and eligibility to work in the UK.

How to Apply

Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter demonstrating how your skills and experience make you a good fit for this role and for the mission of Barnabas Aid.