Job Summary

The Project Officer will support the Project Leader in managing tasks throughout the project lifecycle, from inception to completion. This role is pivotal in planning, execution, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting on project progress, while adhering to timelines, milestones, and budgets. The Project Officer will ensure high-quality control and compliance with project standards, working closely with internal teams and external partners.

Job Responsibilities

1. Project Management and Coordination:

• Manage day-to-day project operations in collaboration with the Project Leader and relevant scientists.
• Assist in the recruitment and management of project staff, including consultants and contractors.
• Support procurement processes for project goods and services, ensuring adherence to project needs and timelines.
• Organize and facilitate stakeholder consultations, workshops, and project meetings as required.
• Contribute to the preparation of progress, technical, and financial reports, including budget forecasts and variance analyses.
• Facilitate project audits and ensure compliance with donor and organizational requirements.

1. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:

• Collaborate with the Project Leader and Project Management Specialist (M&E) to develop and finalize the project’s Performance Measurement Framework.
• Define detailed scopes of work, deliverables, roles of partners, project schedules, milestones, and budget allocations.
• Measure and monitor project progress and performance against established baselines and expected outcomes.
• Track project activities to ensure the timely submission of deliverables and flag any variances or potential delays.
• Propose corrective actions and manage changes in scope, documenting and obtaining necessary approvals.

1. Stakeholder and Partnership Management:

• Assist the Project Leader, legal advisors, and Partnership and Resource Mobilization team in revising technical and financial components of agreements with funders and implementing partners.
• Maintain effective communication with stakeholders to ensure their engagement and alignment with project goals.

1. Project Closure and Knowledge Management:

• Support the Project Leader in completing project closure activities, including financial and procurement closures and the preparation of final technical reports.
• Compile lessons learned and contribute to updating the organization’s knowledge base to inform future projects.

Qualifications and Experience

• A University Degree in a related field (Economics, Business/Public Administration, Social Sciences, International Relations, etc.). A Master’s degree in Sustainable Development, Water Resources, Rural Development, or Environmental Sciences is an advantage.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in project planning, management, and execution, preferably in an international organization or development context.
• Proficiency in Monitoring and Evaluation methodologies, with demonstrated experience in developing and managing performance measurement frameworks.
• Proven experience in budget management, procurement processes, and financial reporting.
• Strong skills in using project management software (MS Project Management) and proficiency in MS Excel and MS Word.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with an ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams.