Pathfinder Project Manager (PPM)

Organizational Context

Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is an international non-governmental Organization registered in the Vatican, with a mission to accompany, serve and advocate for forcibly displaced people that they may heal, learn and determine their own future. JRS programmes are currently found in over 58 countries, serving refugees, other forcibly displaced persons and members of the host communities. The main programmes provided are in the field of Education, Livelihoods, Reconciliation, Advocacy and Mental Health and Psycho-Social Support. JRS facilitates involvement of individuals and communities and promotes regional and global cooperation and networking on behalf of refugees and the forcibly displaced. JRS works cooperatively with other organisations and agencies in order to achieve its mission. It seeks work in situations where no one else is working, where it can bring a particular expertise to bear, where its presence will attract others, where it can build its work on an existing network and where its presence can send a larger message to decision makers and others.

Key purpose

The Pathfinder Manager manages and oversees the different activities of the project, coordinating different educational and other inputs, and ensuring smooth linkages between activities. S/he reports directly to the Programmes Manager, works closely with relevant team members, and ensures that key deliverables of Pathfinder are met. S/he consults with participants and staff to find solutions to emerging performance and design issues.

The position requires a strong background in programme development and management, particularly with ability to motivate teams, and transfer knowledge and train staff in Pathfinder methodologies and philosophy. It also requires strong communication skills, a high level of personal initiative, leadership, and the capacity to work with a team. Creativity and flexibility are also expected, particularly with regard to the need to develop solutions in a context with limited resources.

Relationships

The Pathfinder Project Manager works as part of the JRS Malawi team and reports directly to the Programmes Manager and receives technical support from the International Office Professional and Post-Secondary Education Specialist.

Major Responsibilities

The Pathfinder Project Manager will:

• Lead and motivate the project team to provide all Pathfinder services efficiently, ensuring smooth linkages and coordination between different phases and activities;
• Ensure overall progress of the project towards its outcomes and deliverables and, in consultation with staff and beneficiaries, monitor and adapt the project as needed;
• Manage the project budget ensuring performance-to-budget and dealing with issues as they arise
• With the academic, education or course coordinator(s), ensure maintenance of academic standards and fulfilment of learning outcomes recording student progress;
• Ensure Monitoring is being carried out comprehensively and effectively if necessary, facilitating access to participant groups;
• Ensure appropriate student recruitment strategies and selection;
• With Programmes Manager, Human Resources Manager and Country Director, ensure appropriate staff coverage and training in necessary skills and in the Pathfinder approach;
• Initiate regular project team meetings;
• Ensure and model project compliance with all policies, procedures, and protocols of JRS.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of four (4) years relevant work experience in humanitarian or development project management with management skills, capabilities and demonstrated operational history of adaptive and solutions focussed management;
• Bachelor’s degree in management, development, or related fields of study; or equivalent work experience;
• Ability to motivate teams, and transfer knowledge and train staff in Pathfinder methodologies and philosophy.

Required Skills and competencies

• Demonstrated success in managing a multidisciplinary and multi-cultural staff;
• Solutions focused self-starter with proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage own time effectively;
• Ability to use appropriate tools to organise and run meetings, plan work trajectories;
• Operational fluency in English or French and knowledge of local language preferred;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams).

Required Core values

• Good understanding of and compatibility with the values of JRS;
• Commitment to JRS’s mission, vision and values; the ability to convey with enthusiasm JRS’s role in accompanying and serving forcibly displaced people and to advocate for their right to protection and a life in dignity.
• High integrity, honesty and confidentiality; ability to deal tactfully and discreetly with people, situations and information.
• Acceptance of diversity and inclusion as a core value;