Project Manager

Position Description

The Project Manager II supports efficient, effective, and compliant implementation of the USAID Cadre Development and Training Activity (CDAT) activity, which is focused on supporting learning and professional development related to conflict prevention, resolution, stabilization, fragility, and peacebuilding. This activity is housed within the Learning & Leadership Development (L&LD) practice area of EnCompass. This position plays a critical role in project management by effectively implementing organizational budget and project management frameworks and processes, applying lessons learned, and improving teams’ performance using EnCompass procedures, systems, tools, and resources. This individual collaborates with practice area leadership (Vice Presidents, Directors, Associate Directors, and the Project Operations and Management Function – POM), project leads, and their teams, as well as with the Finance, Contracts, and Talent Management offices, among others. A critical role played by this position, is to ensure efficiencies and support technical teams so they can deliver high results (I.e., project deliverables) within the project’s budget, scope, schedule, and quality standards. The Project Manager II reports to the Project Director and works closely with the POM Manager and Associate Director of Operations.

The position is based at EnCompass’ Rockville, MD headquarters. Expected to be remote until Feb 2022. Must be legally authorized to work in the US for any employer without sponsorship.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

Essential functions include:

• Works with practice area leadership, project teams, the Project Operations and Management (POM) Function, and the Finance, Contracts, and Talent Management teams to develop and maintain proper project operations and management standards and procedures related to contracts management, financial management, talent management, travel and logistics management, asset and resource management, knowledge and data management, and quality assurance management in line with EnCompass policies and procedures
• Ensures CDAT implements or appropriately adapts project operations and management standards and procedures in project start-up, implementation, and closeout, in compliance with client contract requirements and EnCompass policies and standards
• Ensures that the CDAT team has adequate POM support through capacity-building and mentorship of Project Coordinators and Project Assistants
• Mentors and oversees CDAT project coordinator, and assistants in the effective and efficient implementation of POM functions, standards, and processes
• Directly implements POM functions for the CDAT activity, with guidance from the POM Project Manager
• Resolves project management issues that have been escalated

Budgets/Finance/Contracts

• Effectively manages all aspects of financial monitoring and reporting for CDAT contract
• Oversees projections, monitoring, and analysis of project burn rate and profitability, including level of effort burn, subcontractors’ costs, expense reports, deliverables, etc. to ensure profitability, contract compliance, and alignment to company policies and procedures
• Proactively identifies financial variations and manages financial risks with the POM Project Manager, Associate Director of Operations, and the CDAT Project Director
• Oversees preparation of budget modifications and tracking of contract modifications
• Contributes to meeting project revenue and profit goals by advising on approaches and solutions to increase operational effectiveness and efficiencies
• Works with the Finance Team to streamline and improve financial operating procedures for project management

Project Management Support

• Works closely with the Project Director and technical leads on monitoring contract performance: e.g., quality of service and products, timeliness, cost control, general management, responsiveness, subcontractor management, key personnel, regulatory compliance
• Identifies, develops, and supports appropriate adaptation of project-specific checklists/processes/tracking tools/templates related to start-up, implementation, and closeout processes in compliance with contract requirements and organizational procedures
• Manages the Project Review process in collaboration with the Project Director
• Collaborates with project leads to identify, track, and communicate program/project issues and risks, and advises on mitigation plans
• Mentors team members on project management and operational practices
• Manages POM support to CDAT team with project implementation tasks such as developing the work plan, staffing, training, procurement plans, quality control plan, communication plan, risk management plan, project progress reports, and throughout the project life-cycle
• Ensures that standard program reporting tasks are submitted in a compliant and timely manner.
• Ensures the coordination of onboarding training/processes for new staff/consultants

Supervision

• Supports recruitment, hiring, and management of staff and consultants (at headquarters and in-country programs)
• Supervises staff and consultants as needed

Knowledge Management, Business Development and Other

• Oversees knowledge management efforts within the CDAT team, which includes SharePoint
• Coordinates the development of resources for practice area/teams’ communications pages
• Collaborates with other Managers and the EnCompass Project Management Team lead to build out and socialize approaches, toolkits, and capacity development resources
• Provides inputs and reviews technical and cost proposals as requested by the Business Development (BD) team

• Engages fully as a member of the EnCompass staff team, including participating in staff meetings and other EnCompass

• Other duties as assigned

Position Requirements

Qualifications

• Minimum of a High School Diploma and 10 years of experience, or an Associate’s Degree and 8 years of experience, or Bachelor’s Degree and 6 years of experience, or a Master’s degree and 5 years of experience, or a Ph.D. and 3 years of experience

Experience and Skills

• Minimum of three years of project management experience, including experience in:
  • Supporting and tracking contracts or task orders and deliverables
  • Supporting staff and consultants in all operational aspects of a project
  • Developing and monitoring budgets for project activities
• Experience managing projects focused on conflict resolution and peacebuilding, adult learning, instructional design, and/or training and facilitation programs preferred
• Experience working with international organizations, including the U.S. Government, U.N., NGOs, or the private sector
• Excellent management, organization, communication (verbal and written) and problem-solving skills with the ability to prioritize assignments and meet required deadlines
• Ability to confidently engage with staff at all levels to define needs and expectations, collaborate on projects, and communicate results
• Ability to deal sensitively in multi-cultural environments and build effective working relations with clients and colleagues
• Flexibility in working in a dynamic environment managing multiple activities, ad hoc requests, and changing requirements
• Ability to integrate diverse information from varied sources
• Adept at identifying and framing problems, setting priorities, and making critical assessments
• Committed to providing the highest level of service to clients and technical teams
• Expertise in project management software (SharePoint, MS Project, etc..), word processing, database management, spreadsheets (Excel), and web-based programs
• Ability to travel required
• Fluency in languages other than English is desirable, specifically in French
• Experience working or living overseas is preferred, and working in difficult and volatile country contexts is desirable
• Ability to work in an appreciative, strengths-based environment and to guide others in using an appreciative approach