Experienced Project Consortium Manager – Strengthening Locally-Led Solutions to Intersecting Peace, Gender, and Climate Change Challenges in East Africa

Introduction to Saferworld and the Project

Saferworld is an independent international organisation working to prevent violent conflict and build safer lives. We work with people affected by conflict to improve their safety and sense of security, and conduct wider research and analysis. Our priority is people – we believe in a world where everyone can lead peaceful, fulfilling lives, free from fear and insecurity. We are a not-for-profit organisation operational in 10 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Saferworld is committed to providing a safe and trusted environment that safeguards our staff, partners, and communities. Our organisational integrity is derived from the values and principles that underpin and guide our work.

Climate, conflict, and the environment is one of Saferworld's five strategic objectives. Within our new global strategy, we have committed to providing conflict and peacebuilding expertise to support urgent solutions to the combined threats of the climate crisis, conflict, and environmental degradation. We will build on work Saferworld has done on the complex ways that the climate crisis and conflict dynamics can reinforce one another, and the important role that people – communities, civil society organisations, and decision-makers – can play in finding innovative responses.

Project Overview

From September 2023, Saferworld will lead a Consortium consisting of six civil society organisations from Kenya, South Sudan, and Uganda as part of a project – "Strengthening locally-led solutions to intersecting peace, gender, and climate change challenges in the borderlands of Kenya, South Sudan, and Uganda". Across Kenya, South Sudan, and Uganda, there are intersecting challenges of: violent conflict which leads to insecurity and loss of life; patriarchal structures which increase women's risk of gender-based violence and exclude them from decision-making; and climate change which has reduced access to arable land and to water, created biodiversity loss, and heightened food insecurity.

The aim of this project is to enhance human security and gender equality by addressing transboundary conflict and the effects of climate change through strengthening locally-led solutions to intersecting peace, gender, and climate challenges across the three countries. The project will focus on building the capacity of local communities, civil society organisations, and decision-makers to respond to the complex challenges posed by climate change, conflict, and environmental degradation.

Job Purpose and Responsibilities

The Project Consortium Manager will be responsible for the successful delivery of the "Strengthening locally-led solutions to intersecting peace, gender, and climate change challenges in the borderlands of Kenya, South Sudan, and Uganda" project. The Project Consortium Manager will hold overall responsibility for the implementation of the project, oversee grant management, provide technical expertise, and lead on coordination of the overall programme.

The key responsibilities of the Project Consortium Manager will include:

• Providing leadership for the effective and efficient management of the project, in accordance with Saferworld organisational and donor requirements.
• Overseeing implementation and achievement of project objectives by the project team and partners.
• Ensuring that joint planning, budgeting, and reporting are conducted promptly and to quality.
• Identifying areas where additional inputs are needed to ensure high-quality programming, ensuring that relevant technical expertise and capacity strengthening support is available to staff and partners.
• Ensuring an overall monitoring and evaluation plan is in place for the programme and implemented.
• Exploring and building opportunities for programme growth and follow-on funding in the course of implementing the project through quality programme delivery processes.
• Being responsible for nurturing and maintaining a robust, honest, and transparent relationship with project partners, ensuring the project's partnerships are managed in line with Saferworld's partnership approach.
• Leading in the identification of project risks and proactively working with partners to mitigate risk factors against partnership and project delivery plans.
• Chairing the meetings of the project steering committee and ensuring that action points agreed during the meetings are followed through.

Financial Management and Reporting

The Project Consortium Manager will have overall responsibility for financial management of the project. This includes working with budget holders and finance staff in Uganda, South Sudan, and Kenya, and ensuring that all activities and expenditures are conducted within budget allocations.

The key financial management responsibilities will include:

• Facilitating monthly consortium level grant management meetings to monitor programme expenditure, prepare budget revisions and forecasts, review monthly financial data, and ensure timely financial reporting to the donor, in coordination with the budget holders and grant managers.
• Coordinating the collation of narrative reporting to donors, including coordinating reporting by staff and partners and consolidating overall reports.

Essential Qualifications and Skills

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• A strong background in project management, preferably in a consortium setting.
• Experience of working in a complex, dynamic environment, with a strong focus on partnership management and collaboration.
• Excellent leadership and management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a team.
• Strong technical expertise in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and climate change, with a deep understanding of the complex relationships between these issues.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with partners, donors, and other stakeholders.
• Strong financial management skills, with experience of managing complex budgets and ensuring compliance with donor requirements.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, with a strong focus on delivery and results.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

While not essential, the following qualifications and skills would be an advantage:

• A postgraduate degree in a relevant field, such as peace studies, conflict resolution, or environmental management.
• Experience of working in East Africa, preferably in Kenya, South Sudan, or Uganda.
• Knowledge of the local language(s) spoken in the region.
• Experience of working with civil society organisations and communities to build their capacity and support their work.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think strategically and creatively.

Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits

Saferworld is committed to the development and growth of our staff. As a Project Consortium Manager, you will have access to a range of training and development opportunities, including:

• Regular performance reviews and feedback, to help you grow and develop in your role.
• Access to a range of training and development courses, including project management, leadership, and technical skills.
• Opportunities to work with a range of partners and stakeholders, including civil society organisations, communities, and donors.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment, with a strong focus on teamwork and mutual respect.

Work Environment and Company Culture

Saferworld is a values-driven organisation, committed to creating a safe and trusted environment for our staff, partners, and communities. Our company culture is built on the following values:

• Respect: We respect the dignity and autonomy of all individuals and communities, and work to build trust and understanding.
• Integrity: We are honest, transparent, and accountable in all our work, and strive to do what is right, even when it is difficult.
• Partnership: We believe in the power of partnership and collaboration, and work to build strong, mutually respectful relationships with our partners and stakeholders.
• Excellence: We strive for excellence in all our work, and are committed to continuous learning and improvement.

Compensation, Perks, and Benefits

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including:

• A salary that reflects your experience and qualifications.
• A range of benefits, including health insurance, pension, and annual leave.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment.

Conclusion

If you are a motivated and experienced project manager, with a strong background in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and climate change, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. As a Project Consortium Manager with Saferworld, you will have the chance to make a real difference in the lives of communities affected by conflict and climate change, and to contribute to the development of innovative solutions to these complex challenges.

Don't hesitate to apply today and join our team of dedicated professionals working to build a safer, more peaceful world.