Project Coordinator Education – ZOA Uganda

Position : Project Coordinator Education (for Nationals only)

Starting date : October 2021

Duty station : Amudat

Reports to : Programme Manager Karamoja

Date of posting : 1st September 2021

ABOUT ZOA

We are here for our neighbours in need, who are suffering in this broken world.

ZOA, as an international NGO, supports people who have lost everything due to armed conflict or natural disaster. Together, we can come to their aid in emergencies and remain faithful to communities as they recover – providing new opportunities for them to help themselves again. The work of ZOA is coordinated from the Netherlands. We are active in multiple countries in Africa, South America, the Middle East Region, and Asia. We work with approximately 900 employees worldwide and with (local) partners. We invite you to join our team of committed colleagues.

In Uganda, ZOA has offices in Kampala, West Nile (Arua), Acholi (Nwoya), and Karamoja (Amudat). ZOA Uganda works both in relief and recovery on the themes of food security & livelihoods, WASH, primary/accelerated/vocational education, and conflict management with a special focus on land security.

ZOA is looking for a:

Project Coordinator

Purpose of the position

The Project Coordinator (PC), with support from the Programme Manager (PGM), is responsible for planning, coordinating and implementing the activities of the specific ZOA project(s) assigned to him/her.

The EMBRACE Education project in Amudat is a five year project (2019-2024) focusing on support to quality primary education in Amudat district. The project is funded by Pharus Foundation (Netherlands). The project incorporates school infrastructure, teacher training, engagement with communities.

The PC is responsible for day to day implementation of the project, with the project team, including:

• Ensuring high-level implementation of education activities, according to the agreed project plan, building upon project achievements so far
• Taking the lead in designing community engagement and mobilization strategies aimed at increasing community understanding/buy in, participation and contribution to ensure project sustainability and ownership
• Ensuring Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEAL) systems are in use, as well as accountability systems, with regular feedback from project beneficiaries and district leaders to be sought, documented and shared on a regular basis
• With support from the Programme Manager, the Project Coordinator ensures that local government and community leaders are regularly updated on project implementation, and have a high buy-in of project activities.

Main activities

Tasks, responsibilities, results

• Implements project activities in line with the project proposal to achieve optimal project outputs and outcomes in line with ZOA/donor procedures and targets;
• Leads and supports staff and community volunteers in day to day implementation;
• Accounts timely for executed project activities in line with and according to relevant ZOA policies and guidelines;
• Ensures project outputs are consistent with the project proposal, log frame and in line with quality standards and country policies;
• Any other duty as assigned by the supervisor in line with the project.

Leadership and management

• Leads day to day project team planning and activities, ensuring good communication and coordination within the team;
• Liaises regularly with the PGM to ensure good team morale and that the team has the necessary support;
• S/he is a member of Program Management Team (PMT) in Karamoja Programme.

Project coordination

• Plans, organizes and coordinates the implementation of activities as described in the project proposal, with guidance from the PGM, with weekly, monthly work plans;
• Develops and implements the procurement plan and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEAL) plans within ZOA framework and policies and guidelines;
• Ensures technical support to implementation of the project, engaging directly with the Education Advisor and other colleagues in the Programme Quality Team (Kampala);
• Reports on the project progress on a monthly basis to the Programme Manager; and contributes to donor reports in line with contractual obligations;
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with the district education office, and local authorities specifically the Sub-county local governments, coordinating partners, and other key actors in the district and sub-counties;
• Any other duty assigned by the Programme Manager .

HR/Admin/Finance

• Oversees budget implementation in consultation with PGM; ensures expenses are incurred in line with the approved budget;
• Contributes to the recruitment of well-qualified project staff as requested;
• Works closely with PGM to ensures that project staff are conversant with their job description, ZOA’s internal regulations, standards, policies and donor regulations and are acquainted with their colleagues in the Karamoja Programme team;
• Supervises and carries out periodical evaluation of the performance of the staff assigned to this project against established performance objectives in a timely manner in close collaboration with PGM.
• Recommends training opportunities for project staff;
• Serves as key field team focal point when further guidance is needed by the education team;
• Ensures effective leave management within the project team, in liaison with the Field Administrator

Competencies – knowledge and experience

Knowledge & Experience:

Essential

• Degree in Education, SWASA, Development Studies, or other relevant field;
• At least 3 years successful project cycle management experience in a similar position implementing education projects ideally involving access to education, quality education, protection, gender, and disability inclusion;

Desired

• Experience implementing project in the pastoralist context with aspects of community engagement;
• Understanding of the local context, culture, and languages;
• Experience in school-based WASH activities, including Menstrual Hygiene/Health Management;
• Experience on projects funded by institutional donors.

Skills:

• Excellent spoken and written command of English is essential; knowledge in Pokot and or Kiswahili is desired;
• Good communication, writing and facilitation skills;
• Ability to provide regular feedback, acknowledge success and the need for improvement with project team;
• Good computer skills: Ms Excel and Ms Word;
• Ability to drive a motorcycle with valid driving/riding licence.

Competencies – behaviour

• Commitment to ZOA’s mission, vision and values (see https://www.zoa-international.com/corporate-identity/)
• Able to plan and coordinate and work in an organized manner
• Able to bridge differences and bring people together from different backgrounds
• High level of integrity
• Motivated to work independently / self-managing