Project Coordinator, Kulea Watoto

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

The IRC has been working in Uganda since 1998 supporting refugees, vulnerable host communities, and various institutions in the country notably the government, community-based organizations, civil society, and the private sector. Currently, the IRC in Uganda has a presence across six sub-regions and six refugee settlements, implementing programming in the sectors of health, protection, and rule of law (PRoL), women’s protection and empowerment (WPE), economic recovery and development (ERD), and education. IRC Uganda also implements cross-cutting programming focused on systems strengthening and accountability to affected persons.

Scope of work

The IRC is in the final year of a 3-year, 10 m USD project “Kulea Watoto,” or “Nurturing Care” funded by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, which aims to improve access to quality early childhood care and development for children aged 5 and under through a two generational approach, reaching both young children and their adult caregivers through improved livelihoods opportunities. The project has been running for 2 years and is planned to end in September 2025, pending further planning and discussions. It is being implemented across three districts of Uganda, specifically Kyegegwa, Kampala and Yumbe districts in partnership with four local organizations, of which one is responsible for the research component.

The IRC is seeking a Project Coordinator to continue to lead and provide oversight of the project. They will be responsible for pushing forward all agreed project deliverables with the Hilton Foundation and ensuring effective close out and/or transition of the project. They will work in collaboration with all project and partner staff, including the IRC Uganda’s field coordinators, technical coordinators for economic recovery and development (ERD) and education, and IRC ERD and early childhood development (ECD) technical unit staff based in IRC headquarters. The role is based in Kampala with frequent travel to the project sites.

Specific Responsibilities

• Directly oversee implementation of the Kulea Watoto project in the selected districts in line with the project wide results framework, budget and work plan, including local consortium partners.
• Lead the IRC project and partner staff in developing, managing and implementing key project management tools, such as workplans, spending plans, procurement plans, etc. to track progress and ensure accurate and timely reporting.
• Manage and oversee the IRC project budget, track expenditure and maintain accurate projections.
• Monitor all IRC project activities implemented through IRC and partners to ensure timely, quality implementation.
• Work closely with the project MEAL Manager for timely collection and analysis of project data and the regular collection and sharing of project evidence and learning.
• Lead the project team by creating and maintaining a work environment that promotes teamwork, trust, mutual respect, and empowers IRC and partner staff to take responsibility.
• Ensure that project communications are timely, relevant and accurate, including regular status updates.
• Serve as the main liaison with the HQ technical unit focal points, ensuring that they provide technical insight and support to project activities and objectives.
• Oversee consortium project management, acting as the program focal point with the consortium partners to ensure that they are on track with their deliverables, targets and spending.
• Liaise with other IRC related project focal points to ensure that synergies and complementarities are incorporated in the Kulea Watoto project.
• Coordinate with the International Philanthropy & Partnerships Senior Officer to ensure that all feedback and requests for information from the Hilton Foundation are timely addressed.
• Represent the program with the donor, the Ministry of Education and Sport (MoES) and other important stakeholders to ensure high visibility of the project and its achievements.
• Assist with proactive business development in order to secure funding for extension or follow on of the project.
  
  

Requirements

Education

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in international relations/development, project/business management, social sciences or related field.
• Master’s degree in a relevant field is an added advantage.
  
  

Experience

• At least 5 years of professional experience in a similar role in a humanitarian or development NGO. Experience in Uganda and Education and/or Livelihoods programming preferred.
• Experience in project managing large-scale, cross-functional, multi-location projects, including overseeing teams across different locations.
• Experience with training and staff capacity building.
• Experience managing and supporting partners.
• Experience representing programs to donors or clients.
  
  

Functional Knowledge, Skills And Ability

• Demonstrated creativity, ability to apply innovative thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent analytical, presentation, communication and representation skills.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is essential, with demonstrated exceptionally strong writing and presentation skills.
• Ability to work well under administrative and programmatic pressures.
• Flexible to adapt to changing requirements.
• Ability to make difficult decisions, as necessary, to ensure that the project is on track and focused.
• Strong commitment to the IRC’s mission, purpose and values.
• Must be able to work independently while being a team player.
• Strong cross-cultural communication skills and eager to work as part of a diverse team. Sensitive to interpersonal differences and a range of viewpoints.
• Exceptional advance planning and organizational skills. Able to effectively prioritize and follow multiple activities and deadlines simultaneously.
• High ethical standards and integrity.
• Willingness to travel up to 40% of the time.
  
  

The application deadline is November 14, 2024.

Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.

Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.