Job Summary
The Project Manager is responsible for the overall planning, implementation, coordination, monitoring, and successful delivery of watershed management project activities in accordance with approved project documents, donor requirements, organizational policies, and government regulations. The position ensures effective management of natural resources through integrated watershed approaches, including soil and water conservation, reforestation, community-based resource management, climate resilience interventions, livelihood improvement, and environmental protection initiatives.
The Project Manager will provide strategic leadership to project teams, maintain strong relationships with government authorities, donors, communities, and stakeholders, and ensure that project objectives, timelines, quality standards, and budgets are achieved.
Key Responsibilities
1. Project Planning and Management
- Lead the overall implementation of watershed management project activities.
- Develop detailed implementation plans, work plans, budgets, and activity schedules.
- Ensure project activities are implemented according to approved proposals, donor agreements, and technical standards.
- Monitor project progress against targets and take corrective actions when necessary.
- Ensure timely completion of project deliverables and milestones.
- Coordinate project startup, implementation, monitoring, and closure activities.
2. Technical Oversight
- Provide technical guidance on watershed management interventions.
- Oversee planning and implementation of:
o Watershed rehabilitation activities.
o Soil and water conservation measures.
o Check dams and water harvesting structures.
o Afforestation and reforestation programs.
o Rangeland rehabilitation.
o Gully control measures.
o Riverbank protection works.
o Climate adaptation and resilience activities.
- Ensure compliance with national environmental standards and best practices.
- Review technical surveys, designs, BoQs, drawings, and engineering specifications.
- Coordinate with architects, engineers, and designers to ensure all construction requirements are met.
3. Team Leadership and Supervision
- Lead and supervise on-site construction teams, including workers, subcontractors, and suppliers.
- Supervise and mentor project staff.
- Provide guidance and support to team members, ensuring adherence to safety regulations and quality standards.
- Conduct regular performance reviews and provide coaching.
- Ensure staff understand project goals, responsibilities, and expected outcomes.
- Conduct regular meetings with the team to address any issues and ensure smooth progress.
4. Quality Control:
· Oversee the quality of work on-site, ensuring that it meets project specifications and regulatory standards.
· Implement and enforce quality assurance processes and inspections.
· Address any quality concerns promptly to avoid delays.
5. Safety Compliance:
· Ensure all safety protocols and regulations are followed on-site to prevent accidents and injuries.
· Conduct safety meetings and provide training to workers and subcontractors.
· Regularly inspect the site for safety hazards and take corrective actions as needed.
· Ensure adherence to environmental and social safeguards.
· Promote safeguarding, protection, gender equality, and inclusion principles.
· Ensure occupational health and safety measures are implemented.
6. Risk Management:
· Identify potential risks, such as delays, budget overruns, and safety hazards.
· Develop strategies to mitigate these risks and take corrective actions when necessary.
· Ensure compliance with donor regulations and organizational policies.
· Monitor ongoing risks and adjust the project plan as required.
7. Community Engagement and Stakeholder Coordination
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with:
- Community leaders
- Watershed committees
- Government authorities
- Development partners
- Donor representatives
- Facilitate community participation in project planning and implementation.
- Promote community ownership and sustainability of interventions.
- Resolve community concerns and conflicts related to project activities.
8. Financial Management
- Manage project budgets efficiently and responsibly.
- Monitor expenditures against approved budgets.
- Review and approve project-related expenses.
- Coordinate with finance staff to ensure accurate financial reporting.
- Ensure donor compliance regarding financial procedures.
- Identify and address budget variances promptly.
9. Procurement and Logistics Oversight
- Coordinate procurement planning for project materials and services.
- Ensure procurement processes comply with organizational and donor regulations.
- Monitor timely delivery of goods and services.
- Verify quality and specifications of procured materials.
- Coordinate logistics support for field operations.
10. Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL)
- Ensure establishment of effective monitoring systems.
- Track project indicators and performance targets.
- Review monitoring reports and field assessments.
- Support baseline, midline, end-line, and impact evaluations.
- Ensure lessons learned and best practices are documented.
- Promote accountability to affected populations and beneficiary feedback mechanisms.
11. Reporting and Documentation
- Prepare high-quality project reports.
- Submit monthly, quarterly, and final reports to management and donors.
- Maintain proper project records and documentation.
- Document success stories, case studies, lessons learned, and project achievements.
- Ensure accurate data collection and reporting.
12. Representation
- Represent the organization in meetings, workshops, and coordination forums.
- Participate in sectoral coordination meetings and technical working groups.
- Strengthen partnerships with government departments and stakeholders.
- Promote the visibility and reputation of the organization.
