The Project Manager will ensure that the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF’s) Agreement with VSF-Germany is implemented in line with the Grant Agreement between the Government and IFAD.

To this end, s/he will ensure that components 1 and 2 of the project are effectively implemented by technical persons within VSF-Germany and specialized Service Providers like AAHI amongst others. s/he will also play lead roles overall project oversight to ensure that all project activities meet the set standards. S/he will work closely with the PCU in MAFS, reporting to the Country Program Manager.

Responsibility

The Project Manager, based in VSF-Germany will ensure that all these different activities are well coordinated, and that implementation is followed in line with the Contract Agreement and the Design Document of the project. The Project Manager will therefore work closely with the MAFS’ Project Coordination Unit.

S/he is the overall responsible for the day-to-day activities of the SSLRP that have been contracted to the third party. They will coordinate the implementation of all the activities on behalf of VSF-Germany, reporting internally to the Country Programs Manager (CPM). Externally, they will report to the SSLRP Project Manager in the MARFs SSLRP Coordination Unit.

To effectively implement the SSLRP, VSF-G in addition to outsourcing some elements, will recruit and/or second additional technical persons that will be overseen by the Project Manager. These include the Civil Engineer, M&E Officer, Finance and Procurement Officers. The Project Manager will therefore undertake both the technical and management roles in the project.

Duty station

The duty station is Juba, South Sudan; however, the assignment will require the incumbent to travel to the project areas and such travel should be agreed upon and authorized.

Specific Responsibilities

• Coordination of implementation – Overall responsibility for an efficient financial and technical implementation of the project and in accordance with IFAD/government procedures. To

   

   

  this end, they will liaise closely with PCU and all Service Providers involved in the implementation of the project

• Prepare annual plans and reports – Lead the process of preparing SSLRP Annual Work plans and budgets (AWPBs) and procurement plans for approval by the project’s oversight body. Hence, monitor the efforts of finance and procurement and ensure that plans, including those from SPs are included in the overall AWPBs sent to PCU.
• In liaison with the Procurement Officer, ensure that contractors are meeting their obligations and are paid only for agreed deliverables.
• Manage collaborations – Liaison with other institutions for all aspects related to the project, especially the development and maintenance of partnerships with related programmes and projects.
• Final accountability for operation of project bank accounts.
• Provide overall strategic guidance to other project staff related to all aspects of SSLRP implementation.
• Coordinate and supervise functions and activities of the project staff, ensuring that work disciplines and ethics are adhered to.
• Coordinate and follow up on the activities of the officers responsible for implementation of Project technical components to ensure effective delivery of Project activities.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting on progress and challenges of the project implementation.
• Prepare and submit progress reports to MAFS on agreed deadlines.
• Provide leadership, guidance and catalytic input to all the levels of Project implementation and activities.
• Ensure that the Implementing Agency (IA) staff and all consultants and contractors engaged by comply with the project’s gender and targeting strategies.
• Approve all procurement and accounting transactions performed by the IA that are within the authorized threshold, and facilitate disbursement of project funds needed for the implementation of SSLRP.
• Undertake any other responsibility that will ensure smooth and effective implementation of the project.Qualifications/Experience
• The Project Manager will have at least 10 years of work experience in planning, management, administration, and implementation of rural livelihood improvement, agricultural or rural development Projects in the public, private or NGO sectors.
• They should have specific exposure to commercial/private sector practice in service contracting, performance monitoring and financing.
• They should have at least a Master’s Degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Rural Development, or a relevant technical area required.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant field-based experience in coordinating or managing moderate to highly complex projects is required, preferably with an international NGO.
• Post qualification in Project Management will be an added advantage.
• They should have at least 2 years’ experience of working in South Sudan.Abilities and Competencies:
• Computer-literate and well-versed in the use of Word, Excel and statistical program, such as SPSS, Stata, ETC.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Self-motivated, with demonstrated ability to take initiatives and work under minimum supervision, but also to work effectively as a member of a team.
• Strong managerial skills and demonstrated capacity to manage people and interact with a wide range of private sector partners, public sector representatives, and development partners.