The SCORE ECD Project Manager is responsible for the day to day implementation of the Strengthening Capacity of Women Religious in Early Childhood Development, or SCORE ECD project funded by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. The project will work in three countries: Kenya, Malawi and Zambia with the aim of strengthening the capacity of Catholic Sisters to 1) improve ECD technical capacity, 2) increase organizational sustainability, and 3) enhance Sisters’ networking and learning on ECD.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
The SCORE ECD Project Manager is responsible for the implementation of the ECD capacity strengthening project in Zambia. S/he will work closely with the Zambia Association of Sisterhood (ZAS) to implement the project. S/he is expected to coordinate and oversee the development and implementation of an ECD training curriculum for Catholic Sisters with a particular focus on Sisters working with children 0-5 affected by HIV and AIDS. All planning and implementation will be done in close coordination with ZAS with the aim of increasing the organizational sustainability of Sister Congregations.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
Project Management
Serve as overall Project Manager for the project, working closely with the CRS headquarters-based SCORE ECD Project Coordinator.
With partner staff, review project goals and objectives on a regular basis and develop an annual work plan. Oversee work plan implementation.
With partner staff, design and implement relevant, effective, efficient, sustainable interventions that achieve project goals and objectives in a timely manner, using donor-approved project documents and work plans to guide implementation.
Prioritize the participation of Sisters throughout the programming process and ensure interventions address priority needs identified by congregations.
Ensure the project’s compliance with CRS and donor policy.
Collaborate with CRS M&E Coordinator to provide guidance to partner staff and partner congregations. Ensure that CRS and its partner staff are using the M&E tools and systems most appropriate for this project and that project M&E generates timely, reliable data that informs project decision-making, captures project impact, meets CRS agency-wide and regional reporting requirements, and meets donor reporting requirements.
Continuously analyze M&E data, field visit findings and other feedback. Based on this learning, modify programming as necessary in order to meet project targets and objectives.
Provide technical and programmatic leadership in program design and implementation.
Work with M&E staff to ensure complete and accurate data is collected and reported monthly.
Technical Quality
Provide guidance and technical oversight to ensure that ECD training for sisters is developed according to international and Zambian ECD standards.
Oversee the implementation of an ECD training program per ECD standards and the specific needs of Sisters and congregations.
Work closely with ZAS to build capacity of sister congregations to implement ECD activities
Keep abreast of technical developments and new research in ECD.
Facilitate the development of appropriate training materials and organize training workshops for Sisters.
Ensure interventions meet the specific needs of children 0-5 affected by HIV and AIDS and other vulnerable children ages 0-5.
Manage on-going relations with project participants and address any potential constraints in a timely manner.
Provide timely and quality monthly and/or quarterly CRS and/or donor reports; coordinate CRS Zambia’s timely inputs into the Year 1 interim narrative and financial report and annual narrative and financial reports.
Provide technical reports or other M&E special reports/updates to the SCORE ECD Project Coordinator as requested.
Contribute to the development of organizational learning through information sharing with the SCORE ECD Project Coordinator and Technical Advisor for ECD and counterparts in Malawi and Kenya where applicable.
Coordinate ECD and organizational development consultants who will provide support to the project, ensuring that their approaches are suited to the needs and realities of Catholic Sisters.
Management Quality
Provide overall financial management of the project. This includes, but is not limited to, monthly reviews of Budget Comparison Report (BCR) against donor line items, daily tracking of project expenditures, timely submission of budget tracking, budget maintenance and cash forecast forms, updates to spending projections in eBudget and annual budget preparation.
Ensure adherence to the guidance established for management of the SCORE ECD Small Grants Fund for Sisters.
Ensure accurate and timely reporting of program finances and progress status, review actual financial performance against the budget, and explain variances on a regular basis.
Ensure that project expenditure is undertaken in line with CRS finance policies and procedures, CRS sub-recipient monitoring policies, and donor requirements.
In collaboration with finance department, provide guidance to partners on financial management and stewardship.
Partnership Coordination and Strengthening
Meet regularly with ZAS to coordinate project implementation.
Conduct monthly site visits to partner congregations.
Take lead identifying partner capacity gaps and strengthen capacities to improve on implementation.
Collaborate closely with ZAS and partner congregations on financial, managerial, and other capacity building initiatives.
Provide substantive and timely feedback on partner staff reports.
Communications and Networking:
Foster linkages with other CRS Zambia projects and pursue opportunities for project integration.
Serve as a resource for other CRS Zambia staff on partnership with Catholic Sisters and help develop CRS’ internal capacity to partner with Sisters.
Coordinate with other Hilton Foundation grantees working with Catholic Sisters in Zambia, including the African Sisters Education Collaborative.
Support the development and dissemination of up-to-date information, education and communication (IEC) materials, as necessary.
In collaboration with partners, identify and document project lessons learned, sound practices and success stories and support Sisters to raise the profile in the country of their work on ECD.
Work with partners to appropriately package and share project information – including M&E findings and reporting – with community stakeholders as well as national ECD stakeholders.
Craft, review, and seek appropriate approval for project reports, as necessary, and ensure timely submission to the SCORE ECD Project Coordinator.
Representation and Program Growth
Organize and lead ECD curriculum development meetings with key stakeholders including the Ministry of Education, local Universities, ECD experts, Catholic Sisters, and representatives of the Catholic Church.
Maintain close communication and coordination with ECD stakeholders within Zambia.
In coordination with the SCORE ECD Project Coordinator, collaborate closely with HQ ECD technical experts and ECD consultants and disseminate lessons learned.
In coordination with the national association of Sisterhood, represent the project at provincial/county/ district stakeholder meetings and other external meetings as needed.
Any other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or Head of Programs.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIREMENT
KNOWLEDGE
Degree in Teaching, Early Childhood Development, Social Work, Health, Organizational Development, or related field.
At least three years of ECD field experience including experience in ECD curriculum development and trainings.
Experience supporting the capacity strengthening of local organizations essential; experience working with Catholic Sisters strongly preferred.
Strong background in working with children 0-5 affected by HIV and AIDS.
Demonstrated commitment to development through local empowerment.
Knowledge of Catholic Church structures, organization, and ministry, particularly the structures and ministry of Catholic women religious.
Excellent written and oral communications skills.
Ability to work both independently, and as member of diverse task teams.
Advanced computer literacy (Microsoft Office).
Demonstrated ability to communicate in English (written and oral).
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Practical experience in ECD training.
Proven experience in working with partner staff.
Ability to professionally represent CRS to other organizations.
Budget management experience.
Strong organizational and planning skills.
Strong interpersonal, multi-cultural and training/mentoring skills.
REQUIRED BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES
Cultivates Constructive Relationships.
Knowledge of CRS program quality standards, partnership principles and Catholic Social Teaching principles is preferred.
Serves with Integrity.
Good Stewardship of resources.
Promotes Learning.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested and qualified candidates can send their cover letter and resume including contact phone numbers as well as names and contact information of three references by close of business Thursday 12 June 2014 to www.topfloor.co.zm.
To apply for this job email your details tojobs@topfloor.co.zm