The ECODIT Trust
DUE: 21 SEP 2023
The Project Manager (PM) will be responsible for the successful implementation of the USAID-funded Resilience ANCHORS Activity focused on the Southeast Lowveld (SEL) of Zimbabwe (Bikita, Chiredzi, and Chipinge districts) and support the development of a multi-faceted program in the Savé Valley Conservancy (SVC) and Gonarezhou National Park (GNP) landscapes. The Project Manager will manage the SEL team and assist the Program Coordinator in coordinating and providing oversight of staff and to ensure efficient and effective delivery and implementation of tasks, strategies, and interventions of the Activity. The PM will coordinate and facilitate a broad range of partnerships, including those from the private sector and other key stakeholders. This position will be based in Chiredzi, Zimbabwe and will report to the Program Coordinator.
DUTIES
Project Management
Ensure Resilience ANCHORS become a successful community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) project in its final years of implementation
Provide leadership and technical oversight of Activity implementation across the Southeast Lowveld
Coordinate day-to-day operations of the Activity in the SEL, which includes effective administration, human resources, monitoring and evaluation, timely accurate and verifiable donor reporting, effective coordination and cooperation among Activity partners and key government departments, private sector players, and other key stakeholders
Deliver effective and timely reporting to the Program Coordinator
Provide overall quality assurance and compliance of the Activity in terms of implementation modalities and fulfillment of all set Activity expectations and reporting requirements
Conduct field visits to monitor Activity administration, support implementation, which include conducting trainings, activity reporting, conduct quality control reviews, responding to queries, providing input to work planning, if/as needed, conducting technical research, and performing other operational tasks
Take the lead in implementation of activities in Chipinge District
Work with the technical team and the project MEL/CLA team to ensure quarterly, half year and yearly means of verification (MOVs) are defined and delivered in a timely manner
Ensure implementation of activities and expected outputs are in line with respective contract terms and conditions, donor expectations, coordinated implementation, and engage with the authorities and development partners investing in the landscape
Ensure diversification of conservation-based enterprises and livelihoods, involving women and youth
Ensure community-led integrated water resources management and governance in the SEL
Improve the capacity of Savé Valley Conservancy to be an economic driver for sustainable development in the landscape
Strengthen the capacity of the community conservancies of Nyangambe, Devure, and Jamanda to become locally led and sustainable hubs of wildlife conservation and enterprises
Collaborate with the Program Coordinator and Resilience Anchors partners to ensure synergy and execution of activities in the field
Partnerships
Establish and or maintain strong partnerships and develop excellent working relationships with public, private, NGOs, CSOs, and donor communities
Act as the custodian of the Activity relations and implementation modalities
In consultation with the Harare office staff, further develop strategic partnerships for the Activity
Representation
Represent ECODIT at local, national, and international fora and with local stakeholders/partners to ensure effective collaboration
Seek out opportunities to expand and enhance the quality of existing activities in line with collaboration, learning and adaption principles
Work with the communications and marketing teams to communicate ECODIT and Resilience ANCHORS messages through newsletters, reports, and other updates
Commitment to respect, protect, and promote human rights at all times, irrespective of ethnic group, gender, race, sexual orientation, age, or class by adopting a rights-based conservation approach
Undertake any other relevant assignment as may be requested by supervisor
REQUIREMENTS
Post-graduate qualification (MSc) in natural sciences, social science, economics, animal science/agronomy or another field directly related to conservation and/or such lower academic qualification with requisite work experience stated below
10+ years of proven managerial, administrative, and field experience in natural resource management and/or community-based conservation
A task-oriented, result-focused leadership approach with a thorough understanding of project management disciplines
Experience and a proven success record in coordinating projects in community development, resilience, biodiversity conservation, water, governance, and similar fields
Experience with negotiating with private sector operators
Ability to coordinate staff and consultants
Solid knowledge of USAID regulations and policies is desired
Proficiency in English (spoken and written) and knowledge of local languages is desirable
Experience delivering and reporting results, and ensuring compliance with donor requirements for implementation
Demonstrated ability to oversee various activities at once ensuring timely and successful implementation
Outstanding interpersonal skills including the ability to build coalitions, negotiate, and manage conflict; familiarity with protocols associated with working in Zimbabwe
Respect for the skills and perspectives of communities, partner organizations, and the private sector
Ability, willingness, and desire to be based in remote location
Awareness and experience implementing landscape-level conservation approaches; familiarity with innovative methods, including community-led conservation and conservation enterprises
Good report writing skills and working knowledge of computers and MS Office software package
Understanding and motivational fit in a community-led conservation project
Understanding of the interface between conservation, agriculture, and resilience
Commitment to USAID Resilience ANCHORS, ECODIT, and mission-driven approaches
TO APPLY