Project Manager
Job description
Location: Nairobi (preferred), Amsterdam or London
Contract type – 2 year fixed term with the possibility of extension
About Adam Smith International
Adam Smith International is a global advisory company that works locally to transform lives by making economies stronger, societies safer, and governments more effective. We work on behalf of governments, foundations and companies that share our ambition to take on the big challenges facing the world. They come to us to develop strategies and to design, deliver and evaluate programmes that, in turn, stimulate growth, stability and good governance.
For nearly three decades in almost 100 countries, we have been working in partnership with governments, the private sector and civil society in countries at all stages of development.
As a development consultancy, our work centres on international development management. Our core team of staff and technical experts, in multiple offices around the world, ensures the quality of delivery and high ethical standards that we and our clients require. We bring together a global network of experts, who contribute their experience and knowledge, where and when it is needed. Our core service lines include education, infrastructure and climate change, inclusive markets, governance, justice, security and peacebuilding, public financial management and revenue reform, mining, oil and gas as well as cross cutting services, such as monitoring and evaluation.
We are a certified B-Corp with a triple bottom line of financial, social, and environmental accountability. We have also set a strategic objective of becoming carbon neutral by 2025 and a net positive contributor to the environment by 2030. By sharing our knowledge and experience, we help to improve learning in our industry, as well as the positive impact we can have on people’s lives.
About the role
Adam Smith Europe is looking for an experienced Manager while will play a critical role in the delivery and management of the EU funded Security and Justice Governance and Accountability Project (SJGAP) in Somalia.
SJGAP is an ambitious and complex €10m project which aims to enhance Somalia's security and justice institutions for better governance and transparency, emphasizing collaboration between state and federal levels. It focuses on professionalizing security forces, reinforcing accountability, and addressing cultural factors like clannism. By strengthening internal mechanisms and local rule of law, it aims to rebuild trust between authorities and citizens while tailoring support to specific regional dynamics for maximum impact on human security.
The overall goal of the Manager is to manage effective implementation of SJGAP in coordination with senior managers, team leaders and project director, and help support business development activities.
Key tasks and responsibilities will include (but not limited to):
Project Management:
- Support the Project Director in the successful management of the project to terms of reference, time, quality, cost and donor and Government satisfaction. This will include support in the following areas of project management:
a. Financial and budget management, client invoicing and financial forecasting
b. Operations management
c. HR management and recruitment
d. Implementing partner management
e. Financial and narrative programme reporting
f. Monitoring project deliverables and workplan execution
g. Team management
h. Risks & issues management
i. Event logistics & management
j. Build strong working relationships with project associates, ensuring they feel part of the ASI ‘family’, and support them to ensure job satisfaction; and with ASI technical, geographic and finance teams.
k. Supporting Project Directors in engaging with and managing relations with project clients on a day-to-day basis.
Platform Management
- Support the development and improvement of a tailored cross-company approach to managing and delivering EU- and European donor-funded contracts.
- Support the team leadership to ensure that ASI’s in-country operations are compliant and meet ASI’s Duty of Care obligations.
- Support in-country platform staff in ensuring that ASI’s operations meet ASI corporate’s standards.
Business development
- Research business development opportunities and help develop a pipeline of EU- and European-donor funded opportunities, as well as security and justice opportunities, as agreed with Line Manager
- Take on ad hoc, discrete and accountable roles in technical and commercial proposals with European donors and be an effective member of bid teams, as agreed with Line Manager
Job requirements
About you
A Manager should have the ability to build effective relationships with clients from a wide range of professional and cultural backgrounds, and to work effectively in politically sensitive and challenging environments. They should relish working in a team, should be innovative, energetic, positive, and genuinely committed to making a lasting contribution to the reduction of conflict and poverty.
- An under-graduate degree in international development, international relations, political science, economics or other relevant fields
- 2-5 years of demonstrable experience in EU project management, including projects in fragile or conflict-affected environments.
- Experience in producing and communicating financial proposals and budgets.
- Experience in recruiting and managing experts, as well as key stakeholder management.
- Experience in administration management, conducting due diligence checks and adhering to complex compliance procedures.
- Ability to foster productive team relationships, and work in a fast-paced, multi-national team environment.
- Outstanding written English and oral communication skills;
- Strong attention to detail;
- Willingness to travel
- Unrestricted right to work in Kenya, Netherlands or the UK. (The preferred work location for this role is Nairobi but we welcome applications from candidates based in Amsterdam and/or London).
What we offer you
Our people are at the heart of our strategy and our decisions. The diversity of our workforce makes ASI a great place to work, more creative and resourceful, and underpins strong partnerships. We have built a culture to reflect our values, full of likeminded professionals who are smart, passionate and great at what they do. We offer you a friendly and supportive team environment and the opportunity to work on a successful portfolio of programmes.
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, a dynamic and friendly team environment, the opportunity to support a highly successful portfolio of programmes, and support to develop your skills and progress in your career.
We recognise the importance of your life outside of work. We are proud to support flexible working arrangements and commit to make a success of flexible working arrangements wherever possible.
As a certified B-Corp, we care about the wellbeing and growth of our people and are committed to supporting your personal development and actively facilitating opportunities to build skills and knowledge in your areas of interest and progress your career.
How to apply
Interested candidates can submit a CV (no more than 2 pages) and short cover letter that describes how they meet the candidate specifications. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
The application deadline is 11:59 PM BST on 31st May 2024.
Adam Smith International is committed to continually improving the diversity of our workforce through the attraction, retention, and development of a diverse range of talented people. We want people to be comfortable bringing their whole self to work and recognise that inclusion brings further opportunities for innovation and creativity.