Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organization that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We believe in the power and potential of every child. We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood and we enable children to prepare for – and respond to – crises and adversity.

We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge. In Zimbabwe, we have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 31 years. Plan International operates an equal opportunities policy and actively encourages diversity.

Project Manager – My Body My Future (MBMF) – Job Description                                                                                           

Reporting to the Head of Programs, the job holder is responsible for providing strategic and sound technical guidance to strengthen Plan International’s gender transformative SRHR programming in Zimbabwe Country Office, with a particular focus on projects that are funded by Plan International Finland and are integrated as part of its Program Framework (with the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs – MFA), My Body My Future 2, which is expected to run from 2022-2025.  My Body My Future 2 is a continuation to the ongoing MFA program and the impact to be delivered is that children, adolescents and youth in all their diversity have control over their bodies and futures in a healthy, safe and supportive environment.

Accountabilities:

• Lead the implementation of the MBMF project, including detailed planning, execution and monitoring, and provide technical guidance related to gender equality, adolescent sexual reproductive health and rights, government and stakeholder engagement and rights based approaches
• Lead the technical design of the project interventions, development of technical tools with adequate consultation and participation of staff and other key stakeholders at all stages of project implementation
• Lead the development and compilation of quarterly and monthly implementation plans and budgets in line with the approved project proposal, donor contracts and ensure efficient utilization and timely accountability of funds and other resources allocated in accordance with grant conditions.
• Develop and periodically review the 4 year project operational plan, annual / quarterly plans and budgets for effective project implementation
• Undertake regular field monitoring visits to assess progress and identify technical quality issues and/or other implementation issues, provide solutions and implement modifications as required
• Ensure collaboration, coordination and communication between local partners and the National Office
• Develop a system for generating evidence, capturing, documenting and disseminating project experiences, achievements, lessons learnt and best practices to internal and external stakeholders (e.g. through dissemination workshops after project mid-line and evaluation studies)
• Prepare and submit quality and timely project reports in line with donor regulations and the project monitoring & evaluation framework.
• Identify and participate in operational research related to the project.
• Ensure that child protection measures are in place and followed in all activities;

Key Technical Competencies

• Ability to drive high and consistent performance together with the team and to ensure program implementation of high quality
• Ability to perform project cycle management in a timely and accurate manner in accordance with donor compliance, including budget planning and monitoring and the ability to plan work and meet deadlines when working under pressure on several tasks.
• Demonstrated analytical and report writing skills which contribute to the ability to produce high quality reporting to the different stakeholders, including the donor
• Sound understanding of current policy developments in the area of SRHR and their implications to the project design
• Applying a range of evidence-based strategies and approaches to gender transformative programming and sexual reproductive health and rights programming in the development context
• Understanding of rights-based development approaches and how to apply them to development programming
• Ability to put aside personal attitudes and judgements and adhere to Plan International’s SRHR position to a) promote/defend an individual’s right to have children by choice, and to access safe abortion, b) support diversity within sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) c) stand against stigma and discrimination of vulnerable and excluded groups, uphold dignity.

Knowledge:

• Educated to University Degree (Public Health or related Social sciences Degree or equivalent in the relevant field or relatable experience. Advanced university degree is an added advantage
• At least 3 years proven experience within the development sector in SRHR (experience in both development and humanitarian setting desirable).
• Strong expertise on gender transformative programming and good understanding on intersectionality and inclusion.
• Experience in providing technical support and oversight to adolescent SRHR programs.
• Experience in capacity development of project staff; strong facilitation and training skills.
• Ability to plan work and meet deadlines when working under pressure on several projects.
• Experience of working for an international organisation and with local partners.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken; Ndebele and Shona is an asset.

PLAN INTERNATIONAL’S VALUES IN PRACTICE

We are open and accountable

1. Promotes a culture of openness and transparency, including with sponsors and donors.
2. Holds self and others accountable to achieve the highest standards of integrity.
3. Consistent and fair in the treatment of people.
4. Open about mistakes and keen to learn from them.
5. Accountable for ensuring we are a safe organisation for all children, girls & young people.

We strive for lasting impact

1. Articulates a clear purpose for staff and sets high expectations.
2. Creates a climate of continuous improvement, open to challenge and new ideas.
3. Focuses resources to drive change and maximize long-term impact, responsive to changed priorities or crises.
4. Evidence-based and evaluates effectiveness.

We work well together

1. Seeks constructive outcomes, listens to others, willing to compromise when appropriate.
2. Builds constructive relationships across Plan International to support our shared goals.
3. Develops trusting and ‘win-win’ relationships with funders, partners and communities.
4. Engages and works well with others outside the organization to build a better world for girls and all children.

We are inclusive and empowering

1. We empower our staff to give their best and develop their potential.
2. We respect all people, appreciate differences and challenge equality in our programs and our workplace.
3. We support children, girls and young people to increase their confidence and change their own lives.

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements are required to submit their curriculum vitae & cover letter outlining their suitability for the position. Plan International takes very seriously the responsibility and duty to ensure that we and anyone who represents us does not in any way harm or place at risk children and young people. In this regard, reference & background checks will be performed including clearances on child related offences in conformity with Plan’s Safeguarding Policy.

This position is open to Zimbabwean nationals

Location: Zimbabwe (Bulawayo)

Type of role: Fixed Term Contract

Closing Date: 10 November 2022