The Project Manager (PM) will be responsible for the successful implementation of the USAID funded Resilience ANCHORS project focused on Save Valley Conservancy but shall also represent AWF in the south east lowveld of Zimbabwe and support the development of a multi-faceted programme in the SVC landscape and greater south east lowveld region. The Project Manager will provide technical and strategic direction and oversight to staff, ensure effective financial management and timely delivery of the project. The position will support management of partnerships including the private sector and other key stakeholders of the project. S/He will ensure seamless synergies with AWF’s country programmes. This position will be based in Chiredzi, Zimbabwe and will report to the Country Director.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management

• Provide leadership, and technical oversight of project implementation,

• Manage day-to-day operations of the project, which includes effective administration, human resources, tracking of project finances, monitoring and evaluation, timely accurate and verifiable donor reporting, effective coordination and cooperation between project partners and key government departments. and ministries,

• Ensure effective and timely reporting to Ecodit as the main contractor and to USAID where appropriate.

• Manage contractors/ consultants as needed to ensure delivery of technical products as required by the project,

• Provide overall quality assurance and compliance of the project in terms of implementation modalities and fulfillment of all set project expectations and reporting requirements,

• Establish AWF as a capable conservation organization in South-Eastern Lowveld through effective project implementation,

• Conduct field visits to monitor project 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,

• Work with the technical team and the project M&E officer 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 grant terms and conditions, donor expectations, coordinated implementation and engage with the authorities and development partners investing in the landscape,

• Liaise with the Finance Department to develop working budgets and other required financial reports,

• Work with the Program Management and Grants Management teams to ensure annual work plans

and budgets are produced in a timely way and are uploaded in AWF project management systems.

• Support diversification of conservation-based enterprises and livelihoods which involve women & youth,

• Support community led integrated water resources management and governance,

• Improve the capacity of Save Valley Conservancy to be an economic driver for sustainable development in the landscape.

Partnerships

• Establish and or maintain strong partnerships and develop excellent working relationships with public, private, NGOs, CSOs, communities and Donor communities, Act as the custodian of the project relations, implementation modalities and cultivate expansion of the project niches,

• In consultation with the country office support staff, further develop strategic partnerships for the project,

Proposal Development

• Participate in and provide information to the development and design of funding proposals for submission to donors for support of the program and its expansion,

• Work with the Program Design team to generate project concepts for funding proposals to support further implementation of AWF’s strategy in the landscape.

Representation

• Represent AWF at local, national and international forums and with local stakeholders/partners to ensure effective collaboration with partners,

• Seek out opportunities to expand and enhance the quality of existing activities in line with collaboration, learning and adaption principles (CLA).

Other

• Work with the Communications and Marketing teams to communicate AWF messages through newsletters, reports and regular in touch 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, agronomy or another field directly related to conservation and or such lower academic qualification with requisite work experience,

• 10+ years of proven managerial, administrative and field experience in conservation,

• A task oriented, result focused leadership approach with a thorough understanding of project management disciplines,

• Experience and a proven success record in managing projects in community development, conservation, resilience, water, governance,

• Experience with negotiating with private sector operators and ability to manage staff and/or consultants,

• Solid knowledge of USAID regulations and policies is desired,

• Proficiency in English (spoken and written) and knowledge of local languages is desirable,

• Experience managing projects budgets, 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,

• Genuine 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 conservation and conservation enterprises,

• Good report writing skills and working knowledge of computers and MS Office software package,

• Understanding and motivational fit in conservation,

• Understanding of the interface between conservation and agriculture,

• Commitment to AWF and its mission,

• Genuine respect for the skills and perspectives of communities, partner organizations and the private sector.