Project Manager

Background
Ecological Nest is a non-governmental, non-political and non-profit making conservation organization with offices in Accra and Kumasi. Our mission is to promote the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources whilst taking care of the needs of people that depend on nature. Our work is guided by three key pillars: Partnerships; Science; and Action. We believe science and data should underpin every conservation effort, uniting communities, businesses, and the public sector around bold, practical actions to safeguard our planet’s future. 
To support corporate organizations to reduce their ecological footprints, we work in partnership with private sector players and public institutions to fashion out business models that safeguard biodiversity. We rely on scientific evidence through research projects to engage decision makers and influence national policy. 

Econest recently received funding from the Vumbusi Impact Africa (VIA) Foundation to implement the project, ‘Bia Riparian Corridor Restoration Initiative’ with the purpose of advancing ecosystem restoration in the Juaboso-Bia sub-landscape, implemented under TerraFund for AFR100. The project's overall aim is to contribute to restoring the degraded landscape in the Bia River Tributaries to regain functionality, providing ecosystem services including biodiversity, food security and sustainable water outcomes. 


Opportunities
Ecological Nest is inviting applications from qualified candidates for the positions of:

1. Project Manager
The Project Manager will need to ensure the project is delivering on a range of priorities within Ecological Nest with a strong focus on building internal and external relationships with partners and stakeholders. The candidate must have strong technical skills in forestry and landscape restoration, sustainable land-use and riparian buffer zone management with proven track record of accomplishment in managing medium to large-scale landscape restoration projects. This role requires project, grant and financial management skills. Strong leadership and people management skills are also essential to the role to build a professional and motivated team that delivers effectively against project deliverables and timelines.

JOB DESCRIPTION 
Job Title:        Project Manager, Bia Riparian Corridor Restoration Initiative 
Reporting to:     Executive Director
Duty Post:     60% of time in Kumasi, 30% of time in Juabose and 10% of time in Accra 
 
Key Relationships:  The post-holder is expected to adopt a collaborative approach of working closely with Ecological Nest colleagues in Kumasi and Accra, Forest Service Division staff, landscape partners and other stakeholders on all aspects of his/her role. Key external relationships include Forest Service Division of the Forestry Commission, traditional authorities, Municipal Assemblies, Environmental Protection Authority, Ministry of Food and Agriculture and NGOs.
 
Responsible for:  The Juaboso Project Office and all project staff including the Project Field Coordinator, Consultants and trainers, and other actors as dictated by the project. 
 
General responsibilities: 

• Manage the effective implementation of the project, coordinating and supporting inputs from consultants/trainers.
• Manage and support implementing partners including capacity building as required.
• Represent the project at donor, stakeholder and national meetings.
  

Project Management 
Project Team Management: 

• Provide line management to project staff as required through goal/target setting, continuous performance management, annual appraisal, capacity strengthening and personal development planning to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of the project.
• Manage project inputs from relevant technical and operational staff and implementing partners in line with agreed project team structure.
• Encourage a culture of excellent communication and collaboration among project team members and between the project team and other staff of Ecological Nest. 
  

Project Planning & Implementation: 

• Support project team members to ensure up-to-date workplans and budgets are in place to meet project objectives and timelines and ensure that the project is implemented in line with workplans and within budget in the grant contract.
• Work with local partners and consultants, considering Ecological Nest existing approaches and VIA’s grant procedures, and ensure appropriate monitoring and review processes are fulfilled.
• Scout for supplementary human resources required to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery, including the management of consultants and other sub-contractors.
• Work hand in hand with VIA field staff to manage and develop processes for the effective monitoring and evaluation of the project, ensuring timely adaptation as required to meet project objectives and timelines, and support the dissemination of lessons learnt.
• Closely monitor in-country developments that may influence the project and ensure timely communication of issues to relevant members of the project team.
• Ensure that excellent communication is maintained with the project team and partners.
• Prepare and submit project narrative and financial reports, with support from the Accounts Office in line with VIA Foundation’s reporting protocols.

Personal skills:

• Project management with proven experience in implementation of medium to large-scale restoration projects.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills, with ability to motivate and manage individuals to achieve excellence.
• English language proficiency (written and oral).
• Proven skills in financial and budget management.
• Ability to plan and think strategically in a complex multi-stakeholder environment.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with partner organizations, including government, NGOs, community groups, traditional authorities and businesses.
• Strong verbal communication and diplomacy skills, with ability to present, negotiate and persuade at all levels with confidence and credibility, including supporting community engagement and relations with technical experts and government.
• Strong written communication skills, including report and proposal writing.
  

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Knowledge and Experience
Qualifications/Experience:

• A Masters’ degree or equivalent in project management, ecological/landscape restoration, conservation/natural resources management or relevant field.
• Strong, relevant experience of managing conservation projects.
• A strong technical background and understanding of contemporary landscape restoration issues (restoration policy, financing, monitoring and capacity building).
• Proven experience of managing a minimum of US$200,000 grant.
• Track record in project development and/or fundraising.
• Experience managing teams to deliver complex projects.
• Experience working with partners, government institutions and communities.

To apply:

A cover letter explaining why you are applying for the position and relating your experience and skills to the roles indicated in the application pack (include your salary expectations) in your cover letter.

Full CV and contact details for two referees 

Email your application to info@ecologicalnest.org