Economic Empowerment Project Lead

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian organization that helps people affected by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and rebuild their lives. Established in 1933, the IRC operates in over 40 countries and has a workforce of more than 14,000 employees. The organization focuses on various sectors including health, education, and economic empowerment, aiming to restore safety, dignity, and hope to millions of people worldwide. The IRC's mission is to help those in need not only survive but also thrive in their new environments, particularly in the context of displacement and migration.

Job Overview:
The Economic Empowerment Project Lead is tasked with overseeing the comprehensive management of projects aimed at enhancing the economic independence of refugees and economic migrants in Poland. This role encompasses the entire project lifecycle, ensuring that initiatives are executed effectively, within budget, and in alignment with donor expectations. The Project Lead will work closely with various stakeholders, including implementing partners, to facilitate career counseling, vocational training, and entrepreneurship support. The position is pivotal in helping clients navigate the complexities of the Polish job market, leveraging their skills and qualifications to secure sustainable employment. The Project Lead will also be responsible for fostering strong relationships with partners and ensuring compliance with safety and safeguarding standards, thereby contributing to the IRC's overarching mission of empowering displaced individuals to regain control over their futures.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Partnership Management: Identify and select local organizations and service providers as implementing partners, ensuring alignment with IRC's procedures. Negotiate partnership agreements, manage budgets, and conduct performance reviews to enhance partner capacity. Act as the primary contact for operational and strategic issues, resolving disputes effectively.
• Program Implementation: Oversee daily project operations, ensuring adherence to work plans and timelines. Collaborate with technical and operational teams to deliver coherent activities, identify risks, and propose solutions. Prepare and update implementation plans, lead project coordination meetings, and report progress to the Head of Program.
• MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning): Implement MEAL frameworks, ensuring data collection and analysis on project indicators. Coordinate evaluations and community accountability mechanisms, fostering a culture of learning and adaptation based on documented practices.
• Budget Management: Prepare and monitor project budgets, conducting regular reviews and managing budget reallocations. Ensure compliance with donor rules and support partners in financial management, contributing to new grant proposals.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's or Master's degree in project management, social sciences, international development, or a related field. A minimum of three years of project management experience in the humanitarian or development sector is required, with a focus on managing partnerships and project budgets. Experience in designing and implementing MEAL systems is essential, and project management certification (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) is considered an asset. Strong analytical skills, proficiency in data management, and excellent communication abilities are crucial for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field such as project management, social sciences, or international development. This educational background is essential to understand the complexities of project management within the humanitarian context and to effectively lead initiatives aimed at economic empowerment.

Experience:
A minimum of three years of relevant experience in project management is required, particularly within the humanitarian or development sectors. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing partnerships and project budgets, as well as experience in designing and implementing MEAL systems. Familiarity with donor requirements and fundraising processes is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in Polish is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for effective communication with local partners and beneficiaries. A strong command of English, both spoken and written, is also required. Knowledge of additional languages would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse populations.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive compensation package, with a monthly pay rate ranging from 10,900 to 11,300 PLN. This range is influenced by various factors such as the labor market, job type, and individual candidate experience. The role is full-time and is based in Warsaw, Poland, with a focus on international recruitment to attract a diverse pool of candidates. The IRC emphasizes the importance of building relationships based on trust and accountability, which is crucial for the success of the projects.