Project Manager

Job Posting Organization:
Save the Children is a global organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and ensuring their rights are upheld. Established in 1919, Save the Children operates in over 100 countries, providing support in areas such as education, health, and child protection. The organization employs thousands of staff worldwide and works collaboratively with local partners to implement programs that address the unique needs of children in various contexts. Save the Children is committed to creating a world where every child has the opportunity to grow up healthy, educated, and safe.

Job Overview:
The Project Manager position is funded by the Great Barrier Reef Foundation (GBRF) and is responsible for establishing and managing the Resilient Reefs Pasifika Melanesian Hub along with its small grants facility. This role encompasses project planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting, ensuring that grants support locally led actions for reef resilience. The Project Manager will work closely with various stakeholders, including government entities, academic institutions, civil society, and community organizations, to design and deliver an accessible and accountable small grants program. The position emphasizes the importance of integrating gender equality, disability, and social inclusion throughout the project cycle, ensuring that the needs of all community members are addressed. The Project Manager will also be responsible for maintaining effective communication with all stakeholders and ensuring that project deliverables are met on time and within budget.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Manager will lead the development and implementation of the Hub workplan, budget, and delivery schedule in consultation with partners. They will oversee the full project cycle, coordinating activities, staffing needs, and technical inputs to achieve agreed outcomes. The role includes tracking project progress, identifying delivery challenges, and agreeing on timely corrective actions with partners. The Project Manager will establish and manage the small grants facility, ensuring transparent selection processes and compliance with partner and donor agreements. They will develop and maintain equitable relationships with various stakeholders, support partners in project design and implementation, and ensure that gender equality and social inclusion are integrated into all aspects of the project. Additionally, the Project Manager will coordinate the establishment of the Hub Steering Committee, provide secretariat support, and maintain effective communication between all parties involved in the project.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree or postgraduate diploma in environmental management, environmental science, marine science, development studies, or a related field. A minimum of four years of relevant project management experience is required, including planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring, and reporting. Experience in supporting local partners to meet project, financial, and donor reporting requirements is essential, along with experience in supervising staff or coordinating consultants in a multicultural environment. Candidates should have a good understanding of environmental, economic, and climate resilience issues facing Pacific Island countries, particularly in Vanuatu, and possess strong relationship-building and facilitation skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree or postgraduate diploma in fields related to environmental management, marine science, or development studies. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of environmental issues and project management in the context of reef resilience and community engagement.

Experience:
The position requires at least four years of relevant project management experience. This includes experience in planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring, and reporting on projects. Candidates should have a proven track record of supporting local partners and managing project teams in a multicultural environment, demonstrating strong leadership and coordination skills.

Languages:
Strong written and spoken English is mandatory for this position, as the ability to prepare clear project reports and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders is essential. Proficiency in Bislama is also desirable, as it will facilitate better communication with local communities and partners.

Additional Notes:
This role is full-time and may require periodic travel to project sites, including remote coastal communities and possible overseas meetings. Fieldwork may involve extended periods outdoors, and some flexibility outside normal working hours may be necessary to meet project deadlines. The organization emphasizes a child-safe environment, requiring all employees to undergo necessary background checks and adhere to child safeguarding policies. Save the Children is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce, reflecting the communities it serves.