REMARKET Project Manager (Ukrainian nationals only)

In response to the conflict in Ukraine, Caritas Switzerland established its Ukraine Crisis Response programme (UCR) in the first days after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Caritas Switzerland is one of the leading Swiss NGOs in the field of poverty reduction in Switzerland and abroad. International Cooperation programmes focus on humanitarian aid, income generation, climate change and migration. Within the Ukraine Crisis Response, Caritas Switzerland works through local implementing partners, taking the localization of aid approach in its response, and focus on bringing technical value-add specifically in the fields of livelihoods, protection, shelter, WASH. 

Caritas Switzerland is planning to launch a brand-new project - REMARKET (Recovery and Empowerment through Market Access and Resilient Economic Transformation in Ukraine) – together with its local implementing partners from July 2024 to June 2027. It is designed to empower Ukrainian communities by enhancing market access and economic opportunities for IDPs, returnees, and host community members. Utilizing the Triple Nexus and Market Systems Development (MSD) approaches, the project aims to provide immediate support while laying the foundation for sustainable economic and social development. 

Purpose 

Caritas Switzerland is seeking an experienced Project Manager to support efficient project implementation and management, reporting to the Head of Programme or Country Director. The role focuses on establishing sustainable, impactful projects that improve livelihoods and foster income generation, especially for vulnerable groups in conflict-affected Ukraine. Aligning with Caritas Switzerland’s country strategy, the Project Manager will ensure activities address target group needs and promote sustainable development through partnerships with private and public actors, integrating Triple Nexus and MSD approaches, and advancing long-term economic stability and social cohesion.

Supervisor / Reports to: Head of Programme

Reporting lines: MEAL Officer, Project Managers from partner organisations

Key interfaces: Finance and Operations Manager, Programme Coordinator, Programme Quality Specialist, MEAL Officer, Income and Livelihoods Advisor, Gender Advisor, MHPSS Advisor, Conflict Sensitivity Advisor

Duration: 1 year, with a possibility for extension

Anticipated start date: July 2024 Expected 

Workload: 100%

Contract type: Service Contract

Key Responsibilities

Project Management 

• Develop and oversees project’s operational plan, budget, and reports
• Manage the project through partnerships with local partners and ensure that the partners have clear objectives and receive regular feedback
• Mobilize resources and ensure effective management of project funds
• Assist in the development of project plans, schedules, and work plans, coordinating activities and participating in project activities
• Prepare detailed reports on project activities, outcomes, impact and best practices 

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership

• Facilitate the knowledge building and sharing, ensuring the best practices and lessons learnt are disseminated across the project
• Serve as a liaison between the CACH project team, partners and Project Management Unit (PMU) members, communicating project status and fostering relationship
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with private sector, partners, stakeholders, and community groups
• Collaborate with various organisations and agencies to maximize the impact of the project

Capacity-building and Resource Management 

• Ensure efficient use of funds and resources to achieve program objectives
• Engage with target groups – MSMEs and community members - to understand their needs and challenges
• Assist in developing capacity-building plan tailored to the needs of partners and target groups (MSMEs and target communities) 

MEAL Support

• Monitor the project progress and ensure that the project remains within the agreed scope, budget and schedule
• In close cooperation with the Programme Quality Advisor, evaluate the project impact and adapt the activities accordingly
• Support the maintenance of project quality standards through the tracking of progress and the identification of any issues that may arise
• Identify and coordinate the risks with the project team and support identifying the mitigation strategies 

Financial Oversight

•  Manage the project budget, ensuring funds are allocated and spent efficiently in line with CACH financial guidelines
• Ensure financial compliance with donor requirements and CACH policies
• Assist with resource allocation and planning, in close collaboration with the partner 

Competencies and Qualifications

Education

•  A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in business administration, economics, international development, or related field
• Certification in Project Management is desired (PMP or PRINCE2) 

Professional Experience

• At least seven years of experience in project management, particularly in areas related to economic development, finance, business development or agriculture 
• Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale projects in Ukraine funded by international donors/organisations
• Experience working with private sector, banks, or SMEs in Ukraine, with the focus on developing marketable products for different segment of population
• At least three years of experience working in (I)NGOs in Ukraine or abroad in humanitarian or development sector
• Demonstrated experience in project proposal writing, planning, M&E, and implementation phases, with proven experience in managing funds from various donors
• Substantial experience and knowledge of effective financial and budgetary control and managing grants through coordination with local partners 

Skills and Competencies 

• Strong leadership and team management skills to inspire and lead a diverse team/partners
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills to navigate complex project challenges
• Proficient in project planning, budget management, and monitoring and evaluation, ensuring project deliverables align with goals and objectives
• Building and maintaining effective relationships, with their team, colleagues, members and external partners and supporters
• Effective communication and stakeholder engagement skills to liaise with various partners, including government officials, and international donors
• Excellent experience facilitating and encouraging effective team communication and team working spirit, as well as writing project reports and status updates
• Ability to plan and manage time, multi-task and delegate tasks
• Able to work in unstable, rapidly changing and insecure environment
• Assertive communication skills with exceptional writing and presentation skills 
• Desirable: Knowledge of Excel, PowerBI, Kobo Toolbox, Tableau and other IM platforms

Contextual knowledge and vision 

• Deep understanding and knowledge of the Ukrainian context, particularly dynamics affecting IDPs, returnees, and host communities
• Familiarity with the local business environment and market conditions is crucial
• Ability to adapt strategies in rapidly changing environment and offer solutions
• A strong commitment to the REMARKET project vision 

Language Requirements

• Excellent written and spoken English
• Excellent written and spoken Ukrainian 

Travel: 20% subject to security approval

We look forward to receiving your application (Cover letter and CV) via the Caritas Switzerland Web Portal by 20 May 2024.

Applications submitted via email will not be accepted.