Country Manager at Project Zawadi (PZ)

Country Manager at Project Zawadi (PZ)

September, 2023

Job Details

Background:

Project Zawadi (PZ) is a non-profit organization that provides support to rural schools in the Bunda District of Mara Region via three programs: Student Sponsorship, Model Schools and Tenda Teachers. The mission is to ensure Tanzanian children and youth have access to a quality education. See www.ProjectZawadi.org for more information.

The Country Manager shall lead three Program Leaders involved in developing and managing the programs and will report directly to the US-based office. The successful candidate will represent the organization in multiple capacities while supporting the PZ Office in coordinating and ensuring that all programs meet necessary quality standards relating to planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting. The successful candidate will also ensure that the organization has a good relationship with key stakeholders (the Tanzanian government, Community members and donors) and that all projects comply with relevant laws.

Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership role

1.1 Coordinate Program Leaders in drafting their project plans and reports and ensuring they are submitted in compliance with the requirement of relevant stakeholders (PZ Board of Directors, Bunda District Council, Tanzania Ministry of Education, etc).

1.2 Work with the Program Leaders to produce communications material to promote project and Tanzania Country Program funding needs.

1.3 Oversee project related procurement and ensure that Program Leaders are aware of and complying with relevant procurement requirements.

1.4 Act as a professional advisor to the Board of Directors on all aspects of the organization’s activities.

1.5 Foster effective teamwork between the Project staff, the Executive Director and Board of Directors.

1.6 Issue official correspondence on behalf of the organization as appropriate.

1.7 Working with the Executive Director, ensure that all Board procedures and conduct of Annual Meetings are in line with statutory requirements as well as PZ Meeting Guidelines.

1.8 Ensure effective management of organization documents including.

Operational planning and management

2.1 Coordinate development of operational plan which incorporates goals and objectives that work towards the strategic direction of the organization.

2.2 Ensure that all program leaders fulfill their assigned responsibilities and that they implement conscientiously the policies and guidelines contained in their respective program manuals; and regularly report related achievements and challenges to management and their respective executive Committees.

2.3 Identify and evaluate the risks to the organization’s people (staff and volunteers), property, finances, goodwill, and image. Implement measures to control risks.

Human Resources Planning and Management

3.1 In liaison with Program Leaders determine staffing requirements for organizational management and program delivery.

3.2 Oversee the implementation of the human resources policies, procedures and practices including the development of job descriptions for all staff.

3.3 Establish a positive, healthy and safe work environment in accordance with all appropriate legislation and regulations.

3.4 Oversee recruitment, interview, selection, and onboarding of staff.

3.5 Implement a performance management process for all staff.

3.6 Discipline staff when necessary, using appropriate techniques. Release staff when necessary, using appropriate and legally defensible procedures.

3.7 Keep the Executive Director and Program Executive Committees informed on major personnel decisions for managers, such as hiring, termination of employment and disciplinary actions.

Financial planning and management
4.1 Work with program leaders to annually prepare a comprehensive budget for review by the Executive Director and approval by the board.

4.2 Work with the Project Accountant to ensure Program Leaders receive monthly account statements of their program’s expenditure and that they are supported in managing program finance and making appropriate financial decisions.

4.3 Review program funding requests; ensure that sound bookkeeping and accounting procedures are followed.

4.4 Administer the funds of the organization according to the approved budget and monitor the monthly cash flow of the organization.

4.5 Work with Tanzania Project Accountant to ensure the requirements for annual audits are met and the organization complies with all legislation covering taxation and withholding payments.

Community relations/advocacy

5.1 Communicate with stakeholders to keep them informed of the work of the organization and to identify changes in the community served by the organization.

5.2 Establish good working relationships and manage all cross – cutting issues important for collaboration and good relations with community groups, funders, politicians, and other organizations.

Qualifications, experience required:

• A Tanzania National with passion for education and community development.
• Bachelor’s degree in Community Development or Education Management or equivalent qualifications from recognized university. Master’s degree in related field will be added advantage.
• At least 5 years’ experience in management, experience working with donor funded education projects will be an added advantage.
• Excellent listening, writing, and speaking skills.
• Experience with procurement processes and financial reporting requirements, financial audits; Experience with program evaluation will be an added advantage.
• Good MS Office (Word/Excel/PowerPoint) and internet skills.
• Interest and ability to spend significant time in the program office located in Nyamuswa Village of Bunda
• District in Mara Region; Willingness to move to Nyamuswa or a nearby location will be an added advantage.
• Ability to travel nationally within Tanzania a few times a year and work in remote areas.
• Fluency in Kiswahili and English, both written and oral.
• Commitment to the values of Project Zawadi: 1) Teamwork, 2) Passion for the Work, 3) Respect for
• Community, 4) Commitment to Equity, 5) Resilience and Drive.
• PZ offers a competitive salary commensurate with candidate’s qualification and job experience.

To Apply:

Send email (with subject line “Country Manager”) with 1 attachment (titled with applicant’s name) containing a cover letter and CV to bsinger@projectzawadi.org. In the cover letter explain why you want the job and describe your salary history and expectations. Deadline: Oct 22, 2023