PROJECT MANAGER - RUANDA

The Movimento per la lotta contro la Fame nel Mondo (MLFM) is a non-governmental organization based in Lodi since 1964, recognized as such in 1983 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Italian Republic.

MLFM operates in the South of the World with development projects, for which it provides means and skills without ever excluding the essential involvement of local populations. Its activities are based on the principles of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equality of rights and opportunities, respect for diversity and coexistence, paying special attention to the most vulnerable people.

Terms of reference

Job Title: Project Manager

Code: AICS AID012590/08/8

Duty station: Kigali with frequent mission in Gatsibo District

Starting date: 11/10/2025

Contract duration: 12 months

Reporting to: Country Representative, in case of absence to Desk Office

Functional Supervisor: N/A

Supervision of: Project staff

Type of Duty Station: Family duty station

General context of the project

Kageyo sector is considered a priority because only 16% of the population has clean water. 11 of the 12 villages in this area do not have protected water sources and the population collects water from unsafe sources, exposing itself to the risk of disease.

9% of families do not have any family-use toilet facilities. The remaining families use rudimentary latrines that do not guarantee adequate hygiene conditions, creating an unhealthy environment near their homes.

5 of the 6 schools in the area have toilet facilities in very poor conditions, with no separation between males and females or inclusion for people with disabilities.

The population does not know good hygiene practices, especially women who do not have the knowledge and facilities to properly manage their menstrual period. There is also a strong social stigma, so girls who are menstruating cannot show themselves in society and are therefore forced to stay home from school or work.

General purpose of the position

• The Project Manager will ensure ongoing engagement between the various support departments to ensure timely support to the project team.
• Hold the budget for the entire grant/project budget and closely supervises/monitors financial planning, cash flow planning, and budget utilization/depletion rate monitoring.
• Financial/budgetary management is the project manager’s final responsibility for the specific project, and he/she must ensure that this goes hand in hand with a tight logical framework and monitoring of the work plan.

Main responsibilities and tasks:

Main responsibilities

• Ensure planning, implementation and monitoring/evaluation and set objectives as included in the project description. Report any significant deviations from the program implementation plan and estimated expenditure; Alert relevant staff.
• Ensure effective financial management as the main holder of the project budget, in accordance with the MLFM model and donor regulations.
• Team and human resources management (staff and volunteers).
• Provide quality reporting on project activities, including findings in terms of impact and changes in beneficiaries reached by the project, compliant and consistent reporting in line with MLFM and donor requirements, in collaboration with the HQ Desk Office.
• Develop a clear understanding of the MLFM program and country strategy within the project team – also ensure timely input and feedback from the team on strategic issues.
• Support the Country Representative in the development of programs or projects.
• Ensure that program delivery complies with MLFM and donor minimum technical standards.
• Ensure a clear overview of actors and services in the intervention area, enabling the development and implementation of partnerships and referral pathways.
• Administrative and clerical support activities (agreements, amendments, signed reports, communications, etc.), ensuring that the documentation cycle is up to date and that the requirements of all services are harmonized and processed.
   

Detailed responsibilities and tasks

• Ensure full and timely implementation of the project proposal as approved, proactively meeting reporting deadlines:
• Project launch and presentation/sharing with teams.
• Review and prepare a detailed business plan with the team.
• Verification of beneficiary targeting.
   

Financial management and procurement

• Prepare, monitor and implement financial and procurement plan.
• Prepare financial plan.
• Approve all purchases/contracts and budget line allocations.
• Verify accounting entries in MLFM accounting spreadsheets (PN): check budget line allocations, status of budget expenditure against actual delivery and financial plan for remaining project implementation period.
• Ensure that for all purchases/contracts of goods/services/supplies, the correct AICS/PRAG procurement guidelines are applied and properly documented, in coordination with the Local Administration
• Verify expenditure lists prior to finalizing interim and final financial reports.
• Assumes final responsibility for verifying completeness and accuracy of all supporting documentation.
   

Personnel management

• Agree and establish clear reporting and communication lines.
• Team recruitment, liaison with Desk Office and Local Administrator to secure up-to-date HR records.
• Ongoing coaching of field teams to work on delivery quality.
• Manage and evaluate project staff performance.
• Hold weekly and monthly team meetings to review planning and discuss key concerns to focus on for the coming period.
• Continuous/rapid verification of the quality of data collected and received from field staff.
• Ensure that teams respect MLFM rules and guidelines at mission and adhere to MLFM code of conduct.
   

Monitoring and evaluation

• Monitor and verify the targeting of beneficiaries.
• Using a results-based management approach, monitor project outcomes, in addition to outputs and activities, including household and community changes achieved through the project.
• Carry out field visits to provide technical advice and supervision to the team and monitor the progress and quality of the various project activities.
   

Reporting

• Ensure quality reporting of achievements through brief daily briefings, monthly and weekly planning presented against weekly and monthly performance reports containing clear quantitative and qualitative information relating to activities.
• Obtain regular reports by team and compile, review and analyze reports on a monthly basis to be reflected in the MLFM project evaluation tool.
• Prepare ad hoc progress reports to donors and interim and final project reports required by government officials; Prepare interim and final narrative reports to the donor in a timely and qualitative manner, reviewing achievements against outcomes and outputs, and clearly reflecting lessons learned in recommendations for future programs.
• Assumes final responsibility for all supporting documentation (means of verification) and general project documents.
• Regularly supplies communication products (including photos) on the project for use by the MLFM communication department in various outlets.
   

Coordination and representation

• Assist the Country Representative in attending group meetings and ensure timely reporting of highlights and information relevant to the intervention area.
• Participate in regular meetings with donor representatives and facilitate field visits by donor missions, in coordination with the Country Representative
• Ensure systematic sharing of information and updates with the Country Representative and Desk Office
• Perform any other related duties as assigned.

Required profile and experience

Education

• University business degree in social sciences, political science, international relations, humanitarian aid or other relevant disciplines

Professional Experience

• Minimum of 5 years’ professional experience in humanitarian project/program management, including financial management and logistical responsibilities.
• Good knowledge of issues related to the WASH sector.
• Minimum 3 year’s experience in implementing AICS funded project
• Experience in building and maintaining collaborative relationships with donors and government counterparts, as well as in donor compliance and reporting.
• Experience in complex emergency situations.

Professional Requirements

• Good knowledge of issues related to the WASH sector.
• Experience in building and maintaining collaborative relationships with donors and government counterparts, as well as in donor compliance and reporting.

Languages

• Essential mission working language English, French as additional value

Personal Requirements

• Ability to ensure fast, quality delivery in a stressful environment.
• Ability to respect deadlines and hierarchy.
• Strong interpersonal skills: communication, diplomacy.
• Leadership, management and people development.
• Organization and problem solving.
• Commitment to MLFM principles.

HOW TO APPLY:

Send CV and Motivation Letter with 3 references’ contact to selezione@mlfm.it, object “PM_AID012590/08/8”