The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a CGIAR Research Center is seeking a skilled Project Manager to to join our dynamic team in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia as a Senior Project Manager and Commission Coordinator and support our mission to promote water sustainability.

This is an internationally recruited position; therefore, individuals with relevant abilities from diverse locations around the world are encouraged to apply.

The Senior Project Manager and Commission Coordinator will manage the implementation of projects including “Digital Innovation for Water Secure Africa” (DIWASA) project, ensuring the timely delivery of project objectives and outputs. The candidate will also support the Commission on Water for Food Futures, overseeing its organization including coordinating the activities of the Commissioners.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee project and commission execution and completion lifecycle, closely working with project and IWMI PMO teams.
• Work with project leads, coordinators and pillar leads in the implementation of the projects and the Commission.
• Take part in regular meetings with donors, project Strategic Advisory Committees (SAC), and support follow up actions.
• Manage projects in line with donor and IWMI guidelines within set timelines to achieve objectives.
• Oversee, manage, and support the work of other project team members, including project partners and consultants.
• Oversee project administration, operations, implementation, and fiscal management to ensure technical and financial activity aligns with the scope and budget allocations, internal policies, and donor requirements.
• Facilitate the delivery of project outputs and contribute towards outcomes and impacts across the project.
• Support monitoring of key project deliverables and the release of funding as approved in the project proposal, work plan, and budget, and support team in addressing challenges.
• Organize regular team coordination meetings and other events to foster closer collaboration between team members and, as needed, with other IWMI staff.
• Optimize financial resources, making decisions that maximize value for money, impact, and drive efficiencies.
• Develop annual and quarterly result-based work plans and budgets in coordination with technical leads
• Lead the preparation of result-based reports (technical as well as financial) as required (quarterly, semi-annual, and annual) following IWMI procedures and donor requirements.
• Ensure implementation of project communication strategies and gender action plans.
• Closely monitor deviations from the work plan, devise, and implement measures to ensure the timely delivery of project outputs, supporting the development of strong monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, project monitoring tools, and efficient systems to ensure high-quality implementation.
• Manage and oversee all contract management and implementation tasks based on established processes and procedures, inclusive of consultants and other services as part of project implementation.
• Identify issues and risks related to activity implementation and take mitigative actions in a timely manner.
• Track deliverables and coordinate with relevant technical leads to ensure timely and on-budget completion of activities.
• Support a work environment that promotes a culture of collaboration, learning, effective knowledge sharing, knowledge transfer, and interdisciplinary teamwork.

Requirements

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

Essential,

• Master’s degree in water resources management, environmental management or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum of 15 years of work experience in various geographies, including at least 10 years of demonstrated experience in managing projects.
• Qualification in Project Management (e.g. PMP, PRINCE2 or similar) and/or substantial, successful project management experience.
• Demonstrable track record of managing complex multi-country projects.
• Experience in undertaking or overseeing environmental and social monitoring and evaluation.
• Experience working in interdisciplinary and multicultural teams.
• Experience in capacity-building and training programs for diverse participants.
• Proven experience of working with an international organization abroad.
• Experience working on research and development and/or public sector-funded projects that promote, plan, design, and implement water management and climate resilience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Essential,

• A problem-solving mindset and great organizational capacity across multiple projects and geographies.
• The ability to effectively establish priorities and plan, organize, implement, and monitor work activities with limited supervision.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment, with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask effectively.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and new procedures quickly.
• Attention to detail, precision, and strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize work and achieve stretch targets, including through strong time management.
• Ability to deal with sensitive and confidential information in a professional manner.
• Excellent ability to interpret, summarize, synthesize, present, and utilize outputs of environmental (i.e., hydrological, agricultural, and/or climate) and socio-economic models for evaluation purposes, to support planning, and/or to inform decision-making processes.
• Personal attributes including high standards of conduct, respect, flexibility, and a sound work ethic.
• Excellent oral and written language skills in English, including effective listening and strong verbal and written communication abilities.

Desirable,

• Knowledge of French will be considered an asset.

Benefits

This is an internationally recruited position with a competitive salary, an attractive retirement plan, comprehensive international health insurance, life insurance accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, and long-term disability coverage. The duration of the contract will initially be for a period of two years with possibility of extension.

HOW TO APPLY: Apply for the position by following the application instructions at www.iwmi.org/jobs. We will be accepting applications through 24:00 (IST) on March 02, 2025 (applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis). Your application must include a CV, cover letter, and three (3) references, which may be contacted if you are shortlisted. Receipt of all applications will be acknowledged, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

IWMI believes that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence, and is critical for our mission. We offer a multi-cultural, multi-color, multi-generational and multi-disciplinary working environment. We are consciously creating an inclusive organization that reflects our global character and our commitment to gender equity. We, therefore, encourage applicants from all cultures, races, ethnicities, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, and gender identities.