Projects Manager – Resilience and Development

Organisation/Unit Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe e.V. / Johanniter International Assistance (JIA) is hiring a Projects Manager – Resilience and Development in Pemba, Cabo Delgado, Mozambique.

Organisation Description

Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe e.V. is a German non-governmental organisation, dedicated to excellence in the field of first aid, ambulance service, social service programmes and other projects in the medical and social field. The Federal Headquarters (HQ) are based in Berlin, Germany. Johanniter International Assistance is the operational unit for humanitarian aid, development co-operation and emergency relief, implementing and supporting projects in Health, Nutrition, WASH as well as Food Security & Income Generation worldwide. (www.thejohanniter.org)

Job Responsibilities and Accountabilities

Overall job purpose

Working directly under the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Manager, the Program Manager (PM) will lead, manage, and coordinate the Development and Resilience Program with a focus on Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL), Health, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), Peacebuilding, and Disaster Risk Management (DRM). The role will ensure the effective implementation of multi-sectoral activities, foster integration among different components, and promote resilience and sustainable development in conflict-prone and disaster-affected areas. The roles include the management of the projects team, budget, logistical processes, activities implementation for JIA and Partners as well as monitoring on indicator performance and beneficiary feedback. The PM will manage a multi-annual projects funded by the German government, under which JIA provides high quality humanitarian aid to conflict affected populations in Cabo Delgado and Manica province in the areas of health, WASH, FSL, DRR and Peacebuilding.

Reporting lines

Reporting to: Senior Program Manager (SPM)

Supervising: Project Staff and Project Partners

Gives technical advice to: Project Staff and Project Partners

Receives technical advice: SPM and Technical Advisors and Officers

Standing in for: SPM

Represented by: SPM

Tasks

Strategic Planning and Program Development:

• Participate actively in the strategic planning process for the development and resilience program, identifying opportunities for growth, innovation, and program improvement;
• Assist the Senior Program Manager in identifying new funding opportunities, including conducting donor mapping, and lead or contribute to the development of high-quality project proposals and concept notes for submission to donors;
• Stay updated on sectoral trends, research, and emerging best practices to ensure that the program remains innovative, relevant, and aligned with global standards for resilience, food security, health, WASH, peacebuilding, and disaster risk management;
• Work closely with technical coordinators and program team to develop new program designs that address local needs and leverage local resources and capacities for sustainable development;
• Ensure that the program’s strategic goals are met by regularly reviewing program performance, adjusting strategies as needed, and fostering adaptive management practices;
• Engage with local stakeholders, government authorities, and communities in the strategic planning process to ensure that the program aligns with local priorities and builds ownership;
• Advocate for and integrate cross-cutting issues such as gender, climate resilience, and conflict sensitivity into program strategies and development initiatives.

Program Management

• Lead and coordinate the implementation of multi-sectoral program activities, ensuring synergy across the components of Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL), Health, WASH, Peacebuilding, and Disaster Risk Management (DRM);
• Develop and maintain detailed work plans that align with program objectives, timelines, and deliverables, in accordance with donor agreements and organizational policies;
• Continuously monitor program performance using established indicators, ensuring adherence to budgets, timelines, and quality standards;
• Proactively identify and address implementation challenges, including risks related to conflict, insecurity, and natural disasters, ensuring timely mitigation actions;
• Ensure integration of cross-cutting issues such as gender, social inclusion, climate change adaptation, and conflict sensitivity into program design and execution;
• Manage project implementation in strict compliance with donor requirements and Johanniter International Assistance (JIA) standards;
• Ensure that all necessary project support functions are in place (monitoring, logistics, finance, and administration) to facilitate smooth implementation;
• Collaborate closely with the Finance Team and Senior Program Manager (SPM) to revise and update project plans and budgets as needed;
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with donors, government authorities, and key stakeholders in-country for emergency, rehabilitation, and development programs, in coordination with the SPM and Head of Mission (HoM);
• Regularly report to the SPM on project progress, including any risks or challenges encountered during implementation;
• Develop and implement a preparedness plan for potential disasters or crises, based on the specific country context and emerging risks;
• Lead the implementation of beneficiary feedback mechanisms in close coordination with the PMEAL (Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) team, ensuring lessons learned are integrated into ongoing project design and future programming;
• Provide technical support in project development and management to local partners, ensuring the quality and effectiveness of their contributions;
• Ensure timely, accurate, and concise internal and donor reporting, in line with agreed schedules and requirements.

Leadership and Capacity Building

• Provide supervision, mentorship, and support to program staff, ensuring clarity in roles, responsibilities, and that performance expectations are consistently met;
• Foster a positive and collaborative team environment, encouraging innovation, knowledge sharing, and teamwork among staff;
• Identify capacity-building needs and facilitate training to enhance the technical and management skills of team members;
• Ensure regular and effective communication between field staff, technical advisors, and the Senior Program Manager to maintain alignment and efficiency;
• Manage staff according to Johanniter International Assistance (JIA) leadership principles, staff policies, and organizational strategy;
• Support the recruitment process to ensure the selection of qualified staff;
• Oversee the effective management of the project office, ensuring operational efficiency;
• Ensure the implementation and adaptation of JIA policies to local conditions, maintaining compliance with organizational standards;
• Take responsibility for the strict application and adherence to Johanniter Security Rules, Guidelines, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in the project region.

Representation, Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary liaison for coordination with local government authorities, NGOs, community stakeholders, and other relevant actors;
• Actively participate in cluster and coordination meetings, representing the program’s objectives and fostering collaboration with key stakeholders;
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, government officials, and partner organizations to ensure community engagement and the long-term sustainability of the program;
• Represent Johanniter International Assistance (JIA) to relevant project stakeholders, including partners, government representatives, and other humanitarian actors;
• Expand JIA’s network by engaging with stakeholders from civil society, government, and academia in the context of the project;
• Oversee marketing, public relations, and local image management to promote positive visibility for JIA and its programs;
• Accompany visiting donors, JIA Head Office staff, and journalists, or appoint suitable representation as needed.

Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (PMEAL)

• Work closely with the PMEAL team to track progress against project indicators, conducting regular field visits to monitor activities and gather feedback from beneficiaries;
• Facilitate internal evaluations and donor-mandated assessments to ensure that lessons learned inform program adjustments and improvements;
• Ensure that project data is collected, analysed, and used for decision-making and reporting;
• Promote a culture of accountability and learning, ensuring that feedback mechanisms are in place and responsive to community concerns.

Financial and Grants Management

• In collaboration with the finance team, monitor program budgets, ensuring that expenditures are within approved limits and aligned with donor requirements;
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting to donors and the Senior Program Manager;
• Identify potential funding gaps and assist in developing proposals to secure additional funding for program expansion or continuity.

Risk Management and Compliance

• Identify and mitigate operational risks, particularly those related to security, natural disasters, and community acceptance;
• Ensure that all program activities comply with donor regulations, local laws, and organizational policies, including procurement and financial management practices;
• Update and implement contingency plans to ensure continuity of operations in the event of security incidents or natural disasters.

Other

• Actively participates in the country management meetings, as well as strategic development and planning;
• Fulfilment of any other tasks which are assigned by the management and correspond in general with the character of this position.

Person Specification

Education:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Development Studies, Public Health, Agriculture, Environmental Sciences, Social Sciences, International Relations, or a related field.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of experience in managing development and resilience programs, with a focus on FSL, Health, WASH, Peacebuilding, and DRM;
• Experience working in fragile and conflict-prone areas, preferably in Cabo Delgado or similar settings;
• Proven ability to lead multi-sectoral teams and manage complex, integrated programs;
• Experience in working with donors such as BMZ, GFFO, or UN agencies is an advantage;
• Demonstrated experience in project cycle management, including budget oversight and reporting.

Technical Skills:

• Strong knowledge of resilience building, sustainable development, and cross-sectoral programming in conflict and disaster-affected regions;
• Proficiency in project management tools and systems, including financial management, reporting, and monitoring;
• Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation frameworks and data analysis.

Soft Skills:

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to convey complex information in a clear and concise manner;
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and manage diverse teams;
• Problem-solving abilities and the capacity to work in high-pressure environments.

Key Competencies:

• Leadership and team management;
• Strong project management and organizational skills;
• Conflict sensitivity and risk management;
• Strong commitment to gender equality, inclusion, and community participation;
• Strategic thinking and adaptability in dynamic environments.

Working Conditions:

• Frequent travel to project sites, including remote areas affected by conflict and natural disasters;
• Ability to work in challenging and unstable environments, adhering to security protocols and maintaining operational efficiency;
• Flexibility in working hours, including occasional work during weekends and holidays, when necessary.