Save the Children is Hiring a Project Manager to Lead Child-Focused Emergency Education Programme in Zimbabwe

TITLE: Project Manager – Acting Together for Responsive and Integrated Systems for Children’s Access to Education in Emergencies (ARISE) Project

LOCATION: Harare

GRADE: 3

CONTRACT LENGTH: Project ends March 2027. Contract length will be subject to performance and funding.

CHILD SAFEGUARDING:

Level 3: The post holder will have contact with children and/or young people either frequently (e.g., once a week or more) or intensively (e.g., four days in one month or more or overnight) because they work in country programs, are visiting country programs, or are responsible for implementing the police checking/vetting process for staff.

ROLE PURPOSE

The ARISE project aims to strengthen the resilience, wellbeing, and learning of girls and boys in Southern Africa (Malawi and Zimbabwe) through an integrated approach to education in emergencies, child protection in emergencies, and mental health and psychosocial support. The programme emphasizes preparedness and anticipatory action frameworks to reduce disruptions to learning during crises.

The Project Manager will lead the implementation, coordination, and oversight of the project in Zimbabwe. The postholder will serve as the operational link between district-level partners and national stakeholders. Working under the Senior Programme Manager, the postholder will ensure high-quality implementation of project activities in Mangwe and Chipinge districts, coordinating efforts with education and protection clusters and line ministries.

In the event of a major humanitarian emergency, the postholder will be expected to adapt their working hours and responsibilities.

SCOPE OF ROLE

Reports to: Senior Programme Manager (dotted line to Operations Manager)
Staff reporting to this post: None
Indirect Reports: Driver
Budget Responsibilities: €1,200,365.00
Role Dimensions: Collaborates with SCI, Member Offices, project partners, and the Ministries of Primary and Secondary Education and of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare.

Also Read: UNDP is Hiring a Programme Analyst – Energy

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY

Project Coordination and Management

Provide strategic and operational leadership to the project team and partners.
Ensure compliance with donor (ECHO) and SCI regulations.
Oversee effective MEAL systems and financial management.
Support partner teams in meeting targets and deliverables.
Maintain multi-sectoral integration across education, protection, nutrition, and gender.
Monitor performance indicators and ensure BvA analysis is up to date.
Build and maintain relationships with government, community stakeholders, and partners.
Conduct contextual assessments and implement inclusive community engagement strategies.
Ensure project materials are adapted to local contexts and localization principles.

Project Implementation

Ensure timely and quality delivery of activities in line with design and donor guidelines.
Develop workplans, procurement, and distribution schedules.
Conduct capacity assessments and develop capacity building plans.
Participate in child protection surveillance and situation analyses.
Align project with SCI humanitarian and emergency preparedness plans.
Use project management tools (DIP, logframes, MEAL plans) to track progress.
Support high-quality facilitation and training supervision.
Represent SCI in national and district coordination platforms.
Update implementation progress on PRIME system and compile monthly reports.

MEAL

Identify and share best practices and ensure cross-sectoral integration.
Facilitate regular project reviews and data-driven decision-making.
Embed SCI quality standards, with emphasis on protection and inclusion.
Maintain functional feedback and complaint mechanisms.
Provide technical support to partners and organize learning forums.

Reporting

Lead and guide partners on ECHO reporting standards and expectations.
Coordinate with the Awards team to ensure high-quality reporting.
Review and consolidate partner submissions into comprehensive donor-ready reports.
Ensure timely submission of evidence-based technical and financial reports.
Collaborate with stakeholders to address cross-cutting issues requiring Steering Committee decisions.

Localisation

Identify and address capacity gaps in Education in Emergencies (EiE).
Strengthen collaboration with government departments and ensure localization practices are implemented.

Child Safeguarding

Promote community awareness of SCI Child Safeguarding Policy and conduct expectations.
Ensure child-friendly and language-appropriate communication on safeguarding standards.

Risk Management

Identify, report, and mitigate safeguarding, SEA, or fraud risks.
Monitor financial risks via BvA analysis and respond to emerging concerns.
Communicate unsafe programming issues and escalate unresolvable risks to senior management.

BEHAVIOURS (Values in Practice)

Accountability

Holds self and team accountable for decision-making, resource use, and results.
Ensures partners deliver on commitments with support and accountability mechanisms.

Ambition