Project Manager

Norwegian People’s Aid is seeking a Project Manager (Peace and Development) in Myanmar

Norwegian People’s Aid vision is Solidarity in Action. We are a politically independent membership-based organisation working in Norway and in more than 35 countries around the world. Founded in 1939 as the labour movement’s humanitarian solidarity organisation, NPA aims to improve people’s living conditions and to create societies that are more just and more democratic. NPA’s international work covers three core areas: Humanitarian Disarmament, Democratisation and Just distribution of power and resources, and Humanitarian Action and Crises response. NPA commits to strive for a world free from discrimination based on gender, and firmly believes that gender equality needs to be at the core of our work. NPA carries out advocacy in Norway and internationally, in cooperation with our partners and other likeminded international organisations and networks.

Do you want to join our professional and committed global team in our mission to support civil society working to strengthen peace and democracy in Myanmar?

NPA has been present in Myanmar since 2004, with a primary goal to strengthen Myanmar’s civil society, thus increasing the chances of a successful democratic transition. While NPA was initially operating under the radar, in a very repressive context under the control of a military junta, Cyclone Nargis in 2008 created more space for civil society and international agencies. Progressively, the civic space opened up and NPA was able to expand its scope of work in country. In 2012, NPA was invited by the government to assist with the establishment of a mine action coordination centre to conduct demining activities (although progress to date on this front has been limited). NPA is supporting various civil society organizations/networks that promote a peaceful and democratic society within the fields of women’s empowerment, human rights/civic education and freedom of expression, accountability and transparency, peace in ethnic minority areas. The NPA peace and democracy programme works entirely in partnership with local civil society organizations, providing them with funding as well as technical support. As of 2019, NPA Myanmar has 30 partner organizations and envisages an expansion of the peace portfolio to address local governance issues in conflict affected areas in 2021. NPA Myanmar has approximately 40 staff with the majority based at the Yangon office. The PD Team is composed of 7 very dynamic people eager to work and learn. The position is based in the central office in Yangon with frequent travel to the field.

In this position your main responsibilities will be:

• Oversee and supervise Peace and Development team members to constructively and appropriately engage with NPA’s partners.
• Support the PD team to implement institutional development aspects of the partner programs, including building and maintaining strong relations with partner organizations and facilitating, mentoring and following up capacity development support to NPA’s partners.
• Ensure partners are appropriately supported across the project cycle management cycle, including annual planning, project monitoring, reporting and amendments.
• Promote a strong collaborative team culture.
• Provide mentoring to all members of the NPA PD team as required.
• Keep abreast of political developments to support NPA learnings in country.
• Support to Programme Manager (Strategy and Quality) in identifying and supporting innovative programming.
• Additional responsibilities as agreed with the Programme Manager (Strategy and Quality).

To be successful in this role you must have:

• A Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field.
• A thorough understanding of humanitarian, development and peacebuilding sectors
• At least three (3) years of senior management experience.
• Proven experience in working with partner organisations in development work, including working with NGOs and CSOs with diverse organisational systems.
• A thorough understanding of humanitarian, development and peacebuilding sectors.
• A proven track record in working with innovative and adaptive/responsive programming.
• Demonstrated ability to perform complex tasks and to prioritise across multiple projects.
• Fluency in English, with high quality written and oral communication skills.
• Experience working in a complex, conflict-affected setting.
• Previous experience of managing and developing a team and the ability to lead, motivate and develop others.
• Strong networking skills.
• Willingness to travel to remote areas with limited facilities.

We consider it an advantage if you also have:

• Burmese language skills
• Good organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple demands and a heavy workload.
• Culturally sensitive and respect for diversity
• Strong networking skills
• Excellent team-working skills

In return we offer:

An interesting, challenging work environment and a competitive salary package which includes country specific allowances. You will be covered by our comprehensive insurance scheme. We offer five weeks annual holiday *plus one additional week off for expats. NPA provides three international flights home per contract year**. We offer a one year contract with the possibility of renewal.

In general we emphasize the importance of strong health. One of NPA’s overall objectives is to promote gender equality in our organization, and female candidates are encouraged to apply.

For more information about NPA, please see our website at https://www.npaid.org/development or visit us on Facebook or Twitter.

* Terms for annual leave follow the Norwegian Annual Holidays Act
** Terms apply according to NPA’s internal regulations

Please note that due to the current circumstances, regarding the spreading of the COVID-19 virus, the process and/or the start-date might be delayed.