Project Manager – DG ECHO grant (100%)

Background

HQAI is an independent auditor for the humanitarian and development sector. The standard we use is the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) on Quality and Accountability. HQAI verifies that organisations correctly apply the standard from the head office to the field. HQAI responds to growing demands from NGOs, governments, donors, and the public for a professional, objective, and independent assurance that organisations supporting vulnerable and at-risk communities act in accordance with the CHS standards. HQAI is a not-for-profit organisation registered as a Swiss association.

Working environment

HQAI’s Secretariat is a small and dedicated team that manages the organisation’s activities. The Project Manager will experience a dynamic working environment oriented towards innovation. This job opening is a unique opportunity to be involved in a cutting-edge initiative, learn about quality and accountability, and contribute to advancing HQAI’s impact in the humanitarian and development sector.

The position is home-based.

Tasks & Responsibilities

1. Project Management:

• Develop a detailed implementation plan (DIP) for of project activities of DG ECHO funded Enhanced Response Capacity project, LOCAL: Lowering Compliance burdens for Local and national associations.
• Co-ordinate the delivery of activities according to the DIP in line with HQAI Quality Assurance policies, processes, and tools.
• Develop and track a Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) framework in line with the Mealfor the overall project.
• Ensures timely collection and analysis of data, in collaboration with partners in the project and HQAI’s Quality Assurance Department.
• Identify need for project adjustments and co-ordinate adaptation of grant agreement, as necessary.
• Ensure that project implementation complies with donor regulations as well as HQAI policies and procedures in close coordination with the HQAI Support Service Department.

2. Budget monitoring:

• Track project expenditure via quarterly expenditure reviews and provide quarterly budget forecasts.
• In co-ordination with Support Services Department prepare donor financial reports and explanations as well as internal financial reporting as required.
• Prepare budget revisions/realignments as necessary.

3. Representation:

• Lead professional dynamic coordination and collaboration with project partners, ensuring that the specific project needs are addressed.
• Participate in the coordination meetings and in relevant thematic fora.

4. Reporting and communication:

• Ensure timely production of high-quality donor reporting inputs on the project activities in compliance with donor requirements.
• Collaborate with the Communication Department to promote the project and its impact/findings.

5. Other responsibilities

• Uses knowledge and learning from the LOCAL project to develop proposals for other funding opportunities.
• Supports ad hoc project management activities within the HQAI Secretariat as needed.
• Occasional travel to Geneva/elsewhere in Europe to attend relevant meetings or events.

Required Qualifications and competencies.

• At least 5 years’ experience in complex project management across the project cycle within the humanitarian or development context, including with DG ECHO projects.
• Demonstrable experience in MEAL framework design, data collection and synthesis.
• Exceptionally strong writing skills in English and French and prior experience of institutional proposal writing and report writing (USAID/BHA, DG INTPA, FCDO, UN agencies)
• Articulate and professional with ability to convey messaging clearly and succinctly in meetings of diverse stakeholders.
• Knowledge of DG ECHO or other institutional donor compliance requirements and prior experience of managing these for DG ECHO or similar projects.
• Demonstrably strong planning and adaptation skills.
• Proficiency in basic software tools such as MS Office and database management
• Master’s degree in international relations, Development Studies, or another relevant field.