Project Manager – Empowering Communities for Inclusive Peacebuilding Project (ECIPP)

About Finn Church Aid

Finn Church Aid (FCA) is the largest Finnish development cooperation organisation and the second largest provider of humanitarian assistance. We operate in 12 countries, where the needs are most dire. We work with the poorest people, regardless of their religious beliefs, ethnic background or political convictions. Our operations are guided by equality, non-discrimination and responsibility. For more information, please visit www.kua.fi

About the Project- Empowering Communities for Inclusive Peacebuilding Project (ECIPP)

FCA Ethiopia aims to reduce tensions, address historical grievances, and prevent emerging conflicts by strengthening local capacities and leadership at the forefront of conflict prevention and peacebuilding. The approach emphasizes strong participation of women, youth, and other marginalized groups; enhancing community-based peace structures and early warning and recovery systems; increasing awareness, outreach, and structured dialogue among conflicting parties; and promoting networking, joint actions, and advocacy among local peacebuilders and change agents at various levels. These efforts seek to foster peaceful coexistence and ensure sustainable impact through the implementation of the ECIPP Project.

The project will be implemented in partnership with the Regional Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers (NRTP) and a local implementing partner in Ethiopia?s Gambella Region.

Its primary focus is to strengthen the skills and capacities of local peacebuilders particularly women and youth so they can play active and leading roles in conflict prevention and peacebuilding in targeted conflict-affected areas. Furthermore, the project aims to improve preparedness and early response mechanisms while promoting social cohesion among conflict-affected communities to achieve lasting peace in the region.

Position Overview

The Project Manager (PM) will be responsible for managing and operating the peace building project basing in Gambella, ensuring high-quality planning, implementation, and monitoring of the project titled ?Empowering Communities for Inclusive Peacebuilding Project (ECIPP).?

The PM will oversee the execution of project deliverables in collaboration with the project team, local implementing partners, Community Based Organisations, Faith Based Organisations, stakeholders, government authorities and Refugee structures ensuring timely and effective implementation. In addition, the PM will play a key role in strengthening partners and stakeholders to maximize impact and ensure project sustainability.

The PM will also lead proposal development and funding applications in alignment with FCA?s objectives and processes.

Specific Responsibilities

1. Prepare Detail Implementation Plan (annual, quarterly and monthly activity plan), Procurement Plan, Budget Plan, M&E Plan and Cooperation Agreements with local partners in collaboration with FCA Ethiopia Country Office team.
2. Monitor and report on the usage of resources and ensure cost-effective management of facilities.
3. Act as the operational focal point and point of contact for the project.
4. Manage the overall implementation of FCA managed activities, and coordinate the planning, monitoring and reporting (internal and external) of project activities.
5. Provide technical and thematic support to the project and partners on conflict analysis, peacebuilding, and reconciliation.
6. Prepare work plans and produce timely reports – financial and progress reports – as required by FCA and donor reporting systems.
7. Prepare and update the project procurement plan and overseeing procurement processes.
8. Ensure that project budget is followed and prepare budget changes if required.
9. Request for budget advances for activity implementation and ensure settlement according to FCA procedures.
10. Review the project monthly/quarterly and donor financial reports compiled by the Finance Coordinator.
11. Manage relationships and coordinate the work with the local implementing partner and NRTP through regular meetings and follow-ups.
12. Ensure communication and cooperation between project partners and other stakeholders of the project.
13. Ensure that all project plans, objectives, policies, procedures, and processes are followed.
14. Implement activities led by FCA in the project and monitor local partner managed activities.
15. Manage the overall communication and submission of reports from the local partner to FCA.
16. Promote identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned for organizational sharing and learning.
17. Collect feedback from project participants and stakeholders to improve the service and programming.

• Masters degree in peace and conflict studies, development studies, law, human rights
• or similar
• At least 5 years related professional experience on peacebuilding/conflict transformation and/or interreligious dialogue.
• Proven strong project management skills.
• Experience in procurement and financial management of projects
• Strong knowledge of the Gambella context and culture
• Strong understanding of root causes of conflicts in Gambella and existing conflict transformation and peacebuilding programs and mechanisms
• Good understanding of the governance structures and existing networks with national and regional level authorities and key civil society and community actors
• Experience in developing and implementing consortium projects
• Proven problem-solving skills and strategic planning capability with creativity;
• Previous experience in capacity building/training of individuals and/or organizations
• Good attention to detail and numerate
• Fluency in oral and written English
• Excellent communication and inter-personal skills
• Sound organizational skills and initiative to proactively manage work
• Ability to meet deadlines under pressure
• Ability to travel outside of Gambella Town including to higher security risk areas
• Ability to work remotely and with a diverse team Including FCA Head Office, Country office, and NRTP.