WASH Project Manager - Jordan

Title: WASH Project Manager – Jordan

Tracking Code: 218592-927

Job Location: Amman, ‘Ammān (Al ‘A̅ şimah), Jordan

Position Type: Full-Time/Regular

Job Description

This position is pending funding with anticipated deployment in June. It is a six month assignment with possibility for time extension.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The Project Manager is responsible for coordinating and implementing the construction of a rural water delivery system including daily management of program activities and program staff, and ensuring appropriate systems and support mechanisms are in place to track, analyze and report on results. S/he is responsible for coordinating and implementing the necessary water and sanitation (WASH) facilities for a large UNHCR camp being constructed in northeastern Jordan for Syrian refugees and will serve as a strong team leader, able to develop and mentor team members in Jordan with the skills of an effective communicator, able to work with internal and external stakeholders to achieve common objectives.  The Project Manager is responsible for managing relationships with local partners, beneficiaries and UNICEF representatives. S/he has the ability to effectively lead and implement water and sanitation infrastructure project in an emergency setting for a refugee camp in less than ideal conditions as well as the ability to develop an effective implementation plan and alternative project delivery methods to meet very tight construction schedule. S/he has the experience dealing with multiple contractors to ensure projects are done on-time and within budget.   The aim of the 6 month UNICEF funded water infrastructure project is to construct deep well(s), pipes, a water chlorination facility, water storage tanks, and other infrastructure.

PROGRAM/ DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:

Mercy Corps is an international relief and development organization working in over 40 countries worldwide helping people build secure, productive and just communities. Mercy Corps has been operating in Jordan since 2002 and is currently responding to the large influx of Syrians now residing in northern Jordan.  The Project Manager will manage and provide the technical oversight of Mercy Corps project in a UNHCR camp which will require facilities for up to 130,000 people. This is an emergency response project which requires close coordination with other NGO’s, local government, UN agencies, and contractors.  

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Technical

• Liaise and closely coordinate with relevant officials from the partner NGO’s, UNICEF, and other stakeholders.
• Conduct technical assessments.
• Mentor and supervise technical teams to ensure quality of projects implemented.
• Monitor budgets and financial controls for multiple projects.
• Develop bill of quantities and assist Mercy Corps with tender processes including contractor selection.
• Ensure quality control of all work performed.
• Oversee all tender processes and ensure timely procurement of required project inputs and materials.
• Conduct regular field visits to monitor project implementation.
• Write quality reports and provide timely updates to donors.

Strategy and Vision

• Recognize opportunities for innovative action and create an environment where alternative view points are welcomed.
• Set direction by prioritizing and organizing actions & resources to achieve objectives.

Personal Leadership

• Demonstrate flexibility, resilience and ability to maintain positive relationships and composure in a fast moving dynamic project.
• Maintain high ethical standards and treat people with respect and dignity.
• Demonstrate an awareness of his/her strengths and development needs.

Representation

• Identify, build and manage collaborative partnerships with consortium partners, donors, local governments and other stakeholders.
• Communicate effectively to ensure overall project targets and donor obligations are met.

Team Management

• Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.
• Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback via regular performance reviews.
• Contribute to country team-building efforts, help team members identify problem solving options and ensure the integration of all team members into relevant decision-making processes.
• Provide team members with information, tools and other resources to improve performance & reach objectives.

Program Management

• Collaborate with program, finance and administrative staff.
• Ensure program implementation is on time, target and budget, using effective M&E systems to reach desired impacts.
• Create and maintain systems ensuring effective and transparent use of financial resources for timely and informative reporting in line with donor and Mercy Corps policies and procedures.
• Implement and model Mercy Corps’ philosophy of social entrepreneurship and leverage Mercy Corps’ best practices.

Security

• Work closely with the country team’s security focal point to develop and maintain systems and training that ensure the safety and security of the team.

Organizational Learning: As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve - we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountability to Beneficiaries: Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: The Project Manager will have 4-6 persons that directly report to him/her.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Program Manager

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Deputy Country Director and MC technical support team.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• BS or equivalent in civil engineering or other relevant field; MS in civil engineering preferred.
• 8-10 years of design and construction of water and sanitation infrastructure experience including groundwater extraction, pipeline construction, pump installation, and sanitation facilities.
• Experience in communicating and interacting effectively with contractors.
• Proven ability to deliver quality construction projects using alternative project delivery methods in challenging environments and emergency conditions.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and communicate effectively with team members of varied work styles. 
• Demonstrated flexibility and creativity in planning and problem solving.
• Proven ability to learn quickly, and lead a program to achieve stated results and objectives.
• Ability to effectively represent Mercy Corps and its interests to key stakeholders.  
• Experience working with host governments, national and international NGOs.
• Effective verbal and written communication, multi-tasking, organizational and prioritization skills.
• Excellent oral and written English skills required; proficiency in Arabic is a plus.
• Ability to work effectively with an ethnically diverse team in a sensitive environment.
• Internationally recognized qualification in project or program management or a commitment to obtain the qualification in the early months of work.

SUCCESS FACTORS:

The successful Project Manager will combine exceptional management skills and experience in maintaining donor and partner relationships.  S/he will have an outstanding ability to develop, implement and manage innovative programs within the current and future program structure of Mercy Corps in the region and will have proven experience with cross-cultural team and capacity building, individual staff development and strong mentoring skills. Prioritizing, problem solving, ability to seize opportunities, attention to detail and strategic vision are essential. The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations.

LIVING /ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

This position is based in Amman, Jordan and is accompanied and secure. Housing is individual accommodation with unlimited freedom of movement beyond the house/office. Staff will have a very high degree of access to medical and other services. This position requires regular travel within Jordan to work at sites in the east of the country. Travel time from Mercy Corps office to the project sites is roughly 1.5 hours.

Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

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