Deputy Project Manager - Smallholder Agriculture Market Support (SAMS) at Cooperazione Internazionale (COOPI) - 6 Openings

Cooperazione Internazionale (COOPI) is an Italian humanitarian non-governmental organization founded in Milan in 1965. COOPI aims to help the world’s poorest to improve their access to healthcare, food, and financial security, and to overcome their special vulnerability to wars, civil conflicts, and natural disasters. For 50 years of long-term support and constant presence in the field, COOPI has been engaged in breaking the cycle of poverty and responding to specific emergencies in numerous sectors, including Food Security, Humanitarian Aid, Health, Socio-Economical Services, Water and Sanitation, Human Rights, Education and Training, Migrations and Sustainable Energy.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Position: Deputy Project Manager - Smallholder Agriculture Market Support (SAMS)

Location: Bade LGA but roving (Geidam, Jakusko, Bade, Damaturu, Yunusari and Yusufari LGA) - Yobe State
Donors: WFP SAMS
Reports to: Project Manager
Duration of the Project: 8 Months
Duration of the contract: 7 months
Project / Programme: Programs (all projects)
Starting Date: ASAP
Employment Type: Full-time

Overall Responsibilities

• Under the direct supervision of the project/program manager, The Deputy Project Manager is responsible for the management and the proper implementation of COOPI’s SAMS project in Yobe State. 
• He coordinates and monitors the work of other staff field officers dedicated to these activities and he is responsible for qualitative and regular reporting on various components of the project.

Specific Objectives

• Ensure the standard operating procedures for the implementation of program activities are followed
• Coordinate and report field activities on a timely basis to the key stakeholders as and when required
• Prepare and submit quality reports as specified in the program agreement or as requested by the Donor
• Ensure the mainstreaming of gender equity and women empowerment across all activities
• Participate in the technical working groups for the implementing partners
• Ensure accurate and timely monitoring of the program indicators
• Train the junior staff in behavior change, innovation, and finding solutions to implementation challenges
• Ensure proper targeting of project beneficiaries

The Livelihoods Deputy Project Manager’s major objectives are to properly achieve the following global tasks:

• Smooth and timely implementation of the activities in the field with particular follow-up of the team at the field level.
• Design and capitalization of all aspects of the project in direct link with the Program Coordinator and Program Manager.

Responsabilities and Tasks
Implementation and Monitoring of the FSL project(s):

• Organizes, schedules and coordinates the Livelihoods activities and the team’s work on a weekly as well as monthly basis.
• He supervises the field work of partners or/and contactors and make sure they agree and respect COOPI principles.
• He monitors closely the implementation of activities at the field level with site visits on a regular basis.
• He supervises the work schedule of the Key Project staff and provides them support when needed.
• He ensures the timely implementation of the project(s).
• He shares the work progress with the Program Manager daily or when needed.
• He actively takes part in the monitoring of the results achievements and indicators as per indicated in the logical framework.
• He mobilizes and encourage the Communities to participate in program design, monitoring, and evaluation for accountability.
• He ensures that all project documents are correctly filled and filed.
• He actively contributes to the security analysis in the field and ensures that all measures have been taken and rules followed to ensure security on-site.
• Gives expertise and contributes to the improvement of activities through critics, analysis, and suggestions (food security and livelihood assessments, market, vendor transaction, beneficiary satisfaction, PDM, evaluations, complaints, feedback, etc.).
• Organizes capacity building and training for beneficiaries and other project actors

Management of the operational teams:

• He supervises the Livelihoods key project staff and ensures the respect of all human resources rules;
• He ensures the administrative HR management of his/her officers (daily attendance, leaves management) in collaboration with the HR department.
• He ensures that her/his team complies with COOPI internal rules.
• In collaboration with the Program Manager, he ensures a regular evaluation process for his team with the definition and follow-up of clear objectives (Performance Appraisal).
• He supports his team in building their capacities (Day to day sharing of knowledge and experience, organizing training sessions for project staff, developing any Livelihoods pedagogical and methodological tools adapted to the local context…)

Management of the logistical and administrative aspects of the project(s):

• He defines the needs in materials and tools regarding the program and the planning of interventions.
• He ensures the follow-up and the proper use of materials and tools used during on-site works.
• He manages the supply of materials to the work site in collaboration with the logistics department.
• He uses the COOPI forms for all exchanges with the logistic & administration services.
• He analyses the security situation in the area and informs the Project Manager in case of security incidents, rumors, or any security information.
• He takes part in the financial follow-up of the project with the Project Manager.
• He contributes to the management of the cash forecast of the project in link with the Project Manager.

Representation at WFP and reporting:

• He participates in the different working groups and meetings related to her/his field of work.
• He provides weekly and monthly internal reporting on activities according to COOPI internal tools.
• He takes part in external reporting according to the needs (reports to local authorities, donors) in coordination with the Project Manager.
• Reports immediately any delay, problem or other relevant information to Project Manager.

Priorities of the position:

• The DPM will propose timely and efficient response to the challenges faced during each disbursement (cards management, platform issues, vendors’ issues…)
• The DPM will actively contribute to the review and the improvement of all the methodology documents for a top-quality monitoring of the activities
• The DPM oversees and manages the Livelihoods team in the implementation and the monitoring of the food security and livelihood activities and works in close collaboration with DPMs from other departments to foster the integrated approach

Job Duties

• A deputy project manager typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:
• Ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget by communicating regularly with project managers, team leaders, and other stakeholders
• Ensuring that project plans are communicated clearly and effectively to the entire team
• Managing the budget and financial aspects of projects, including allocating funds to different phases of the project as needed
• Tracking the progress of projects and communicating any delays or issues to management
• Coordinating with clients to ensure that they are satisfied with the project’s progress and results
• Working with architects, engineers, subcontractors, and suppliers to coordinate the design, construction, and delivery of projects
• Overseeing all aspects of a project from start to finish, including planning and scheduling tasks, managing personnel, monitoring budgets, and communicating with clients
• Managing a team of project managers and other staff members to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget
• Creating reports that detail project status and results

Profile of the Candidate (Education, Training, Competences, Skills)
Minimum Requirements (Desired): 

• Degree in Agricultural and Economics Extension, Rural Development, Development Studies, Social Sciences or related academic disciplines, with 3 - 5 years previous experience working in developmental and emergency projects.
• University degree/HND in any of the following disciplines: Agricultural Economics or related field.
• Deputy project managers are responsible for overseeing the work of other project managers. They commonly act as a liaison between their team and upper management, ensuring that everyone is on the same page with regard to goals, timelines, and other important details.
• Deputy project managers may also be tasked with managing individual projects within the larger initiative they’re working on. This might include assigning tasks to team members, tracking progress, resolving issues that arise, etc.

Skills & Experience (Essential):

• A deputy project manager typically needs to have the following qualifications:
• Education: A deputy project manager typically needs a Bachelor's Degree in Project Management, Business Administration or a related field. Some employers may accept candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent if they have extensive experience in project management.Many employers prefer candidates who have completed a project management certification program. These programs typically take one to two years to complete and include coursework and a final project.
• Training & Experience: Many deputy project managers begin their careers in entry-level positions, such as construction laborers, laborers or construction equipment operators. These positions provide hands-on experience working on construction sites. They also provide training in the use of construction equipment, which is a necessary skill for a deputy project manager.
• Certifications & Licenses: There are several professional certifications available for deputy project managers to demonstrate their expertise in project management. These certifications allow deputy project managers to improve their project management skills, demonstrate their competence to current and potential employers and further advance their career.
• Knowledge of the local language (Hausa and Kanuri).
• Strong level of autonomy to provide independent follow through on processing issues and concerns
• Excellent planning, organizational and time management skills

Basic Salary
COOPI Salary grid (according to experience)

Application Closing Date
28th July, 2022.