Project Manager at Society for Women Development & Empowerment of Nigeria - SWODEN

The Project Manager will be responsible for:

• Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the project, ensuring alignment with SWODEN Nigeria & Irish Aid’s mission and project objectives.
• Develop and oversee the implementation of comprehensive project work plans, budgets, and operational strategies.
• Manage project resources, including human resources, finances, and assets, ensuring efficient and accountable utilization.
• Supervise project staff (Education Officer, Livelihood Officer, GBV Sensitization Officer, etc.), fostering a cohesive and high-performing team.
• Ensure timely and high-quality implementation of all project activities, including girl-child education reintegration, women's skills training, economic empowerment, and GBV sensitization.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, local authorities, community leaders, traditional institutions, and partner organizations.
• Oversee project monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) activities, ensuring accurate data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Identify and mitigate project risks, developing contingency plans as necessary.
• Prepare and submit timely, accurate, and comprehensive narrative and financial reports to SWODEN Nigeria management and donors.
• Represent SWODEN Nigeria at relevant coordination meetings, workshops, and forums at the LGA and state levels.
• Ensure compliance with donor regulations, organizational policies, and relevant national laws.
• Promote gender equality, safeguarding, and protection principles across all project interventions.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Master's degree in Project Management, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Education, Business Administration, or a related field. A relevant Bachelor's degree with extensive experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in managing complex development projects, preferably in the education, livelihoods, or protection sectors.
• Proven experience in project cycle management (PCM), including planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.
• Strong financial management skills, including budget development, tracking, and oversight.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and mentor staff.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and representation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment and with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency in English and Hausa (oral and written) is mandatory.
• Advanced computer skills, especially in Microsoft Office Suite and project management software.

Desirable Qualifications/Skills

• Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent certification.
• Experience working specifically in Jigawa State or similar contexts in Northern Nigeria.
• Experience with donor reporting requirements for major international donors.
• Knowledge of humanitarian principles and protection standards.
• Experience in conducting context analysis and conflict sensitivity assessments

Responsibilities & Deliverables

• Approved inception report and work plan within the first month.
• Monthly and quarterly narrative reports.
• Training manuals and workshop reports.
• Final project report and evaluation inputs.
• Functional referral pathways and coordination mechanisms.