ABOUT ARK:
ARK is a social enterprise, empowering local communities through the provision of agile and sustainable interventions to create greater stability, opportunity, and hope for the future.
We believe that resilient communities are the foundation of local, national, regional and international development and stability and ultimately a safer, peaceful and more prosperous world. At ARK, we have delivered research and programmatic interventions validating this approach in over twenty countries since 2008. As a social enterprise we work in partnership with communities, our donors, and other implementers to build local capacities, generate opportunity and bring about sustainable change.
PURPOSE OF POSITION:
The Project Team Leader is responsible for achieving the project’s objectives effectively, efficiently and compliantly, overseeing all aspects of project management through each project phase in accordance with ARK and the USAID’s policies and procedures. The position will work with and report to the Deputy Chief of Party.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Program Implementation
Manage all project activities, ensuring they align seamlessly with the established project objectives.
o Directly oversee the project management process, including the supervision and coordination of field staff across all phases. Ensure strict compliance with both ARK and client policies throughout the project lifecycle.
o Actively coordinate with the project and operations teams, including grantees, to foster effective collaboration. Ensure that all parties are aligned and working cohesively toward program plans.
o Conduct structured weekly meetings to review ongoing activities, assess progress, and plan upcoming deliverables. Use these meetings as a platform for team alignment, problem-solving, and strategic planning.
Plan and oversee logistics and procurement for each project phase, ensuring compliance with project needs and realistic timelines.
Liaise with the Communications team to develop and implement a strategy to publicize activities, contributing to external debate and promoting the program.
Regularly review and update the Project Risk Register and Security Plan.
o Proactively adjust these plans in response to changes in threat levels or project dynamics.
o Ensure that all risk mitigation strategies are current, effective, and communicated clearly to all relevant stakeholders.
Grant Implementation Monitoring
Conduct detailed monthly reviews of the financial expenditures of grantees.
o Manage and oversee budget lines, ensuring that spending is in line with allocated budgets and grant plans.
o Ensure adherence to donor regulations and financial guidelines, addressing any discrepancies or issues proactively to maintain financial integrity and compliance.
Provide ongoing support to grantees to facilitate the successful implementation of their plans.
o Offer guidance, resources, and technical assistance as needed to ensure their activities are well-aligned with the overarching goals of the program.
o Regularly assess grantee’s implementation for alignment and make recommendations for adjustments to maintain coherence with program objectives.
Grantee Capacity Building
Develop and implement capacity building plans for each grantee, tailored to their unique needs and technical gaps.
o Focus on enhancing the grantees' skills and competencies in key areas relevant to the program objectives.
o Collaborate with grantees to identify skill gaps and design training modules, workshops, and other interventions that effectively address these needs.
Oversee the implementation of capacity building plans and monitor technical improvements among grantees, ensuring they are executed effectively and result in measurable improvements.
o Ss Track the progress of technical improvements among grantees through regular assessments and feedback mechanisms.
o Adjust the capacity building plans as necessary to maximize their impact and ensure the grantees are advancing toward the desired level of competency and performance.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)
Actively coordinate and facilitate the provision of essential field support for USAID's third-party monitors.
o Ensure the field monitors have access to necessary information, and logistical support to effectively monitor program activities.
o Maintain open lines of communication to address any emerging needs or challenges.
Lead in the analysis of project data.
o Implement a structured approach for data review and interpretation, focusing on deriving actionable learning.
o Ensure that the MEL findings are effectively used to inform adjustments