Job description

Yizani Sifunde Consortium: Project co-ordinator (Eastern Cape)

We are looking for a motivated individual with a passion for literacy to lead the – Yizani Sifunde Consortium.

Job overview:

Yizani Sifunde Consortium is a Liberty funded project made up of three organisations (Nal’ibali, Wordworks and Book Dash) that seek to address some of the literacy development challenges facing the Eastern Cape.

The role of the project coordinator is to provide overall leadership management of the entire consortium as well as perform administrative, financial, implementation, reporting and, technical oversight.

The position holder will also ensure risk-sensitive, pro-active, finance and support service provision to the project and ensuring the completion of activities and objectives as designed and agreed with the donor, working closely with consortium partners. This is a field-based position, with some office work. You will spend a lot of time moving between and communicating with literacy NGOs, ECD centres and other key players in the project, as well as the project partners. You will need to plan and organise logistics of the project, for example book distributions.

Areas of responsibility

Community and stakeholder engagement:

• Complete a mapping exercise and assess the impact of the project in the earmarked communities.
• Build relationships with local organizations, stakeholders, and facilitate project entry into these communities- being mindful of the involvement of a diverse range of community members needed for this project.
• Participate in all initial meetings, conference calls, and trainings within the consortium.

Project management:

• Participate in local groups, organizations and steering committees.
• Together with the consortium partners, plan the various stages of project implementation and set direction, by prioritizing and organizing activities and resources to achieve project objectives.
• Liaise with ECD centres, development and implement logistic plans for materials distribution to ECD centres, identify and manage warehouse/storage facilities etc.

Network management: 

• Organize project kick-off, review, and close-out meetings.
• Conduct regular follow-up of work plans, identify, and address any delays in a timeous and effective manner
• Ensure that terms of the agreement and procedures are understood and followed by all parties, share information and conduct training if required on proposed systems and processes for consortium management.

People and budget management:

• Promote harmonisation of approaches and methodologies across all consortium partners by developing and monitoring use of common tools, as well as creating opportunities for experience sharing and learning.
• Prepare regular progress reports for stakeholders, as well as accurate and timely donor reports.
• Represent the consortium and supporting the three organizations to implement their component of the grant agreement.
• Communicate and coordinate with local leaders, partners, and key stakeholders on behalf of the consortium.
• Ensure the coordination of all resources in support of network development, collaboration, and collective actions.
• Oversee project budget within set approved limits – for the consortium and prepare activity-based budgets, whilst monitoring actual monthly spend vis-à-vis budgets, and approve all transactions

Data collection, monitoring and feedback

• Collate project data from field staff and stakeholders, analyze and write progress reports

Interested candidates should forward a motivational letter and CV to gro.ilabilan@krow, with your name and surname, position title on the subject line. (e.g. Joe Soap: Project Coordinator – Eastern Cape).

Closing date: Friday, 11 December 2020

Please note that feedback will be only provided to shortlisted candidates.

Education, language and qualification:

• A relevant degree/diploma.
• A minimum of five years’ work experience in project management/ community development/ stakeholder engagement will be preferred. 

Essential knowledge, skills and experience:

• Sound knowledge of the literacy development and/or the education sector in South Africa.
• Fluency in English and IsiXhosa is preferred
• Demonstrable experience of project management, coordination, and community development is essential. 
• Understanding of the programme objectives and ability to engage network partners in discussion and debate around these issues.
• Knowledge of trends and development in the literacy development preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate staff and partners to deliver on ambitious project targets.
• High level computer literacy on MS Office platforms, google docs and other project management tools
• Proven skills in multi-stakeholder and cross-cultural management.
• Experience in capacity development and distance management, including leading junior teams, is preferred.

Attitude and personal motivations

• Passion for reading and early literacy is a plus
• Self-driven leader who takes initiative and is comfortable with leading

Posted on 02 Dec 12:34