Project Area Manager(TWT) - Employment, career opportunity in Uganda

Job Title:  Project Area Manager
Organization:  The Water Trust (TWT)
Reports to: Executive Director, TWT and Board of Directors, New York, NY
Location:  Masindi, Uganda
Deadline: 20th Oct 2013

About TWT:
The Water Trust (TWT) provides sustainable investments in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) to combat disease and poverty in the developing world and allow people to live empowered lives of dignity. Currently, TWTs geographic focus is western Uganda. TWT implements community driven projects, the majority of which are village partnerships that consist of a hand dug well, TWT-facilitated Community Led Total Sanitation and monitoring and evaluation of these developments that are implemented in collaboration with the local government, village and TWT. Additionally, TWT implements pilot studies aimed to improve the long-term management of the water sources.

Job Summary: The Project Area Manager will be responsible for ensuring project work is carried out efficiently and to budget. Particularly;

    Implement a program of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) community-driven implementation, education and monitoring projects in target areas
    Ensure that the program is done in accordance with an agreed work plan and budget
    Manage a team of 14 full-time employees and 5 contracted employees in two different locations (Masindi and Kiryondongo Districts of western Uganda)


Key Duties and Responsibilities:

    Ensure field activities are implemented on time through efficient planning and logistical management
    Send regular reports to US Management on all operational aspects of the project (weekly and quarterly) in a clear and effective communication style
    Manage the authoring of webpage with pictures, video and commentary
    Maintain records in accordance with internal regulations
    Develop quarterly and annual work plans and budgets to meet targets successfully in collaboration with US Management
    Financial modeling, budgeting and planning for $400,000 budget and a team of 14 employees
    Build and maintain a strong working relationship with local Government officials and other development partners keeping them abreast of project progress and seeking their feedback
    Oversee and conduct strategic planning in alliance with TWT and needs of local WASH space
    Represent TWT at local, district and national levels in a professional manner
    Ensure project staff are motivated and morale is kept high
    Conduct additional reasonable tasks as required


Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

    The ideal candidate will have management experience in a developing country, excellent oral and written communication skills, strong planning and organizational skills, patience and a sense of humor
    The applicant should possess a relevant bachelor’s degree
    Experience of working at management level within a developing world context (preferably within a WASH context) for at least two years
    Project management skills and the capacity to manage time and workload effectively
    Ability to meet heavy workloads and multiple project deadlines simultaneously
    Able to absorb information quickly, understand it and make decisions based upon it within a short timeframe
    Good working knowledge of IT; word processing, spreadsheets, Excel databases, email and comfortable with illustrative media, photo & video production
    Attention to detail and organization
    Excellent understanding and fluency of budgeting, financing, accounts and overseeing internal and external regulations
    Possess a valid driving license (4wd off road experience preferable)
    Experience managing a team of 10 or more people
    Experience of communicating with parties in all levels of organization in a manner most appropriate to the party concerned
    Experience of dealing with external stakeholders, including Government Officials
    Experience in simultaneously managing multiple projects with different deadlines
    Experience implementing, evaluating and making suggestions for improvements of new ideas and strategies
    Strong leadership ability; possessing confidence, humility and integrity
    Highly motivated individual, a "self-starter" able to manage their own time, coordinate staff and other parties and balance an extensive range of tasks
    Excellent oral and written communication skills
    Comfortable operating independently; entirely self-sufficient with the resourcefulness and confidence to resolve situations in isolation
    Strong planning and problem solving skills
    High frustration threshold and ability to cope with stress


Salary terms: Based on experience and education. TWT offers a flexible leave allowance; one annual flight, benefits & visa/work permit costs.

How to Apply:
Please your applications via email by sending an updated CV, cover letter, two references and answers to the below questions to: jobs@watertrust.org;

NB: CV only applications will not be considered.

Key Questions:
Why do you want to work for The Water Trust?
Give an example of when you were a self-starter in the past?
Due to the number of applications received only finalists will be contacted.