Project Manager At Ark Group

Location: Remote – Canada, Haiti or US with regular travel to Haiti/the Caribbean

Reporting to: Head of Projects

Direct reports: MEAL Manager, Finance Manager, Procurement Manager, Project Coordinator

Contract type: 12 month FTC, full time

Salary: Salary and employment benefits will be set according to market compensation rates in your location and therefore it is not possible to include full details here. However, as an indication if this role was based in the US, for example, the range would be $85,000 – $112,000 per annum (plus benefits) on a full time employment contract.

Closing date: 16th June 2024 (Early applicants are encouraged as this date may be brought forward once sufficient applications are received)

**This role is contingent on successful award of project

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 strong, 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.

Learn more about our impact here: https://www.ark.international/impact

About the Role

As Project Manager, you’ll be responsible for achieving the project’s objectives in Haiti, overseeing all aspects of project management through each project phase in accordance with ARK and the client’s policies and procedures. You’ll also be responsible for the management of the project team, project resources and coordination across ARK’s wider operations team. ARK Project Managers also contribute to the growth and development of the company by identifying new business and organisational development opportunities.

What you’ll be doing

Lead the Project:

Lead the planning and implementation of all project activities in collaboration with the operations team (Research, MEAL, Finance, Human Resources, Compliance and Logistics and Procurement) and implementing partners to ensure activities are aligned with the project objectives in accordance with ARK Project Management policies and procedures. Provide continuous oversight of the project and identify need for adjustment and improvement of systems and processes to improve efficiency, optimise utilisation of resources and improve quality of deliverables.
Manage all key internal stakeholders through the creation and implementation of a stakeholder management analysis and strategy. Particularly build strong working relationships with representatives of the client(s) and partner organisations, as well as other relevant parties to understand their interests.
Ensure all staff and service provider-related tasks are carried out in accordance with ARK’s and the donor’s policies and guidelines. This includes recruitment, performance management, security, staff development and training, and disciplinary action.
Coordinate weekly project team meetings with key internal stakeholders to review the previous week’s activities and agree upcoming deliverables with all project team members. Brief the client and other external stakeholders on the project activities as required.
Review financial glidepath with Finance staff monthly to identify underspends and overspends. Brief financial aspects in weekly reports. Brief the Project Director and/or COO on any budget lines anticipated to result in a 10% variance. Ensure that budgets are spent in accordance with donor funding and donor regulations within the appropriate timeframe.
In coordination with the Head of Security and Risk, review the Project Risk Register and Security Plan at least monthly or on being made aware of a change in the threat level to ensure that it remains accurate and relevant and all risks are managed and mitigated appropriately.
Review the Monitoring and Evaluation collection plan, Results Framework and Logical Framework monthly with the project’s Monitoring and Evaluation staff.
Conduct Logistics and Procurement (L&P) planning for each phase of implementation including briefing all L&P stakeholders. Review all L&P paperwork to ensure that it is compliant, realistic and will meet the contractual deliverables.
In coordination with ARK Communications Department, develop an external communications strategy to publicise activities and achievements, contribute to external debate and knowledge, and promote ARK to potential employees, consortium partners, implementing partners and clients. Implement the external communications strategy in collaboration with ARK’s Communications Department and review the strategy regularly.
Oversee the delivery of all contracted client reporting deliverables including monthly, quarterly, analytical and closedown reporting. This includes briefing relevant stakeholders of their required inputs in advance, supporting in the writing of certain parts of the report and conducting the final review before sending to the CEO for final sign off.

Business Development

Support Business Development activities by identifying new programming opportunities and liaising with potential partners, advising business development staff of the context and suggested activities, liaising with finance staff to create budgets and contribute to bids.
Ensure that senior managers are fully briefed and cognisant of the portfolio, including key successes, obstacles and opportunities for growth.
Build and maintain professional relationships with a wide range of relevant partners, clients and sub-grantees.

Requirements

Extensive professional experience in a Security Sector Reform or Capacity Building project management role for governmental clients, international development organisations, the armed forces/police or INGOs.
Excellent team management skills, driving significant and sustainable improvements in performance, inspiring others to achieve excellence.
Ability to work under pressure, be a self-starter, team builder, innovative and demonstrate the capacity for maintaining high professional standards.
Full professional fluency in English and French.
Adept at crafting and delivering compelling messages, influencing opinions, and driving positive change through strategic communication initiatives.
Willingness to travel to and work in Haiti, Jamaica and the broader Caribbean.
Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite.

Desirable

Relevant project management qualification such as PMD Pro, PMP or PRINCE 2.
Bachelors degree in a relevant field such as international development, international relations, area studies, political science, sociology, public administration, communications and media studies.
Experience of MEAL systems and processes in a security sector transformation project environment.
Familiarity with US and or Canadian donor compliance and regulations.
Military or police service.
Additional languages relevant to the project (Creole/Spanish).

Benefits

Why join ARK?

Impactful Work: Your expertise will directly impact the lives of those in need.
Global Reach: Collaborate with international experts and local stakeholders.
Innovation: Engage in pioneering solutions for sustainable change.

Our People

Our team covers a diverse range of professional backgrounds, from diplomacy, humanitarian, development and the military, to the UN, civil society groups, multilateral organisations, journalism and the private sector.

An ARK Person Is:

Smart: We think deeply about things. We’re proud of our institutional knowledge and our grounding in rigorous research, which we use to make informed decisions.

Humble: Our work leaves little room for pride or arrogance. Our operating environment is constantly evolving, and we recognise out limitations. We believe in and rely on the education and experiences of others while remaining quick to read, invite feedback, and ask sensible questions.

Accountable: Each of us want ARK, its partners, and beneficiaries to succeed. This means taking initiative, assuming ownership when necessary and never giving up on our beneficiaries. We are committed and accountable, to both our donors and the communities we serve.

Collegiate: We know we are stronger together and that every contribution counts. We trust each other and always support each other.

Outspoken: We tackle diverse challenges and we always want to find the best solution to a problem. We aren’t afraid to share our opinions and we want to hear those of others too.

ARK Group is an equal opportunity employer. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. ARK Group does not discriminate on the basis of ability, age, gender identity or expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs or sexual orientation. We welcome all kinds of diversity. ARK Group places human dignity at the centre of its development and stabilisation work and is this committed to the protection from sexual exploitation and abuse of children and adults. All ARK Group employees and related personnel are expected to share this commitment and only those who also uphold these values will be recruited as part of our team. This vacancy is therefore subject to a range of due diligence checks.