Project Manager – Livelihoods, Enterprise and Access to Finance At Expectation State

Context of the Role:

Expectation State is a purpose driven company, committed to tackling the toughest problems in Emerging States. We work with Governments, investors, donors, intermediaries, family offices, startups, multinationals and communities to deliver growth that is increasingly inclusive in the markets and regions where we work.

As a mission-first business, we only take part in initiatives that we believe are in the best interests of the citizens of emerging states. We have enjoyed exciting growth within our Jordan portfolio and now need to expand our team.

Expectation State (ES) is preparing to implement a large livelihoods programme in Jordan, funded by an international donor. The work will seek to put Jordanian Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) on a path to recovery after the extraordinary crises that businesses have faced. Its goal is to help them access safety net measures in Jordan, and, most importantly, regain productivity and growth.

This will be achieved through activities and grants to get micro and small enterprises back to work, link them with markets, and put them on a track to formalisation and growth. Expectation State will lead efforts to identify, assess, and support Financial Service Providers (FSPs), focusing on Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) with potential for catalytic impact on MSEs’ access to finance. This will include identifying barriers and enabling factors to introduce innovative financing tools and access to finance services that meet the needs of MSEs and provide linkages to international investors.

To support our team in Jordan, we are looking for a Project Manager, who can manage the delivery of the project through day to day management.

Role:

• Provide expert advice, critical and analytical thinking in the areas of program management and design, structure, strategic planning and documentation of projects.
• Work with ES and other partners to design and develop new activities and ensures that new interventions are consistent with USG strategic objectives.
• Manage and implement the overall delivery of the project’s different programs, taking responsibility for overall progress and use of resources.
• Manage relationships with the Project Implementation Team (ES internal teams, Consultants, implementing partners, government agencies and other stakeholders) for effective coordination of all project activities.
• Identify and manage risks in order to deliver the project in a timely manner and within the budget.
• Supervise and coordinate the production of project outputs to the required standard of quality and within the allocated time and budget.
• In collaboration with the Technical Officer and the Finance and Admin Officer, prepare and revise annual work plans and budgets.
• Evaluate annual work plans for project activities, and other technical programs as needed, making recommendations for work plan improvement.
• Monitor, evaluate and analyze the implementation of the project’s activities on the results and outcomes. This should be implemented by working closely with ES team, technical consultants, contractors and partners.
• Oversee and ensure timely submission of Project Implementation Review/Annual Project Report, quarterly technical reports, quarterly financial reports, and other reports as may be required by ES, and/or other partners.
• Maintains an organised and professional work environment at all times, meeting USAID and ES file management requirements.
• Ensures senior level communication with government, civil society, key stakeholders and other donor representatives, to provide issue-oriented briefings and presentations
• Provide other ad-hoc support to ES Jordan Office and HQ.

Profile:

We are looking for an organised individual with the ability to focus on the bigger picture and great attention to detail, with strong experience and knowledge in project management activities, preferably with previous USAID experience. The role would suit an individual with an experience in a mid-senior management role with excellent communication skills and effective interpersonal and negotiation skills, proven through successful interactions with all levels of stakeholder groups, including senior government officials, business executives and local communities.

The Project Manager should have at least five years of progressively responsible managerial, technical and/or project management experience, and hold a university degree, or equivalent years of experience, in development studies, economics, finance and/or management related fields. A good candidate would be proficient in English and Arabic and has experience in the delivery of projects that relate to inclusive economic growth and access to finance. Strong writing, presentation and reporting skills, as well as a good command of G-Suite, are required.