Venezuela – Project Manager – Earthquake Emergency Response (National) At COOPI – International Cooperation

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About COOPI

COOPI Cooperazione Internazionale is a secular and independent NGO, founded in Milan in 1965. It carries out development projects to contribute to the fight against inequality and emergency programs to support people affected by natural disasters or conflicts. Currently, COOPI is present in 33 countries in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Since 2019, COOPI has maintained a presence in Venezuela, and in July 2020, it launched a regional program implemented in partnership with Venezuelan organizations and in coordination with local and international institutions, within the framework of existing response plans. In recent years, COOPI has expanded its interventions and currently carries out projects with various donors in Caracas, Sucre, Delta Amacuro, and Bolívar states, focusing on protection (violence against women, trafficking, and smuggling of persons), sexual and reproductive health, WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene), school feeding programs, and institutional strengthening.

Following the earthquakes of June 24, the affected communities face serious vulnerabilities, including the loss of essential documents and increased risks to human rights protection, with a particular focus on children and vulnerable individuals. COOPI is implementing a comprehensive humanitarian response project focused on strengthening protective environments, case management, and providing specialized legal assistance in the priority regions of Caracas, Miranda, and La Guaira.

Job objective/description

The Project Manager will be implementing a project that will focus on protection and WASH response in three temporary camps hosting people affected by the recent earthquakes.

Under the supervision of the Country and Program Coordinator, the Project Manager will assume technical, operational, and financial responsibility for the emergency response project. They will lead a multidisciplinary team to ensure that WASH and Protection activities are delivered to high standards of quality, within the established timeframe, and in accordance with humanitarian principles, in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment.

For this position, priority will be given to national profiles.

Main Responsibilities and Functions

  1. Operational Management and Response Planning:
  • Lead the detailed planning, execution and monitoring of all project activities in the three shelters in the Capital District, Miranda and La Guaira.
  • Coordinate in a comprehensive manner with the technical staff the lines of work of WASH (rehabilitation of water systems, distribution of supplies) and Protection (safe spaces, diversion routes, awareness).
  • Ensure compliance with emergency work schedules, adapting strategies in an agile manner in response to constant changes on the ground.
  1. Financial and Administrative Management
  • Together with the administrative staff, monitor and manage the project budget, ensuring the efficiency of resources.
  • Together with the logistics staff, ensure that all procurement and logistics processes related to the project strictly comply with COOPI and donor procedures.
  1. Leadership and Team Management
  • Supervise, guide and provide technical support to project staff and coordinate technical work with the WASH and Protection team
  • To foster a collaborative and mutually supportive work environment, prioritizing the well-being and safety of the team under high-stress conditions.
  1. Coordination, Representation and Alliances
  • Represent COOPI in relevant local and technical coordination spaces.
  • Maintain close coordination with local authorities, community leaders, shelter managers, and other humanitarian actors present in the intervention area.
  1. Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
  • Coordinate with the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) team for real-time data collection, beneficiary satisfaction surveys, and complaint and feedback mechanisms.
  • Write internal and external reports (monthly, interim and final) with accurate technical narrative and analysis of challenges in the context of emergency.

Desired profile

ESSENTIALS

  • University degree in Social Sciences, Civil Engineering/Sanitation, International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid or related areas.
  • Demonstrated experience of at least 3 to 5 years in the management of emergency humanitarian response projects in crisis or natural disaster contexts.
  • Previous work experience in Venezuela, with a deep understanding of the local social, political and operational context, as well as the country’s specific logistical challenges.
  • Proven technical experience coordinating multi-sector projects involving WASH and Protection components (or related immediate response sectors).
  • Proven ability to manage multiple workflows simultaneously under pressure and with tight deadlines.
  • Ability to lead rapid needs assessments in the field and adapt interventions in a timely manner.
  • It is desirable to have worked with non-governmental organizations specializing in GBV and/or TdP in emergency contexts.
  • Understanding and knowledge of the local situation and community dynamics.
  • Respect for COOPI’s Vision and Mission and its charter of values.
  • Availability to travel within the designated area.
  • Sensitivity towards gender and diversity.
  • Proficiency in computer tools (Microsoft Windows operating system) and office applications (Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
  • Immediate availability.
  • Venezuelan nationality or residence permit in the country.

DESIRABLE

  • Specific supplementary training in WASH in emergencies and/or Protection/Guarantee of Human Rights is highly valued.
  • Previous experience working with international NGOs and with procedures for handling institutional donor funds (United Nations agencies, European Union).
  • Experience working in consortiums and in coordination with local partners and institutional counterparts.
  • Knowledge of the humanitarian coordination system in Venezuela.
  • Knowledge of the English language (highly valued).

How to apply

Those interested should send their CV, along with a cover letter presenting their candidacy, by email to: reclutamiento.venezuela@coopi.org. Please indicate in the subject line: Project Manager Earthquake Emergency – COOPI.

Deadline: 02/08/2026

If suitable candidates are available, the application period may close before the indicated date. COOPI reserves the right to contact only those candidates deemed suitable and shortlisted.