Project Lead / Program Manager

Summary of Role-

The Project Lead/Program Manager for the Livelihood Program will be responsible for managing the overall execution and success of the livelihood initiatives in urban areas. This includes planning, implementing, monitoring, and scaling the project while coordinating with various stakeholders. The Project Lead/Program Manager will work to empower marginalized communities by providing skill development, entrepreneurship support, and job placement opportunities, with the goal of improving livelihoods and socio-economic conditions.

Key Responsibilities-

1. Project Planning & Strategy:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive project plan, including detailed timelines, deliverables, and resource allocation.

• Identify target communities and beneficiaries for the program through needs assessments and data-driven analysis.

2. Program Execution & Management:

• Lead and oversee the day-to-day operations of the project, ensuring timely execution of all planned activities.

• Ensure alignment of project objectives with the overall mission and goals of the organization.

• Supervise the implementation of skill development, and employment initiatives in the urban context.

• Coordinate the recruitment, training, and onboarding of program staff, trainers, and mobilizers.

3. Team Leadership:

• Manage and lead a team of project coordinators, field staff, trainers, and administrative personnel.

• Provide guidance, mentorship, and capacity-building support to team members to enhance their skills and performance.

• Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement within the team.

4. Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including local governments, NGOs, corporate partners, and community leaders.

• Work with industry partners to facilitate job placements, internships and job lead for program beneficiaries.

5. Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting:

• Develop and implement robust monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks to track project progress, outcomes, and impact.

• Regularly review and assess data to ensure project goals and KPIs are met, and make necessary adjustments to strategies as needed.

• Prepare and submit timely reports to senior management, funders, and stakeholders, detailing the programs achievements, challenges, and opportunities.

6. Budget & Financial Management:

• Manage the project budget, ensuring prudent financial management, adherence to budget constraints, and efficient allocation of resources.

• Prepare financial reports and submit them to the finance team in a timely manner.

• Identify areas for cost-saving and ensure cost-effective project implementation.

7. Beneficiary Support & Mobilization:

• Lead beneficiary mobilization efforts to ensure enrolment in training programs, or other livelihood opportunities.

• Work with urban community organizations to create awareness about the program and ensure equitable access to services.

• Provide ongoing support to program beneficiaries, including counseling, mentorship, and follow-up assistance post-placement.

Qualification and Experience

• Masters degree in social work, Business Administration, Development Studies, or a related field.

• At least 5-7 years of experience in managing large-scale urban livelihood or similar social development projects.

• Proven experience in leading teams, managing multiple stakeholders, and delivering on project outcomes.

• Strong understanding of urban poverty, employment challenges, and community dynamics.

• Strong project management and leadership skills, with a demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and manage complex operations.

• Proficiency in M&E, data analysis, and reporting.

• Familiarity with urban employment trends, vocational training, and entrepreneurship.

• A proactive and innovative thinker, capable of problem-solving and adapting to dynamic urban environments.

• Passionate about creating sustainable impact and empowering marginalized communities.

Competencies

• Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the message. Able to give and take during a conversation in a balanced way, listening as well as speaking at appropriate intervals.

• Planning and organizing: Establishing courses of action for self and others to ensure that work is completed efficiently.

• Formal presentation: Presenting ideas effectively to individuals or groups when given time to prepare; delivering presentations suited to the characteristics and needs of the audience.

• Decision Making: Identifying and understanding issues, problems, and opportunities; comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences.

• Attention to Detail: Pays close attention to information that is overlooked or taken for granted by others. Prefers to look beyond the obvious and does not accept situations or take information at face value. Scrutinizes how things go together, making sure components are indeed aligned and appropriately interrelated.

• Time Management: Recognizes that time is a resource to be carefully allocated according to priorities that may be constantly changing.

• Contributes to Team Performance: Is an engaged and integral member of a group, recognizing the need for group collaboration, empathy, consensual decision-making and respect for others.