This is a one year, fixed term contract, with potential to be extended for a further three years.
This new role is a unique opportunity to lead a new global initiative on birth registration, known as “Identity At Birth” (IAB). IAB’s goal is to develop and pilot a digital system for governments to register births, using mobile phones. The initiative builds on Plan’s substantial experience of working on birth registration around the world.
The one year inception phase will bring together diverse stakeholders into a global alliance to test the concept and lay the groundwork for detailed pilots in three countries. Key stakeholders include: national governments, mobile phone operators, UN agencies, civil society and Plan’s teams. IAB aims to significantly reduce the barriers to birth registration and enhance the ability of marginalised children to claim their rights, including access to basic services. Crucially, it aims to establish a common approach that can be adapted to different national contexts.
The Project Manager will take a lead in creating a shared vision and establishing global partnerships (including developing the global alliance and raising funds for detailed pilots), understanding national government interests and sensitivities, developing practical solutions that work on the ground, particularly for marginalised people, and advocating for change at different levels.
Dimensions of Role: •The IAB Project Initiation Phase is expected to be completed by the end of November 2013. •Budget responsibility for up to €150k pa. •Regular reporting to the Director of Programming & Effectiveness. •Dotted line reporting to the Head of the Global Partnerships Team. •2 indirect reports (team members include the IAB Advocacy Lead and IAB Technical Lead). •Frequent contact with Plan field staff, Plan National Organisation staff, UN agencies, global corporate partners, national contacts and other stakeholders. •Needs strong understanding of ICT potential, as well as practicalities of working with national governments and marginalised people in developing countries.
Key End Results and Typical Responsibilities: Create the foundations for Plan’s global project on “Identity At Birth” including establishing core approaches, building key relationships and ensuring at least one pilot is ready to start. Manage the project so that all stakeholders contribute effectively to a shared vision and plan of action Develop the global partnerships necessary to create a global alliance on IAB and produce common IAB deliverables (supported by the Head of Global Partnerships) Support the National Organisations in order to raise the necessary funding for the initial country pilots (supported by the Head of Global Partnerships)
Dealing with Problems: •Ensure the project remains relevant and responsive to external stakeholders, including the national governments and marginalised people. •Engage busy staff at all levels across the organisation and external stakeholders, across multiple different cultural and operational contexts. Negotiate the common ground between their different circumstances and requirements. Build commitment to a shared vision. •Ensure that the solutions proposed for country implementations are above all sustainable and genuinely able to reach the truly marginalised.
Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours, Required to Achieve Role’s Objectives: Knowledge •Practical knowledge of contributing to changes in government practice in developing countries, in partnership with others. •Experience of leading global projects made up of integrated teams. •Practical knowledge of coordinating fund raising efforts within an international NGO. •Experience of creating partnership agreements with senior level staff in UN agencies, private companies and government. •Knowledge of sustainable ICT4D including forging public / public partnerships in the developing world. •Knowledge of traditional birth registation projects is an advantage.
Skills •Strong leadership skills. Able to inspire others around a common vision. •Highly professional, positive, organised approach to work. Good at solving problems. •Strong project management skills, including influencing staff remotely. •Strong relationship management skills needed to form partnerships. Good at listening. •Able to develop rapport with many different people. Good understanding of informal politics within groups and organisations. Emotional intelligence. •Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. •Ability to design visually appealing communications is an advantage. •Fluent English. French is an advantage.
Behaviours •Work on own initiative. •Sensitive to different people and cultures. •Take ownership for delivering on the project’s objectives. •Build relationships with people from many different cultures and backgrounds. •Committed to delivering high quality, ethical work that makes a difference to NGO practice. •Committed to Plan’s values, in particular of respect, equity and justice. •Promote innovation and learning. •A high degree of self-awareness and well aware of his/her impact on others and behaves accordingly. •Listen respectfully to those who have less power or authority; interact confidently with senior managers.
Physical Environment and Demands: Typical office environment Regular international travel to project countries, National Offices and external events (25% of time).
Please see Plan's website for more details.
How to apply:
To apply for this role please visit our website where you can submit your application http://plan-international.org/about-plan/jobs
