Project Manager, AHEAD Bangladesh

Position Summary

The Project Manager will be responsible for the overall leadership and management of the whole project, ensuring that it is executed effectively, within scope, aligning with the proposed timeline, and the activities are within budget. This role will involve overseeing team activities, managing relationships with stakeholders, maintaining communication with head office, stakeholders and ensuring that the project contributes to its intended outcomes related to civic education, rights, and responsibilities.

Job Responsibilities

Project Coordination & Execution:

• Lead and coordinate all project activities to ensure timely and effective implementation.
• Develop and monitor work plans, timelines, and budgets to achieve project objectives within the specified framework.
• Supervise day-to-day project operations, including frequent field visits to monitor field-level activities, ensuring alignment with project goals and donor requirements.
• Ensure the timely and accurate completion of project deliverables.

Leadership & Team Management:

• Supervise, mentor, and support project staff, including the Project Coordinator and M&E Officer, ensuring their capacity building and professional development.
• Provide leadership, direction, and guidance to the project team to ensure effective delivery of all project components.

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships:

• Establish and maintain partnerships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, development partners, community leaders, and educational institutions.
• Lead project inception meetings, stakeholder mobilization efforts, and facilitate collaboration through formalized partnerships (e.g., with the Bangladesh Election Commission).
• Ensure ongoing stakeholder engagement to promote buy-in and collaboration throughout the project cycle.

Curriculum Development & Validation:

• Oversee the development of the civic education curriculum and training materials, ensuring they are inclusive and aligned with the project’s goals.
• Organize validation workshops and collaborate with experts to ensure the developed materials meet stakeholder and donor expectations.
• Ensure the timely and accurate deployment of the curriculum for training programs.

Youth Capacity Building:

• Lead the training of Master Trainers, ensuring high-quality delivery of the curriculum and facilitation of youth engagement at divisional and constituency levels.
• Oversee the divisional and constituency-level capacity-building activities, including residential training and peer education sessions, to promote youth leadership and civic participation.
• Monitor and evaluate the progress of youth training to ensure trainers are well-equipped to support further training at the grassroots level.

Digital Tools & Campaign Management:

• Oversee the development and deployment of AI-powered WhatsApp bots and other digital tools to enhance civic engagement and voter education.
• Lead the national digital campaign for voter awareness, ensuring consistent and impactful messaging through social media platforms.
• Develop and monitor social media content, including weekly updates, success stories, and video campaigns.

Community Action Projects:

• Supervise and guide the implementation of youth-led community action projects aimed at advancing civic knowledge and voter engagement across constituencies.
• Ensure that community action projects are effectively executed with strong local stakeholder collaboration.
• Monitor and report on the impact of community action projects, ensuring outcomes are achieved.

Monitoring, Reporting & Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with donor requirements, including timely reporting and monitoring of project deliverables.
• Regularly assess project progress, identify challenges, and implement corrective actions as necessary.
• Prepare high-quality reports and presentations for stakeholders, including donors, government officials, and other partners.

Financial Management:

• Develop, manage, and monitor the project’s budget, ensuring compliance with donor financial policies and practices.
• Ensure financial transparency and effective allocation of resources to meet project objectives.

Safeguarding:

• Uphold and promote the organization’s safeguarding policies to ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of all children, young people, and vulnerable adults engaged in our activities.
• Immediately report any concerns, suspicions, or incidents of safeguarding breaches in line with the organization’s reporting procedures.
• Maintain professional boundaries and conduct that fosters a safe and respectful environment for all beneficiaries, colleagues, and stakeholders.

Qualification

Education:

• Master’s degree in Political Science, International Development, Public Administration, or a related field, preferably from a Public University.

Experience: 

• Minimum 10 years of experience in managing international development projects, including 5 years of experience in leadership roles.
• Prior experience in managing EU-funded projects.
• Working experience in projects related to civic education, awareness-raising training, and campaigns will be considered.

Skills and other competencies:

• Strong leadership and strategic thinking abilities.
• Proficiency in Google Office suites and ERP software.
• Ability to manage and motivate a diverse team.
• Strong stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
• Advanced communication skills (both oral and written) in English and Bangla.
• Experience in risk management and conflict resolution.
• Familiarity with donor reporting requirements, particularly EU and USAID.

Recruitment for this position will be conducted on a rolling basis. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications at the earliest opportunity to enhance their chances of securing the role.