Project Manager 

Hours: 40 hours/week Contract period: 15 months 

Location: Remote

Collaborative Futures is seeking a Project Manager for 1) the development and  deployment of a secure SMS messaging app and 2) a research project focused on digital repression.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter with experience managing diverse global research and software  development teams using scrum and agile methods for East African markets.

It is important that the candidate be willing to join the team by Jan. 1 in order to help design the work plan over the next 15 months and lead from the beginning. The Project Manager will  be supported by, and report to, a Program Director and an Executive Director. They will oversee a  research team and multiple developers and encryption experts from other organizations and represent the project as needed. A background in network infrastructure and/or digital rights is a plus. 

Collaborative Futures (CF) is the research and development program for Gisa Group, an experienced  non-profit with a mission to expand civic space. For the right candidate, this project provides a unique  opportunity to build public interest technology that has an impact. 

The salary is competitive and will be based on the consultant’s experience and demonstrated abilities.  Extension of consultancy or transition to regular employment is expected but contingent on consultant  performance and future donor funding. 

Gisa Group is a registered 501c3 in the United States based in New York and East Africa. We oversee a diverse portfolio of projects and initiatives with global reach. Our current focus is on Sudan and East Africa where we provide direct and indirect support to our network of organizations, initiatives, and partners. We work with hundreds of journalists, human rights defenders, artists, and technologists across the region.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Overall: Responsible for overseeing and delivering the app and research project, and managing day-to-day implementation.


Project Planning, Management and Implementation

  • Develop and maintain all relevant project documents, including work plan, budget, MEL plan,  etc. 

  • Manage and implement all project activities according to the approved work plan, budget, and  MEL plan for the project. 

  • Track key project milestones and deliverables, ensuring they meet quality standards and  deadlines. 

  • Schedule and conduct regular project meetings to review progress, discuss challenges, and keep  all teams aligned. 

  • Serve as the primary point of contact for the project, ensuring communication flows smoothly  across teams and stakeholders.

     

Communications

  • Conduct an audit to develop and/or revise the communications strategy for the project at the beginning  of the grant period and on an annual basis 

  • Manage implementation of project deliverables as per the communications strategy 

  • Support and provide required information and material for the Gisa communication strategy  development and deliverables as required.

Grant Management

  • Create and maintain a grant activity tracker for all relevant grants. 

  • Lead on donor report writing for respective project/s and submit to the Operations Director and Grants Manager in a timely manner for review and feedback. 

  • Ensure all grant documents are tracked, filed, and in compliance with donor objectives and  requirements. 

Human Resource Management and Operations 

  • Manage any staff supervised to achieve their mandated targets in accordance with annual  operational plans. 

  • Conduct annual staff performance review of any staff supervised and provide/obtain feedback  when necessary. 

  • Support the recruitment of project staff, under the supervision of the CF Program Director and  Operations team. Participate and provide final approval in the review of staff job descriptions  and setting of performance standards

REQUIREMENTS

Education & Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's or Master/ Postgraduate degree in International Development, Social Sciences,  Development Studies or any other related area. 

  • Prior experience as a technology Product and/or Project Manager 

  • Prior Project Management or Product Management skills coursework 

Experience & Competences: 

  • Relevant experience of a minimum 4 years in product or project management in the technology sector, and/org within an international NGO/Institution. 

  • Experience managing projects and grants from a range of donors, preferably including USAID,  DRL, is a plus. 

  • Excellent planning skills is a requirement. A sound understanding of Project Cycle Management  in development and emergency environments is a plus. 

  •  Good administrative and numerical skills, and attention to detail. 

  • Proven analytical skills and the ability to think strategically in relation to fundraising and donor  engagement. 

  • Proven ability to work autonomously. 

  • Proven ability to create and maintain grant management systems. 

  • Experience managing online file systems. 

  • Must be able to communicate in a clear and responsive way that positively contributes to Gisa’s  team-oriented culture. 

  • Excellent personal communication skills in written and verbal English. Arabic language is a plus. 

  • Excellent ability to set up and run project management software as well as Microsoft Office:  Word, Excel & PowerPoint, and online file systems. 

TO APPLY
Applicants must apply by December 18th, with rolling interviews over the next week and be able to start work in January 2025. Please send a current CV and brief cover email explaining your interest in this job to collaborativefutures@gisagroup.org. Within the email, please indicate the date you would be able to start.

Applicants will be considered as applications are received, and the position will remain open until filled.  The contract will include a three-month probationary period.

REFERENCES 
Please provide the name, position, email address, and phone number of two employment references from the last three years, including at least one supervisor.