Project Operations Manager for Eswatini Programme

Organizational Context

The International Trade Centre (ITC), a joint agency of the UN and WTO, supports Eswatini's development objectives through a multi-faceted programme funded by the European Union. This programme focuses on job creation, investment climate, trade agreements, and skills development, aiming to enhance private sector competitiveness and improve policy frameworks.

Job Purpose

The Project Operations Manager will provide essential operational support to the Project Manager and the local team in Eswatini. This role is crucial for ensuring seamless coordination between the project and its partners, including government institutions, the European Union, MSMEs, and BSOs. The objective is to facilitate high-quality implementation of project activities in line with the project plan and timelines, ensuring efficient resource management, timely reporting, and effective partnership building to achieve the programme's development goals.

Responsibilities

Manage and implement project operations in Eswatini, developing and executing an operations plan covering MoUs, procurement, and administration to ensure timely delivery. Monitor progress against planned activities, identify potential risks, and take corrective actions. Contribute to the development of annual and quarterly work plans and results-based management targets. Coordinate and manage the project's monitoring and evaluation plan, ensuring high-quality and measurable reporting. Prepare Terms of Reference for procurement services and manage administrative plans. Act as the focal point for local partner inquiries and facilitate service delivery. Represent ITC in UNCT meetings and coordinate project visibility plans. Provide capacity building, including coaching and on-the-job training, to local project staff and partners on procedures and guidelines. Build and maintain partnerships and networks, promoting the Alliances for Action approach.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of relevant experience is required. This includes hands-on experience in development projects, establishing inter-relationships between international organizations, national governments, institutions, and the private sector. Experience working with government entities managing donor funds, and direct experience managing project operations and teams are highly desirable.

Skills

Ability to coordinate work, strong interpersonal skills, excellent presentation skills, client relationship building, adaptability to change, managing complexity, strong oral and written communication, teamwork, ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, organizational and prioritization skills.

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