Vacancy Announcement

Organization: Center for Natural Resource Studies (CNRS)

Position: Project Manager

Location: Madhabpur, Habiganj
Job Nature:  Full-time
No. of Vacancies: 1

Project Brief: World Food Programme assisted school feeding programme, funding through United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) McGovern-Dole FY24 award aims to improve child nutrition, education, and health outcomes in Bangladesh . The programme will be implemented for five years, from October 2024 to September 2029. The programme will directly support 31,936 pre-primary and primary school children in 149 Government Primary Schools in Madhabpur upazila of Habiganj district, while providing technical assistance in Ukhiya and Kutubdia upazilas of Cox’s Bazar district to continue the best practices achieved under USDA McGovern-Dole FY17 and FY20. The Programme also will provide capacity-strengthening support to the Government for upcoming Government Primary School Feeding Programme. The key activities under the programme include providing nutritious school meals, developing instructional materials, strengthening education system capacities, building and rehabilitating WASH facilities, supporting nutrition education, establishing school gardens, enhancing smallholder farmer production and market access, and enabling national and sub-national governance structures. The Programme will be implemented in collaboration with key partners, including CNRS, RtR, and FAO, to ensure sustainability, evidence generation, and effective coordination across sectors.

Under the guidance of WFP, CNRS will ensure food distribution, improved Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities, and health education in targeted schools. CNRS will also focuses on capacity building, community engagement, and promoting sustainable practices.

Part I: Job Statement

The Project Manager, will play a central role in overseeing the successful execution of the School Feeding Program in Madhabpur Upazila of habiganj district. This position entails comprehensive responsibility for planning, implementing, monitoring, and reporting on all project activities (food distribution, WaSH facilities, health, hygiene and nutrition education and trainings to key implementers at schools) to ensure alignment with the program's objectives and desired outcomes. The Project Manager will provide strategic leadership and necessary guidance to the project team, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented work environment. This role demands close coordination with other partners (Room to Read and FAO) including government agencies, donor representatives, local authorities, school management committees, and community groups, to facilitate smooth implementation and address operational challenges effectively. Additionally, the Project Manager will lead team management efforts, ensuring clarity of roles, accountability, and capacity building among team members to optimize performance and delivery. Beyond operational oversight, the role involves rigorous monitoring of program activities, maintaining compliance with financial and procurement guidelines, and preparing detailed periodic reports for internal and external stakeholders. By balancing strategic vision with hands-on management, the Project Manager will play a key role in driving program efficiency, promoting stakeholder collaboration, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the School Feeding Program.

Part II: Job Responsibilities and Tasks

1. Program Management and Implementation:

  • Oversee the implementation of project activities in alignment with the approved work plan and budget.
  • Develop detailed implementation plans, monitoring tools, and progress tracking systems.
  • Ensure donor requirements, and sectoral standards.

2. Team Leadership and Capacity Building:

  • Lead, mentor, and supervise the project team, ensuring clear roles, responsibilities, and accountability.
  • Conduct regular performance assessment and provide constructive feedback.
  • Identify staff training needs and facilitate capacity-building initiatives.

3. Financial and Resource Management:

  • Manage project budgets, ensuring optimal utilization of resources.
  • Prepare financial plans, track expenditures, and ensure financial compliance.
  • Collaborate with the Accounts and Admin Officer for financial reporting.

4. Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination:

  • Act as the primary liaison between the organization, government bodies, local authorities, donors, and community stakeholders.
  • Participate in coordination meetings, workshops, and sector-specific forums.
  • Foster strong relationships with school management committees, parent groups, and local vendors.

5. Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL):

  • Ensure project activities are monitored as per tools, provided by WFP
  • Support data collection, analysis, and reporting.
  • Contribute to lessons-learned sessions and document best practices.

6 Reporting and Documentation:

  • Prepare and submit monthly, quarterly, and annual project progress reports.
  • Ensure timely reporting to donors, partners, and internal management.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date project documentation.

7. Safeguarding and Others

  • Uphold the organization’s safeguarding policies to ensure the safety and well-being of team members and participants.
  • Advocate for and endorse safeguarding practices among staff and stakeholders.
  • Ensure timely reporting of incidents and encourage adherence to safeguarding protocols.
  • Participate in required training sessions to enhance personal and professional development.
  • Perform any other related duties or responsibilities when assigned by the Management.

Part III: Required Qualifications and Competencies

Academic Qualification:

  • Master’s degree in Project Management, Public Health, Engineering, Social Sciences, Nutrition, Environmental Science, or a related field.

Working Experience:

  • Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in managing large-scale development projects, preferably in school feeding, nutrition, WASH.
  • Strong leadership and team management skills.
  • Experience in financial planning, budget management, and donor reporting.

Skills and Additional Job Requirements:

  • Having non-discriminatory and gender-sensitive perceptions along with safeguarding
  • To protect children in connection
  • Experience in financial planning, budget management, and donor reporting.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools.
  • Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
  • Cultural sensitivity and adaptability.
  • Commitment to gender equality, child protection, and safeguarding.
  • Strong analytical and report-writing skills.

Salary:  BDT 121,095/per month (including all)

Apply Instruction

Applicants should apply to HR Manager through the following link: https://forms.gle/X8fovU9CWcHo7Kfu9 - by January 28, 2025. The resume and cover letter shall also be uploaded through this link. Applicants must enclose his/her Photograph and signature with the Resume. The resume shall obtain at least two referees amongst which one should be from the current/last organization. Women are highly encouraged to apply. We would like to graciously thank all applicants for their interest but only candidates who meet the aforesaid requisite criteria, and are shortlisted will be contacted. The advertiser reserves the right to modify or cancel this process at any point of time.