Project Manager

Are you an independent thinker, determined to see Africa achieve peace and prosperity? Are you passionate about building and motivating a team to help achieve these goals?

If you are experienced in both management and human security in the Lake Chad Basin, and feel as comfortable speaking in public as reviewing new research results, apply now. This exciting position will build your experience and profile on dealing with Africa’s leading challenges, from violent extremism to stable political transitions.

The Project Manager will steer existing research and policy projects, and fundraise for new work. Skills in building networks with donors and government partners are vital, as is the ability to work fast, smart and creatively.

The successful candidate will report to the ISS Regional Director for West Africa, the Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin, Dakar.

Overview of duties

• Plan, manage and implement projects on violent extremism, conflict analysis, political dynamics and transitions in the Lake Chad Basin
• Develop staff workplans in line with the regional office work plan, donor agreements and the ISS Results-Based Framework
• Fundraising, donor liaison and reporting
• Financial and budget planning and controls
• Managing and motivating staff
• Ensuring quality control and delivery of outputs and outcomes
• Representing the ISS at high-level meetings in Africa and globally
• Actively contributing to ISS management meetings, planning and reporting
• Ensuring effective communication of results to target audiences
• Monitoring and evaluation
• Providing management support to the Regional Director

Overview of requirements

• A postgraduate qualification (Master’s or PhD) in social sciences, law, humanities or equivalent
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in a policy research or policy-making environment, international organisation or government at a
• senior management level
• At least 5 years’ experience managing multifaceted projects and subordinate team members
• A track record of high-level representation at the African and/or global level
• A strong understanding of human security and development issues in the Lake Chad Basin
• Expertise in analysing information and developing practical recommendations from research results
• Experience in the design and management of research, policy advocacy and training and technical assistance
• Experience in building relationships with partners and stakeholders as a means to shape policy and action
• Experience in fundraising and donor liaison, including writing proposals and reports
• A strong understanding of monitoring and evaluation, and Results Based Management frameworks
• Exceptional French and English communication skills (verbal and written)

The position is based in Dakar, Senegal with work from home flexibility. The contract will be for two years and may be renewed subject to regional office requirements, funding and satisfactory performance. ISS offers a competitive salary and opportunities for training and development.

Email your application to dakarjobs@issafrica.org . Applicants must provide a cover letter and detailed CV, including at least three contactable referees. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Closing date: 15 October 2023.