Government of the Republic of Malawi
Ministry of Education (MoE)
IMPROVING SECONDARY EDUCATION IN MALAWI (ISEM) II PROJECT
JOB VACANCY: RE-ADVERTISEMENT
TORS FOR ISEM II PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION UNIT

1.0 Project Background
The Government of Malawi through the Ministry of Education (MoE) is implementing a project called Improving Secondary Education in Malawi (ISEM) Il Project with support from the European Union. The Financing agreement (FA) was signed for a total cost of EURO 55 Million.

The primary goal of this initiative is to provide young people with more equitable opportunities for completing good quality secondary education and development skills. The ISEM II FA initiative encompasses three specific objectives (SOs):

1. Specific Objective 1 (SO1): Facilitate the equitable enrolment of students in secondary education.
2. Specific Objective 2 (SO2): Enhance the quality of secondary education.
3. Specific Objective 3 (SO3): Strengthen the governance and management of secondary education institutions at both central and decentralized levels.

To realize these objectives, the ISEM II FA initiative will use two government-implemented grants:

1. A grant dedicated to the soft component focused on quality and governance objectives.
2. A grant allocated for hard component, including infrastructure and equipment.

The expected implementation period of these grants is a period of 36 months.

For the smooth running of the project, the Ministry of Education invites qualified individuals with required technical competence to submit applications to fill the following position:

PROJECT MANAGER

1.0 Objective of the Assignment
The main objective of the Project Manager shall be to provide overall leadership, management and technical guidance to ensure the achievement of project objectives and delivery of project outputs.

2.0 Scope of the Assignment
The Project Manager will head the ISEM Il Project Implementation Unit (PIU) and provide required technical and administrative support to guide the project activities and outputs and ensure effective management of project resources under the guidance and in close collaboration with the Project Coordinator and in close communication with the Ministry of Education and the European Union. The primary duties of the Project Manager shall include:

1. Managing staff and overseeing the day-to-day activities of the PIU related to the management and implementation of the Project
   1. Report to the Program Implementation Coordinator and/or the Director of Secondary Education on all project activities (technical and administrative).
   2. Provide oversight to procurement, project monitoring and evaluation, financial management, progress and financial reporting, project communication and environmental and social project management and leading staff of the PIU.
2. Supervise PIU staff on the performance of their respective duties and; ensure the efficient functioning of the PIU.
3. Ensure that clear working arrangements are established for collaborating with government authorities on all management, financial, accounting and procurement matters. Facilitate independent quarterly and annual performance appraisals for PIU staff with MOE Human Resources Department.
4. Providing technical and management guidance to: project component area managers and officers, identifying and addressing key issues, harmonizing technical objectives and approaches for the project implementation and coordinating all concerned Directorates and institutions on the execution of the project to ensure quality and timeliness of project work.
5. Preparing and monitoring annual Work Plans and budget of the overall project, based on proposed annual work plans and budgets, and adhere to approval processes (this will include liaising with the project coordinator, component managers and officers for timely preparation and implementation of TORs, procurement, monitoring, participation and training plans);timely submission of project progress and implementation reports submission to the Project Technical Committee, MOE, and the EU including needed monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual status reports as well as other project related documents

Facilitating project activities including:

1. Preparation of missions, bi-weekly meetings and monthly meetings with participating institutions and related reporting. supervising experts/contract institutions as required to undertake tasks of the project in accordance with annual workplan.
2. Maintaining records, with the support of other experts and component officers, on technical and financial aspects of project operation, including monitoring of project activities and their outcomes; as well as minutes, decisions and recommendations of meetings and workshops.
3. Ensuring that all participating institutions comply with national procurement, financial management, and environmental and social safeguards guidelines/ frameworks and supporting coordination of knowledge sharing and capacity development needs as needed.
4. Acting as Secretariat for the Mission, Technical and Steering Committees of the project.
5. Provide suggestions on harmonizing strategies, policies and regulatory measures with a view to mainstreaming sustainable education plans and policies and improving coordination across secondary education, including with development partners, and industry and private sector needs; promote the dissemination of the project to stakeholders, policy makers and the general public through media outreach relying on and enabling relevant communication on staff in participating institutions;
6. Planning, organizing, implementing and reporting on Technical Committee and Implementation Team meetings
7. Ensuring effective liaison and maintain good communication with implementing institutions, development partners and other stakeholders

3.0 Reporting Requirements

The Project Manager shall report directly to and be guided by the Project Coordinator to ensure the project achieves its development goals and ensure cost effectiveness and sustainability.

4.0 Qualifications and Skills Required

The successful candidate for the assignment shall have the following attributes:

Qualifications:

At least Masters Degree in Strategic Management, Business Administration, Project Management, or any related field.

General Professional Experience

At least Seven (7) years of professional experience as a Project Manager.

Specific professional experience

1. A minimum of Seven (7) years’ experience in donor funded related projects but candidates with more than ten (10) years of experience will be considered a strong asset in the evaluation process.
2. Proactive problem solver, self-starter, and results-oriented;
3. Demonstrable experience in the management of complex projects at national or regional levels while experience with EU funded projects is a distinct advantage;
4. Strong management skills including ability to provide strategic guidance, technical oversight, mentor staff, build strong teams, develop workplans, and manage budgets and project expenditures;
5. Good multi-cultural and interpersonal skills with experience in networking with partners at all levels (ministries, donors, private sector, NGOs and local community-based organizations);
6. Experience working with or in international and donor organizations with implementation of participatory projects.;
7. Proven written, analytical, presentation and reporting skills and demonstrable computing skills;
8. Good computer skills and proficient in the use of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word and PowerPoint, etc.);
9. Fluency in spoken and written English; and
10. Familiarity with Malawi’s education system and/or capacity development is essential.

5.0 Duration of Contract and Remuneration

The employment contract shall run in 1 year contracts for the whole duration of the project, renewed annually subject to satisfactory performance. Remuneration shall be negotiable based on candidate’s qualifications and experience and the available budget.

6.0 Performance Criteria

The following performance criteria metrics will be used to assess the performance of the Project Manager annually and based upon these assessments the contract with the Project may be continued or terminated:

1. Quality and Timeliness of Annual work plans and budgets.
2. Quality and Timeliness of Periodic Progress Reports and project updates
3. Quality and Timeliness of Documents submitted to the relevant agencies for clearance
4. Pro-activeness in problem solving and responsiveness on issues
5. Evidence of effective planning and communications with project implementing agencies and Technical Committee
6. Effective PIU management

7.0 Location of Employment

The Project Manager will be based at the MoE or any of its designated offices in Lilongwe but would be required to travel regularly to other relevant agencies where ISEM Il is implementing its activities.

For detailed Terms of Reference (ToRs) for the posts please contact: http://www.education.gov.mw or samuelchibwana@education.gov.mw

The position being applied for should be clearly marked on the envelope. The application should include the following: curriculum vitae (with three traceable referees) and copies of certificates. All these should be in a sealed envelope clearly marked “Improving Secondary Education in Malawi (ISEM) Il and submitted not later than 10th September, 2024 in Room No. 8.

The Secretary for Education
Ministry of Education
Private Bag 328
LILONGWE 3

Attention: Director of Human Resource Management and Development