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position title

Kesho Leo Project Manager

when

Full time, 12-month posting, handover period included.
Available late November 2012

location

Arusha region, Tanzania, East Africa

team

Kesho Crew

position purpose

This exciting and important fws position involves working closely with the Kesho Leo Manager in the day to day running of Kesho Leo children’s village and alongside volunteer team specialists to design and deliver effective health, education, social welfare and permaculture programs at Kesho Leo children’s village, as specified by fws.

The position is supported by a number of key volunteer positions both at Kesho Leo (such as the Kesho Leo Finance Manager, Kesho Leo Farm Manager, Kesho Leo Nurse) and in Australia (such as the fws Infrastructure Manager, the fws Education Manager, the fws Programs Manager and the fws Finance Team). The Kesho Leo Manager has overall responsibility for the management of a significant local staff and approximately 10 to 15 in-country volunteers at a time.

responsibilities

  • Work with the fws Program Manager (in Australia) to coordinate the planning, implementation and reporting of Kesho Leo children’s village programs according to strict deadlines and within budget (these parameters are outlined in fws Program Proposals).
  • Ensure the emotional and social wellbeing of Kesho Leo house mamas, children and staff is supported through the provision of education, team building and social support conducted by local staff, local services or skilled volunteers.
  • Use local resources to coordinate classes for the local community on sustainable living, health, small business, social welfare and language.
  • Manage fws Kesho Leo volunteers, ensuring volunteers are provided with the necessary resources, facilities and support to have a successful and fulfilling placement.
  • Provide support and guidance to the Tanzanian Manager to develop his skills in staff management, project management and leadership.
  • Develop and maintain effective fws networks with local NGOs to share resources and knowledge within community groups and maintain relationships with local businesses and services in Arusha.
  • Maintain and develop relationships with the Kesho Leo Community, employees and other local communities.
  • Provide a monthly report on project updates at Kesho Leo/volunteer village to the fws board and management committee, including cost projections, taking input from other Kesho Leo lead volunteers.
  • Contribute to the writing of grant applications and reports as required by the Australian-based Grants Team.
  • Provide fortnightly news articles, photos and project updates to the gimme shelter Editor to use in the monthly fws newsletter and maintain the fws team blog site.
  • Meet financial reporting requirements as directed, but specifically from the fws Funding Manager, the fws Program Manager and the fws Treasurer, working with the fws Finance Manager locally.
  • Work with the fws Programs Manager (in Australia) and program leaders (in Tanzania) to maintain existing programs in line with fws program briefs. Alert the fws Programs Manager to any amendments that may need to be made to program briefs, in a timely manner, and ensure that those amendments are approved before undertaken.
  • Identify potential new programs that could further improve the lives of all those that come into contact with Kesho Leo children’s village, submit proposals to the fws board in Program Proposal format before implementing the program.
  • Maintain all Kesho Leo property, identifying, troubleshooting and addressing maintenance issues in a timely manner.
  • Be conscious of security requirements in a developing country, and work with and develop further improvements.
  • Lead the fws-Arusha NGO, ensuring it meets all local requirements and is clearly aligned with the broader fws vision and plans.

key performance indicators

  • Successful overseeing and managing of Kesho Leo Programs, meeting Program Brief outlines.
  • Successful integration of house mamas and children into Kesho Leo children’s village.
  • Effective budgeting to meet the requirements of all key areas within Kesho Leo.
  • Regular planned updates to management and the board on project progress, budgeting, human development and cultural developments.
  • Progress in agreed areas of sustainability.
  • Positive feedback from the local community and volunteers.
  • Evidence of stronger ties with the local community groups and other relevant bodies within Arusha and other areas.
  • Successful delivery of local projects in health, education, permaculture and social welfare as agreed with the fws board.

liaise with

  • fws Kesho Leo manager
  • fws Kesho Leo finance manager
  • fws Kesho Krew
  • fws program manager
  • fws funding manager
  • fws Arusha NGO team
  • fws president
  • fws board
  • fws management committee
  • Other fws staff as required

report to

fws President (currently, and later to the fws Program Manager)

pre-package

  • Free accommodation (onsite)
  • Monthly stipend
  • Priceless memories

skills & requirements

  • Experience working in a developing country
  • Project management experience
  • Proven team leadership skills
  • Creative problem-solving skills
  • Relevant tertiary education qualifications or similar career experience 
  • Preferable international or local volunteer management experience 
  • International Drivers License and willingness to drive a 4WD vehicle in difficult conditions
  • Senior first aid and resuscitation, as a minimum.
  • Computer efficiency in the Internet, Microsoft Word and Excel
  • Fluency in Kiswahili – or a willingness to seek fluency

think you're the person for the job?

Email osvolunteer@foodwatershelter.org.au or complete our Volunteer Placement Form.