HEAL Project Manager (full-time)

Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Suisse (VSF-Suisse) is a politically and religiously neutral humanitarian and development organisation with the mission to improve the wellbeing and resilience of vulnerable populations by promoting the health and productivity of their livestock within a healthy environment. VSF-Suisse, in partnership with Amref Health Africa and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), is leading the HEAL project, which has operationalized the One Health approach through a groundbreaking community-based service delivery model that enhances access to quality human and veterinary services while improving natural resource management in pastoralist areas of Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia. For the HEAL project, as of 1 January 2025 and based in the VSF-Suisse Country Office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, VSF Suisse is looking for a: HEAL Project Manager (full-time)

Duties and Responsibilities

The HEAL Project Manager is a dynamic leader responsible for ensuring the successful implementation, further development, and scaling of the One Health for Humans, Environment, Animals and Livelihoods (HEAL) project across Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia. Under the supervision of the Consortium Partnership Governance Board, the HEAL Project Manager will:

• Lead the high-quality implementation of the project, guaranteeing excellent technical leadership, effective management, and compliance with donor requirements across the different levels of intervention and partner organizations in close collaboration with the multidisciplinary HEAL Core Team;
• Motivate, empower, and oversee the HEAL project staff and work closely with the implementing partners’ programme technical and thematic leads, country programme coordinators and field staff, fostering capacity development, collaboration and high performance within the team;
• Ensure timely and accurate donor reporting, documentation of project outcomes, continuous learning, and effective communication with key stakeholders;
• Serve as the primary liaison, facilitating effective communication and coordination between the project’s various governance and management bodies
• Contribute to the identification of co-funding sources and lead the development of proposals for upcoming phases of the HEAL project;
• Represent the consortium in local, regional, and international forums, build strong relationships with key stakeholders, and advocate for pastoralist communities and the benefits of the One Health approach.

Requirements

The HEAL project manager has extensive experience in managing consortia and complex, multi-country development projects. S/he possesses strong leadership skills, the ability to coordinate across diverse teams, and a deep understanding of development cooperation and humanitarian aid. S/he excels in communication, networking, and maintaining relationships with partners, donors, public authorities, policy makers, and other stakeholders. Further requirements are:

• University degree in a relevant field such as public health, veterinary medicine, environmental science, or a related discipline aligned with the One Health approach, with additional qualifications in project management, business administration (e.g. MBA), and/or development studies as an asset;
• 7 to 10 years of experience in managing medium-scale, multi-country development projects, with strong qualities in leadership and consortium management, and a proven track record in coordinating geographically dispersed teams, managing multi-million USD budgets, achieving project outcomes within deadlines, preparing quality reports, and ensuring compliance with donor regulations;
• Proven experience in human resources management, including recruitment, performance management, and staff development;
• Strong skills in networking, advocating, and communicating with development stakeholders, incl. multilateral and bilateral donors, international organizations, NGOs, government bodies, research institutions, and private sector partners;
• Extensive experience in developing project proposals and securing funding, with a good knowledge of the donor landscape in the Horn of Africa; − Behavioral competencies: a strong sense of self-awareness, adeptness in relationship building, influencing, strategic thinking, and exercising astute judgment;
• Demonstrated experience in effectively managing security, risk, and legal compliance within the context of an International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO) and Consortium setting; − Established track record of making prudent decisions amidst uncertain and challenging circumstances;
• Excellent command of English; proficiency in other languages spoken in the three countries are an asset;
• Experience in working within a multicultural environment with sensitivity to cultural differences, and willingness to travel regularly across Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia.

Safer Recruitment: VSF-Suisse is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of professional conduct and fostering best practices among all employees. We expect all staff to embody our core values of respect, integrity, commitment, and excellence. Our recruitment process prioritizes candidates who align with these values, and employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory references and relevant screening checks, which may include criminal records and terrorism finance checks.

VSF-Suisse is committed to promoting diversity and achieving gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

What we offer

• A challenging, but rewarding job in a demanding environment;
• The opportunity to lead a highly relevant and innovative project seeking to enhance the well-being and resilience of vulnerable pastoralist and agro-pastoralist communities in three countries;
• Qualified, dynamic, and passionate teams in the organization’s offices as well as with its partner organizations;
• The chance to build and leverage professional networks across diverse platforms in the Horn of Africa and beyond;
• A competitive salary and benefits in line with the VSF-Suisse Ethiopia Country Office pay range.

Duty station : Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with regular travel to project locations across Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia to oversee project activities, engage with field teams, and liaise with stakeholders. We are committed to our duty of care and ensure adherence to our security policy to safeguard the well-being of all staff during field missions. Entry date 1 January 2025, fixed-term contract of one year to be converted after into a permanent contract.