Fundamentally, the funding is expected to finance activities that will help in the administration and implementation of social assistance programs in order to transform and develop the underserved, vulnerable and destitute Basotho through acquisition of knowledge, skills, and development of requisite attitude to select and start up viable and progressive livelihood income generating options that will emancipate them from extreme poverty.
It is in view of this, the Government of Lesotho, through the Ministry of Social Development seeks to set up Project Implementation Unit (PIU) as a starting point to kick start the activities entailed in this fund and as thus intents to recruit for the positions of Project Coordinator.
Title: Project Coordinator – Social Assistance Project
Duration: 2 years with possibility of extension based on performance
Location: Based in Maseru, with frequent visits project sites
Salary: Commensurate with Required Experience and Qualifications
Reports to: Principal Secretary – Ministry of Social Development
Roles and Responsibilities of the Project Coordinator:
Under the supervision of the Principal Secretary, Ministry of Social Development, He/ she will oversee and monitor the implementation of the social assistance project activities to improve the efficiency and equity of social assistance programs and support an evidence-based approach to transform and develop the underserved, vulnerable and destitute Basotho through acquisition of knowledge, skills, and development of requisite attitude to select and start up viable and progressive livelihood income generating projects that will emancipate them from extreme poverty. The incumbent will further:
Ensure timely implementation and completion of all project deliverables for the Ministry of Social Development and for the Ministry of Finance (Pensions Unit)..
Liaise with relevant Ministries such as Social Development, Finance and Planning, and other government departments as applicable to the project.
Ensure the achievement and documentation of disbursement linked indicators, and provide technical assistance for the achievement of project results at national, district, community and household levels.
Ensure the establishment of project management systems that support compliance with legal obligations, recording/filing and reporting responsibilities, and effective delivery of project deliverables. The systems should facilitate program review, mid-term reviews and project post evaluation.
Coordinate the preparation of the Annual Work Plans, budgets and procurement plans for all the components of the social assistance project
Undertake monitoring activities, in particular prepare progress and financial reports and other project-related documents as detailed in the project implementation manual, in close consultation with all Ministry staff and World Bank team
Monitor and identify potential gaps and/or obstacles that may compromise the success of project implementation, trouble shoot and present appropriate strategies to overcome barriers and improve overall project effectiveness and outcomes. Facilitate the update, reorganization and reprogramming of project activities as and when need arise, for example to ensure achievement of a Disbursement Linked Indicator.
Coordinate the preparation of key documents, terms of references (TORs) for consultants and technical assistance needs, and timely preparation of reports.
Support the financial management and procurement functions of the project, including the preparation of requests for disbursements; help the reconciliation of bank accounts and financial resources of the project, as well as managing and accounting records of project funds.
Facilitate procurement processes, in compliance with Government and World Bank guidelines, to ensure project execution, in particular provide technical inputs to terms of reference and during the procurement process. Lead key activities to ensure design and policies introduced under the project are best practice.
Provide supervision to activities and consultancies in all components of the project, and in particular supervise and guide the work of the members of the PIU.
Develop and maintain a detailed project schedule which includes timelines, administrative tasks, responsible persons and all sites involved in the project.
Be responsible for flow of information and general coordination with the World Bank, MoF, Ministry of Development Planning (including its National Manpower Development Secretariat), UNICEF and the European Union to support successful implementation of the different project components.
Organize and participate in all meetings relating to the project and record points of actions as agreed in various meetings. Ensure that all project records and documentation are appropriately maintained.
Liaise with the World Bank Task Team leader and World Bank staff and facilitate Requests for No Objection and all documents that require prior Bank approval. Host and facilitate Bank supervision missions and working with the Bank to optimise the project results and impact.
Perform any other duties as assigned by the Principal Secretary
Required Experience and Qualifications:
Postgraduate degree in social sciences, or relevant field and at least eight years’ work experience in project management, and/or monitoring and evaluation required is a prerequisite or BA Degree with minimum of ten years of professional experience.
Technical and operational background in Social Protection and/or clear understanding of Social Protection.
Experience working in the social protection sector, in particular systems strengthening is highly desirable.
Experience working with donor project is highly desirable.
Demonstrated ability to systematically package and document processes, achievements and lessons learned.
Outstanding verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills.
Strong time management and organizational skills;
Demonstrated ability to work well independently.
Demonstrated ability to successfully manage multiple competing priorities.
Ability and willingness to travel up to 75% time in rural communities.
Ability to read, write and speak fluent English, fluency in Sesotho is an added advantage.
Demonstrate problem solving, leadership, conflict management, and team building skills in order to ensure a productive work environment and achievement of goals.
Please note: Only candidates who are eligible to work in Lesotho for an indefinite period without a need for sponsorship will be considered for this position.
To Apply: Please send all application materials including your resume, cover letter. Applications are required in English.
The Principal Secretary,
Attention: Human Resource
Ministry of Social Development,
6th Floor, Moposo House
Private Bag A222
MASERU – LESOTHO
