Project No. 2014 – 078 Ethiopia: Supporting the Ministry of Mines (SUMM) Project
Target start date: (start date TBC) – January/February 2018 (renewable to 5 years)
The Canadian International Resources and Development Institute (CIRDI)was founded in 2013 by three leading Canadian universities: The University of British Columbia (UBC), Simon Fraser University (SFU) and Polytechnique Montréal (EPM) under a Contribution Agreement with Global Affairs Canada (GAC). CIRDI’s mandate is to exchange knowledge and expertise with developing countries that enables leading-practice natural resource governance, environmental stewardship, gender equality and ultimately, poverty reduction. With Canadian and international partners, CIRDI provides leading-practice advice, technical support, training and applied research as well as a platform for innovative thinking, knowledge mobilization and shared learning.
The Institute was established through a five-year (2013-2018) agreement with Global Affairs, Canada to implement projects that secure opportunities for developing countries to improve fiscal and regulatory governance, integrated resource management and livelihoods and employment. CIRDI works with all levels of government to develop training, tools and approaches that address their unique circumstances and needs.
The “Supporting the Ministry of Mines” (SUMM) project in Ethiopia is a five-year, $15 million project funded by Global Affairs, Canada. The project is designed to strengthen the capacity and organizational management of Ethiopia’s Ministry of Mining, Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoMPNG) at operational and strategic levels. The project’s ultimate objectives are to improve resource governance and sustainable long-term management of Ethiopia’s emerging mineral sector.
The project focuses on three key areas:
(1) improving the efficiency, transparency and accountability of the licensing, management and geo-data systems, including related social and environmental standards,
(2) strengthening human resource management to create equal opportunities for professional development and employment,
(3) improving the Government of Ethiopia’s ability to sustainably promote and manage foreign investment in its mining sector.
Tasks/Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will be based in the project office in Addis Ababa. Reporting to the Deputy
Director, SUMM, the Project Officer will be responsible for providing project support in planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of project activates to ensure compliance with CIRDI and Global Affairs Canada contractual obligations. The incumbent will ensure close collaboration between the project management, partners and other relevant stakeholders including the Ethiopia Ministry of Mining, Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoMPNG) and Global Affairs Canada (GAC). The position will involve working in close partnership with the Director, SUMM, Deputy Director, project technical specialists, and consultants as well as other staff at the project office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and the
headquarters in Vancouver, Canada.
Responsibilities:
The Project Officer will support the Director, SUMM and Deputy Director on the in-country management and delivery of project activities in the following ways:
Capacity development for strategic planning needs assessment and performance management.
Development of policy research, impact assessment and consultation capacities.
Undertake day to day support to project management including administration, financial approval, technical and substantive project results.
Develop work plans, terms of reference (TOR).
Participate in preparing monthly, quarterly and annual progress reports including financial reports.
Monitor project progress against annual and quarterly work plans and budgets.
Facilitate the contact with all project partners. Assist in implementing structures and systems for coordination between the SUMM project staff and its partners.
Identify risks and challenges to the establishment and ongoing operations of the SUMM Project, working with Ministry of Mining, Petroleum and Natural Gas and its Directorates and Global Affairs Canada as main partners. Provide advice on engaging project partners and strategies for increasing collaboration and effectiveness.
Provides advice on program development and mitigation strategies.
Identify opportunities to enhance team-work within various reform initiatives;
Prepare qualitative substantive progress reports as required;
Plan activities, identify procedures for project evaluation, data collection and project implementation;
Assist in developing work plans, support preparation and submission of project reports and monitor implementation of the various initiatives. Plans, reflect and support the SUMM program, objectives and mandates and are developed within the agreed time frame in accordance with established guidelines.
Develop and support SUMM partners project activities design and proposals with cost estimation;
Monitor project activity delivery and liquidation of budget.
Ensure organizational and institutional development programs are in place.
Assist in maintaining close coordination with CIRDI, ensure synergies, avoid overlaps in project implementation, collaborate with other donors working in the same area and provide information relevant to the project.
Other tasks may be assigned as necessary according to project needs.
Consequences of Error
The incumbent must be able to work independently and within a team and exercise considerable judgment on a daily basis. Errors in performance of the above-related duties could have a significant impact on operations, effectiveness, image, and reputation of the Institute (CIRDI), the Canadian federal government and the SUMM Project. Incorrect interpretation or communication of policy and procedures or lack of tact, diplomacy or sensitivity in dealing with stakeholders could potentially result in damaged relationships and credibility, leading to irreparable damage to the project and for the coalition of universities including their relationship with funders and the federal government.
Supervision received
Reports to Deputy Director, SUMM and works closely with the Project Officer team. May also take direction from the Director, SUMM.
Supervision given
No direct reports but works closely with stakeholders, government agencies, consultants, students and
may assign tasks to the Administration and Logistics officer.
Duration of assignment including start and end date: (start date TBC) – January/February 2018 (renewable to five years)
Job Requirement
Minimum of a Bachelors degree in International Development, Business, Administration, or a related field. Additional courses in project management desirable.
Experience working as a Project Officer or Administrator. Experience working with government agencies, international development organizations on international donor grant funded projects highly desirable. Experience working on Global Affairs Canada funded projects desirable.
Experience with Results Based Management (RBM) protocols, monitoring and impact evaluation approaches.
Skills and Abilities
Excellent oral and written communication skills and in English and Amharic.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Excellent PC skills and proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Applications.
Ability to work both as part of a team and independently.