Project Coordinator

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a CGIAR Research Center is seeking a multi skilled Project Coordinator to join its Headquarters in Battaramulla, Sri Lanka.

The Project Coordinator will perform a coordinating role for one or multiple assigned projects. The incumbent will forge an enabling environment among project team members, implementation partners, and key stakeholders for the timely delivery of project outputs. The coordinator will implement administrative tasks, monitor project progress, and assist with implementing risk management strategies.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Contribute to the preparation of accurate and timely reports for the project and activities, enabling informed decision-making and consistency of information presented to stakeholders. Liaise with internal and external counterparts to promote effective collaboration, monitor the ongoing progress of the project, and highlight potential risks to project delivery. Help to identify, develop, and manage potential partnerships that support collaborative working to enhance assigned projects. Work with the admin officer and Portfolio Manager to process the partnership contract and necessary contract amendments. Facilitate regular virtual and physical meetings with the project team and implementing partners for effective coordination and planning. Support the financial, operational, logistical, procurement, and accounting processes of the project. Track project portfolios, outputs, progress-reporting updates, and overall project progress, including deliverables in the Project Management System, and provide administrative support to the Project Leaders to ensure that agreed timelines are adhered to. Assist the team leader in the different areas of the project management life cycle to be undertaken across multiple geographies. Coordinate stakeholder engagement arrangements as and when necessary. Contribute to project portfolio growth by maintaining databases detailing contacts, interns, consultants, events, and projects. Support the Project Leaders in preparing, implementing, monitoring, and documenting annual project work plans, progress reports, budgets and expenditures, work hours, outputs, and results. Organize, attend, and participate in stakeholder meetings. Document and follow up on necessary actions and decisions from meetings. Help to coordinate presentation materials among team members. Assess project risks and issues, update the Risk Management Plan, and provide solutions where applicable. Ensure stakeholder views are managed towards the best solution. Create a project-management calendar for fulfilling each goal and objective. Develop and coordinate data-gathering and monitoring systems to maintain rigorous quality standards. Assist in coordinating partnerships with government and international development partner agencies involved with water resource development and climate change adaptation in the African and Asian regions. Ensure that relevant inquiries and correspondence are responded to in an appropriate and timely manner. Work closely with the Project Management Office in terms of other project management aspects.

Requirements

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

Essential,

A bachelor's degree in business management, business administration, environmental science, climate change, policy, or a related discipline. Minimum of 5 years of professional experience, in project coordination and management processes. Demonstrated familiarity with social media platforms and the ability to utilize them for promoting inter-office communications and facilitating information sharing. Proven track record of building and maintaining relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Desirable,

Previous experience in water management or climate change with international organizations. Proven experience in working effectively with government bodies in charge of policy making and with development partners would be an asset.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Essential,

Good organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively and efficiently. Demonstrated strong communication skills, particularly in preparing correspondence and briefings. The ability to establish priorities effectively and to plan, organize, implement, and monitor work activities with limited supervision. Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment, demonstrating sensitivity and respect for diversity. Proficiency in project management software applications. Proficiency in employing facilitation methods for participatory decision-making and shared vision development with stakeholders. A high level of proficiency in using MS Office and other relevant computer software. Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion. Personal attributes including high standards of conduct, respect, flexibility, and a strong work ethic. Excellent oral and written language skills in English, including effective listening and strong verbal and written communication abilities.

Benefits

This is a nationally recruited position and only Sri Lankan nationals will be considered. IWMI offers a competitive salary and benefits package, inclusive of health insurance, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, and long-term disability coverage. The duration of the contract will initially be for a period of three years with the possibility of extension.

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