Position: Project Assistant
L****ocation: Manila, Philippines
Contract: 12 month fixed term contract (with the possibility of extension)
Deadline for applications: 29 September 2023
About IWPR
The Institute for War & Peace Reporting (IWPR) is an international non-profit organisation founded in 1991, with charitable status in the US, UK and the Netherlands. We give voice to people at the frontlines of conflict, crisis and transition to help them drive change and build more stable, just and inclusive societies.
Drawing on three decades of experience in some of the world’s most challenging environments, we support media, civil society, democracy and governance, gender, and youth-focused projects in over 30 countries – promoting reliable information and responsible public debate and removing barriers to freedom of expression.
The Role:
The Project Assistant will provide administrative and logistical support to the IWPR Project Manager, who oversees the implementation of activities and coordinates engagement with various project stakeholders from the media. The Project Assistant will support in all aspects of project operations and administration, including coordinating events, training, and travel.
The Project Assistant is also the main point of contact for the project beneficiaries and sub recipients on logistical and administrative matters.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assist in the development and monitoring of detailed project work plans to ensure that implementation is proceeding as planned and appropriate;
- Support the Project Manager in preparing and overseeing contracts for project staff, consultants, vendors, and sub-recipients and guide them through the IWPR contractual processes in coordination with HQ;
- Coordinate project events, training, and travel for partners, sub-recipients and project staff;
- Assist in monitoring program performance, including partner and sub-recipient performance and results: This includes monitoring at least twice weekly of social media accounts of implementing partners and sub-recipients;
- Investigate problems, designs solutions, and provides operational assistance. Coordinates with appropriate field and HQ personnel to resolve issues and provide accurate information to partners, sub-recipients and field;
- Work with the program, field and financial staff in project and home offices to ensure that activities meet approved accounting and financial management standards of IWPR, as well as maintain high levels of compliance with donor requirements;
- Work with the field-based and home office-based finance personnel to ensure the delivery of the required periodic financial reports with back-up documents;
- Assist the Project Manager and works with the Documentation and Reporting Assistant and the M&E Consultant in drafting and reviewing donor progress reports to ensure quality and timely submission. Provides updates and analysis to IWPR management. Ensures compliance of all required documents;
- Assist the Project Manager and work with the Documentation and Reporting Assistant and the M&E Consultant in submitting to HQ the internal monthly project status reports, highlighting program progress, as well as operations, administrative and finance issues;
- Communicate IWPR HQ and donor policies and regulations to all partners and sub-recipients, as requested;
- Ensure a work environment that is non-discriminatory and promotes open dialogue on gender-related and culturally sensitive issues;
- Undertake other duties and assignments as may be assigned from time to time.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and experience in project management, from administrative set-up to closedown;
- Skilled in providing coordination and logistical support to project activities including trainings and events;
- Sound ability to draw conclusions and make recommendations to improve project operational management;
- In-depth knowledge of and proven ability to work with various donor program management and sub-award regulations while maintaining compliance with IWPR policies;
- Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrates ability to work in an inter-country team environment;
- Strong written communication skills, including demonstrated ability to write required documents in a clear, concise, well-organized and prompt manner;
- Highly organized and is capable to work independently and take initiative while working within a team;
- Fluency in English;
- Ability to travel to Philippine provinces and internationally when necessary.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications or related field;
- Minimum of 4 years’ work experience in managing, evaluating and reporting programs around media, information, human rights, and governance in Asia other regions;
- Minimum of 3 years’ work experience in US Government-funded projects, particularly in project management and grants management;
- An equivalent combination of education and experience.
Principals only. No calls please. Only those who have been considered for an interview will be contacted.
IWPR is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, veteran status or pregnancy and maternity. IWPR will never ask for payment for recruitment.