Role Purpose

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organization that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We strive for a just world, working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners. Plan International has been building powerful partnerships for children for more than 80 years, and is active in 75 countries across the world. Plan International have a liaison office to the African Union (Plan AULO) based in Addis Ababa. Plan AULO leads Plan International’s liaison engagement with the AU and other related continental institutions. It also implements continental projects and initiatives (mainly on policy implementation and influencing) in line with its strategic focus areas.

The Pan African State Accountability Project (PASAP) is a multi-partner, multi-level Pan-African project that runs from July 2019 to June 2024. Currently the project is on its second phase of implementation. The project aims at creating sustainable impact on the realization of children’s rights in Africa by strengthening CSO’s institutional and technical capacity to hold States accountable and to effectively engage in child rights monitoring and advocacy. PASAP currently brings together three Plan International offices: African Union Liaison Offices (AULO), Regional office of Middle East, Eastern and Southern Africa (MESSA), West and Central Africa Hub (WACAH) and 8 implementing partners across Africa. The project is overall coordinated by Plan AULO in collaboration with three Project Coordinators supporting across the offices. The project is funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) as part of a framework agreement with Plan International Sweden. The project phase is in its second year and will run for 5 five years until June 2024.

Working in Plan International’s African Union Liaison Office (AULO), the PASAP Manager seconded staff is responsible for the overall management of the PASAP project.  The Project Manager PASAP supports the AULO cluster, MEESA Cluster and WACAH cluster, in project management and strengthening the collaboration with eight (8) COs, ROs (MEESA and WACA), partners and NOs to facilitate and support involvement with relevant Regional and African Union mechanisms. S/he will contribute to increasing Plan’s influence regarding child rights, state accountability as well as Plan’s global advocacy work worldwide. By bringing up national and international child rights issue at the regional and Pan African level; duty bearers are reminded of their responsibilities and obligations to act. The position holder will support the representation of Plan in various meetings with key stakeholders, such as AU agencies, Permanent missions, NGOs and INGOs. More specifically, the following are the dimension of the role.

Dimension of the Role

• The position holder will be the key focal point in communication with the Nos and donor;
• The position will engage with at least seven (8) project partners, Plan COs, ROs and NOs, Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) relevant AU bodies and governmental institutions;
• In collaboration with Plan’s Programme team (COs, MEESA, WACA, AULO & NOs) uses key messages developed in the field in wide ranging work with key external stakeholders especially at the Pan African level;
• Supports Plan (AULO, MEESA and WACA) with the development of effective project management and coordination tactics to use in successful delivery of PASAP.;
•  Provide line management and supervision support to AULO cluster PASAP coordinator.

Typical Responsibilities - Key end Results of the Position:

Project Management:

• Lead and support the efficient implementation of the Pan Africa State Accountability Project (PASAP);
• Provide project cycle management support to the PASAP project;
• Led the implementation of the AULO project activities under PASAP;
• Reporting on the projects performance to the project committee (PMC), the partners, Plan MEESA/WACA and Plan Sweden National Office;
• Ensure quality and timely reporting and documentation of project activities including preparation of mid-term financial and yearly project progress reports in line with Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) guidelines;
• Coordinate the implementation of the project activities across the eight (8) implementing partners, Plan MEESA, WACA and AULO levels as well as with participating partners;
• Set up, review and update and manage project information and reports on the SAP and communicates same to the responsible partners/stakeholders for their actions;
• Take on and provide additional management support in relation to the delivery of PASAP and AULO Strategy as maybe advised by Line Manager and Supervisor;
• Manage the project budget and ensure cost effectiveness and that transfer, and disbursements are according to plan/budget.
• Monitoring, Evaluation and Knowledge Management:
• Led and provide strategic oversight of project milestones development, mid-term and final evaluation in close collaboration with the various stakeholders;
• Monitor the delivery of activities based on agreed upon performance indicators to ensure quality implementation;
• Led and ensure that partners deliver their assigned activities in a synergistic manner and achieve the projects’ objective;
• Support Plan Offices (COs, AULO, MEESA and WACA) and partners with monitoring, evaluation, learning and Knowledge Management processes on PASAP.

Partnerships and External Relationships:

• Contribute to Plan’s Pan-African Advocacy Strategy;
• Participate in Pan African, some RO and CO Networks, Platforms and meetings with the AU, UN and governmental bodies as appropriate in relation to delivery of the project;
• Play active role in the facilitation of relationships between all the stakeholders and partners involved in the project;
• Raise the profile of the project within and outside Plan and partner organisations;
• Being the main contact for the project, Plan, CSOs and partner organisations involved in the project.

Communications and Working Relationships:

Internal & External:

• Country Office
•  Regional Office- Plan MEESA, WACA
•  IH
• National Office
• Finance Teams
• Reporting Line
• The Project Manager will report and work under the direct supervision of the Plan AULO director.

Physical Environment and Demands

• Location- Plan AULO or any location where there is legal Plan entity

Level of Contact with Children

• Low frequency of interaction with children.

Department/Location: Program - Plan International African Union Liaison Office

Reports to:  Director, Plan International African Union Liaison Office

Grade:   E

Project:  Pan Africa State Accountability Project (PASAP)

Duration:  The duration from four to six months maternity cover

Expected start date:  February 1st, 2023

Plan International’s Values in Practice

We are open and accountable

• Promotes a culture of openness and transparency, including with sponsors and donors.
• Holds self and others accountable to achieve the highest standards of integrity.
• Consistent and fair in the treatment of people.
•  Open about mistakes and keen to learn from them.
• Accountable for ensuring we are a safe organisation for all children, girls & young people

We strive for lasting impact

• Articulates a clear purpose for staff and sets high expectations.
•  Creates a climate of continuous improvement, open to challenge and new ideas.
• Focuses resources to drive change and maximise long-term impact, responsive to changed priorities or crises.
• Evidence-based and evaluates effectiveness.

We work well together

• Seeks constructive outcomes, listens to others, willing to compromise when appropriate.
• Builds constructive relationships across Plan International to support our shared goals.
• Develops trusting and ‘win-win’ relationships with funders, partners and communities.
• Engages and works well with others outside the organization to build a better world for girls and all children.

We are inclusive and empowering

• We empower our staff to give their best and develop their potential
• We respect all people, appreciate differences and challenge equality in our programs and our workplace
• We support children, girls and young people to increase their confidence and to change their own lives.

Technical Expertise, Skills and Knowledge

Knowledge, Skills, Behaviours, and Experience Required to Achieve Role’s Objectives:

Educational Qualification, Experience and Knowledge:

• Minimum Master’s Degree in Social Sciences, Developing Studies or related fields;
• Excellent knowledge of Governance and Accountability progresses, Regional and AU Institutions;
• Understanding of, or experience in, implementing and monitoring child rights in a national /international context, including excellent knowledge and experience of work related to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child and other human rights treaties;

Extensive experience in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning;

• A good understanding of the Community Centered Child Development (CCCD) or other current participatory development approaches;
•  Experience in liaising with and lobbying various governmental bodies and organs;
• Five years of relevant experience in managing complex projects with at least two years at a supervisory position;
• Good working knowledge of NGO sector.

Skills Specific to the Post:

• Knowledge of the software applicable to Plan International and other computer applications;
• Good Monitoring and Evaluation Skills;
• Good Project Management Skills;
• Good Financial Management skills;
• Good communication skills;
• Good report writing skills;
• Ability to speak French or any of the African Union official languages in addition to English will be an advantage.

Competencies and values:

• Ethical and supportive;
• Self-motivated and self-starter;
• Interested in and committed to Plan International Ethiopia’s mission/activities;
• Able to work with minimum supervision on his/her assignments;
• Enthusiasm to represent Plan International Ethiopia;
• Ability to generate and interpret financial records;

Leadership Attitudes & Behaviours:

• Able to work in a team environment;
• Able to coordinate and supervise others