Project Manager

Job title: Project Manager
Reports to: Director of Programme Delivery
Organization: Street Child of Sierra Leone
Line manages: Project Coordinator (4)
Project: Earning for Learning
Job level: Tier 3
Location: Western Area, Sierra Leone

Organization Background:

Street Child of Sierra Leone (SCoSL) is a local Non-Governmental Organization promoting the right to education and child protection for children in the most remote communities in Sierra Leone.

We believe that every child deserves the right to live in a safe place, secure home and above all, have the chance to receive a quality education. As an organization, our key focus is helping children into schools-and ensuring that they stay there. For those that have no access to education, we work towards creating access in some of the most remote parts of the country, ensuring that no child is left behind.

Project Summary:

The project focuses on the structural development of community-based, self-managed savings groups (Osusu) for small business start-ups in Western Area, Sierra Leone. The aim of the project is to increase the financial capacity of 2,000 caregivers and improve the economic security of school education for their children. In addition, we will provide social support to families to tackle stigma and barriers that may prevent children from accessing education.

Job Functions Summary:

• The Project Manager shall act on behalf of Street Child of Sierra Leone (SCoSL) to provide leadership and management of SCoSL’s new community-based, self-managed savings group project in Western Area, Sierra Leone. Under the line management of the Director of Programme Delivery, you are responsible for the timely delivery of the project and will oversee a team of Project Coordinators and Business Development Officers to deliver on the project goals.
• Key Tasks and Responsibilities:
• Assume overall responsibility within SCoSL for the delivery of our community-based, self-managed savings groups project
• Ensure the smooth running and implementation of the project against agreed work plans and take steps to address this where necessary
• Line manages a four Project Coordinators – full time staff
• Adhere to SCoSL’s safeguarding and child protection policies, remain vigilant to safeguarding incidents, and report concerns appropriately
• Work with our M&E team to continuously track the progress of the savings scheme, monitor the business mentoring and socio-educational support provided to caregivers, and our engagement with communities.
• Work with finance team to manage the project budget, ensure that project activities abide by the financial requirements outlined by the donor, and to prepare financial reports for the project.
• Ensure all Project Coordinators and field team are receiving effective and regular performance management
• Have overall responsibility for the completion of all internal and external project reports, ensuring that these are timely and of high quality
• Provide additional support (when requested) on project development and proposal writing
• As a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT), attend all SMT meetings and take an active role in contributing to the leadership team
• Work closely with Street Child UK in country and communicate regularly with Street Child DE to provide project updates
• Any other duties as delegated/instructed by the Director of Programme Delivery
• Note: The duties and responsibilities as set out above are not exhaustive and the role holder may be required to carry out additional duties within reasonableness of their level of skills and experience.

Person specification

Experience / Knowledge

• Degree in Project Management, Community Development, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Experience in managing and delivering community-based projects, particularly in financial inclusion, savings schemes, or livelihood support.
• Experience working in challenging and low-resource environments.
• Experience in leading and managing teams, with a track record of supervising and supporting field staff effectively.
• Demonstrated experience in budget management, financial reporting, and working with Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) teams to ensure impact measurement.
• Prior experience with an NGO, preferrable on projects related to building financial capacity, or in the education sector.
• Experience working on donor-funded projects.
• Familiarity with the Osusu model and understanding of community-based financial initiatives.
• Awareness of child protection and safeguarding best practices, especially within the Sierra Leonean context.
• Knowledge of the education sector and barriers to education in Sierra Leone.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong project management skills with a track record of delivering projects on time, within budget, and to high standards.
• Competency in budget management, financial reporting, and aligning project activities with donor requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, manage, and motivate a team, ensuring performance management and professional development of team members.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with experience in engaging with various stakeholders, including local communities, donors, and international partners.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to make informed, effective decisions to navigate project challenges.
• Ability to work effectively in culturally diverse settings and demonstrate respect for local customs, traditions, and community values.
• Attributes
• Excellent written and spoken communications in English and Krio
• Ability to work under pressure, adapt to changing circumstances, and remain committed to project objectives.
• Commitment to Street Child of Sierra Leone’s mission, particularly in supporting vulnerable children to remain safe, in school, and learning.
• Commitment to SCoSL’s safeguarding and child protection policies.
• Strong ethical standards, with a commitment to transparency and accountability.