Plan International- Identity At Birth Project Manager Vacancy

We are currently seeking to recruit a Identity At Birth Project Manager. About the Role This is a one year, fixed term contract, with potential to be extended for a further three years. This new role is a unique opportunity to lead a new global initiative on birth registration, known as “Identity At Birth” (IAB). IAB’s goal is to develop and pilot a digital system for governments to register births, using mobile phones. The initiative builds on Plan’s substantial experience of working on birth registration around the world. The one year inception phase will bring together diverse stakeholders into a global alliance to test the concept and lay the groundwork for detailed pilots in three countries. Key stakeholders include: national governments, mobile phone operators, UN agencies, civil society and Plan’s teams. IAB aims to significantly reduce the barriers to birth registration and enhance the ability of marginalised children to claim their rights, including access to basic services. Crucially, it aims to establish a common approach that can be adapted to different national contexts. The Project Manager will take a lead in creating a shared vision and establishing global partnerships (including developing the global alliance and raising funds for detailed pilots), understanding national government interests and sensitivities, developing practical solutions that work on the ground, particularly for marginalised people, and advocating for change at different levels. Dimensions of Role: The IAB Project Initiation Phase is expected to be completed by the end of November 2013. Budget responsibility for up to €150k pa. Regular reporting to the Director of Programming & Effectiveness. Dotted line reporting to the Head of the Global Partnerships Team. 2 indirect reports (team members include the IAB Advocacy Lead and IAB Technical Lead). Frequent contact with Plan field staff, Plan National Organisation staff, UN agencies, global corporate partners, national contacts and other stakeholders. Needs strong understanding of ICT potential, as well as practicalities of working with national governments and marginalised people in developing countries. Key End Results and Typical Responsibilities: Create the foundations for Plan’s global project on “Identity At Birth” including establishing core approaches, building key relationships and ensuring at least one pilot is ready to start. Development of Plan IAB concept papers and vision to be discussed and agreed with external audiences (governments and mobile operators). Development of joint publications on IAB with global partners and related approaches to promote the concept. Confirmation of a common process model and technical solution for IAB across global partners. Ensure it is relevant to governments and accessible to marginalised people. Identification of 1 implementation country as IAB pilot country, including strong commitment from the government, Plan staff and in-country mobile operator. Confirmation of donor funding for at least 1 IAB pilot, expected to be approximately €1.5m. Initial identification of an additional 2 IAB pilot countries, including initial commitment from the government, Plan staff and in-country mobile operator. Global launch of IAB led by Plan with the participation of global partners and representatives from government and mobile operators from pilot countries. Stay up to date with key contacts and developments in the field of digital birth registration. Represent Plan in external debates. Ensure our work responds to new developments. Manage the project so that all stakeholders contribute effectively to a shared vision and plan of action Manage relationships with all key stakeholders, within Plan (including team members, staff at County Office and Regional Office levels, staff in National Organisations and staff from related departments) and outside Plan (including government contacts, corporate partners, donors, mobile phone operators and others). Provide regular, clear communications to all stakeholders on project goals and progress. Pay particular attention to ensuring the work remains responsive to the priorities of the ultimate client: national government departments which have responsibility for birth registration. Undertake detailed project planning, using a consultative approach, as well as progress reporting. Set clear objectives with all team members and monitor progress. Provide on-going support to Country Offices involved in existing IAB engagements (and having immediate need) e.g. Tanzania, Mozambique and Cameroon. Develop the global partnerships necessary to create a global alliance on IAB and produce common IAB deliverables (supported by the Head of Global Partnerships) Formalisation of global partnerships for IAB (e.g. with UNICEF / UNHCR / GSMA / mobile operators). Formation of a global alliance for IAB including global partners and country delegates. Support the National Organisations in order to raise the necessary funding for the initial country pilots (supported by the Head of Global Partnerships) Development of an IAB funding strategy in consultation with National Organisations and Country Offices. Creation of IAB specific content for funding proposals as required by the National Organisations. Development of an M&E plan in consultation with National Organisations and Country Offices. Dealing with Problems: Ensure the project remains relevant and responsive to external stakeholders, including the national governments and marginalised people. Engage busy staff at all levels across the organisation and external stakeholders, across multiple different cultural and operational contexts. Negotiate the common ground between their different circumstances and requirements. Build commitment to a shared vision. Ensure that the solutions proposed for country implementations are above all sustainable and genuinely able to reach the truly marginalised. Communications and Working Relationships: INTERNAL The position will be managed by the Director of Programming and Effectiveness. Work closely with the Head of the Global Partnerships Team regarding the strategy on global partnerships and fundraising. Work closely with the Universal Birth Registration Transition Manager in the Policy, Advocacy and Campaigns team. Represent IAB towards senior leadership. Work closely with the UBR focal points at regional level along with country leadership and field staff (including Country Directors, UBR focal points) to identify and confirm implementation countries. Work with interested staff from all parts of the organisation to build a network to promote IAB. EXTERNAL Develop and maintain a strong network among the global IAB partners and with expert practitioners in the field of birth registration and relevant ICT developments. Engage with Senior Executives and staff from external organisations without supervision. Engage with national experts and government officials in developing countries, in conjunction with Plan field staff, as appropriate. Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours, Required to Achieve Role’s Objectives: Knowledge Practical knowledge of contributing to changes in government practice in developing countries, in partnership with others. Experience of leading global projects made up of integrated teams. Practical knowledge of coordinating fund raising efforts within an international NGO. Experience of creating partnership agreements with senior level staff in UN agencies, private companies and government. Knowledge of sustainable ICT4D including forging public / public partnerships in the developing world. Knowledge of traditional birth registation projects is an advantage. Skills Strong leadership skills. Able to inspire others around a common vision. Highly professional, positive, organised approach to work. Good at solving problems. Strong project management skills, including influencing staff remotely. Strong relationship management skills needed to form partnerships. Good at listening. Able to develop rapport with many different people. Good understanding of informal politics within groups and organisations. Emotional intelligence. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Ability to design visually appealing communications is an advantage. Fluent English. French is an advantage. Behaviours Work on own initiative. Sensitive to different people and cultures. Take ownership for delivering on the project’s objectives. Build relationships with people from many different cultures and backgrounds. Committed to delivering high quality, ethical work that makes a difference to NGO practice. Committed to Plan’s values, in particular of respect, equity and justice. Promote innovation and learning. A high degree of self-awareness and well aware of his/her impact on others and behaves accordingly. Listen respectfully to those who have less power or authority; interact confidently with senior managers. Physical Environment and Demands: Typical office environment Regular international travel to project countries, National Offices and external events (25% of time). Type of role: One year fixed term contract with potential to be extended for a further three years. Reports to: Director of Programming and Effectiveness Salary: £42,000 - £48,000 Closing date: Monday 12th November 2012