LIFT Project Manager

Organization: NEAR (Network for Empowered Aid Response), (Hosted by Adeso – African Development Solutions)

Reporting To: Solutions Director

Duration: 18 months

Starting Date: As soon as possible

ABOUT NEAR

NEAR (Network for Empowered Aid Response) is a movement of local organizations with a bold ambition – to reshape the top-down humanitarian and development system to one that is locally driven and owned, and is built around equitable, dignified and accountable partnerships. NEAR is a membership based organization with members coming from four regions: Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East.

ABOUT ADESO

NEAR is currently hosted by Adeso, an expanding and vibrant African based international development and humanitarian organization. Adeso and NEAR both aspire to prevent and overcome situations that adversely affect community well-being by: Influencing policy change and enacting systemic change through innovative solutions led by local and national actors.

POSITION PURPOSE

NEAR is developing immersive platform and toolkit designed to support local actors in building their own localized financing mechanism. With a focus on user-driven and user-centred processes the toolkit will provide practical guidance, customizable templates, best practices, and other resources to help local actors effectively design, implement, and sustain their own financing mechanisms. The position of LIFT Program Manager requires a highly dynamic individual with extensive multi-cultural experience and a deep understanding of the local context.

SPECIFIC ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Objectives:

• To create a practical and user-friendly toolkit that supports local actors in establishing and managing localized financing mechanisms.
• To incorporate innovative financing approaches (i.e. social impact bonds, microfinance, crowdfunding. blended finance) and best practices into the toolkit. To ensure the toolkit is adaptable to various contexts and needs of local actors in the humanitarian and development sectors.
• To test the toolkit in real-world settings and iterate based on feedback to enhance its practical application.

Toolkit Development:

• Develop a comprehensive toolkit of resources for localized financing mechanisms, including customizable templates, governance frameworks, risk management protocols, compliance processes, and operational guidelines. These resources will be structured as a set of adaptable building blocks, designed to provide the flexibility needed for users to customize and adjust them to meet the unique needs and specific contexts of their organizations.
• Develop step-by-step guides and manuals for building and managing financing mechanisms. The toolkit will incorporate a range of innovative financing approaches along with industry best practices.
• Ensure that the toolkit is user-friendly, practical, and adaptable to different contexts.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to gather input and feedback on toolkit resources to ensure they meet the needs of local actors.
• Continuously update and improve the toolkit based on user feedback and evolving best practices.
• Pilot the toolkit with selected NEAR members and other local actors to test its effectiveness and usability.
• Gather feedback from pilot users and make necessary revisions to the toolkit.
• Develop training materials and conduct training sessions to introduce the toolkit to stakeholders.
• Develop best practice case studies and examples of successful localized financing initiatives to incorporate in the toolkit.
• Provide ongoing support and technical assistance to users of the toolkit.
• Digitize the toolkit resources transform traditional content into engaging, interactive learning experiences.

Program Management:

• Oversee the implementation and daily operations of the toolkit development and program.
• Develop and maintain project plans, timelines, and milestones.
• Ensure the tools are user-friendly and effective.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Collaborate with NEAR members, the NEAR Solutions team, and other relevant stakeholders to gather input and feedback on the toolkit.
• Incorporate feedback and suggestions from stakeholders to ensure the toolkit meets the needs of local actors.
• Build and maintain relationships with local and national organizations, donors, and other stakeholders.
• Promote the toolkit to potential users and donors.
• Organize and participate in stakeholder meetings and workshops.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Develop a monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the impact and effectiveness of the toolkit.
• Set up key performance indicators (KPIs) for both the use of the toolkit and the outcomes of the financing mechanisms it helps to create.
• Collect and analyze data to inform improvement of the toolkit.

Deliverables:

• A comprehensive toolkit for localized financing mechanisms, including all necessary templates, guides, case studies, scenarios, and training modules.
• A report detailing the research and analysis conducted, methodological approach and key findings from research phase with recommendations to guide development of the toolkit
• Training materials and documentation of training sessions conducted.
• A monitoring and evaluation framework for the toolkit.
• A final report summarizing the development process, pilot testing results, stakeholder feedback, and any revisions implemented.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in International Development, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• At least 10 years of experience in the development or humanitarian sectors, with a focus on financing mechanisms and resource mobilization.
• Demonstrated experience in the development and digitization of toolkits or resource materials with a proven track record of effectively utilizing digital platforms to enhance learning and user engagement.
• Proficient in applying digital tools and technologies to transform traditional resources into interactive, engaging digital learning materials.
• Strong understanding of innovative financing mechanisms such as impact investing, social impact bonds, blended finance, and crowdfunding.
• Excellent research, analytical, and writing skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.