Project Officer (PEFCoM project)

Meru University of Science & Technology (MUST) and represented by Limestone Calcined Clay Cement Technology Resource Centre (LC³-TRC Africa) in collaboration with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in Malawi are implementing a project titled ‘Promotion of an Environmentally Friendly Building Material Sector in Malawi (PEFCoM)’. The project is funded by GIZ Malawi. The project seeks to competitively fill a Project Officer position.

Project summary

The primary objective of the PEFCoM project is to strengthen the environmentally friendly building material sector in the country by building on the groundwork established under the PEFCoM Project. The project aims to disseminate LC³ as a sustainable cement option in Malawi, focusing on reducing environmental emissions, enhancing resource efficiency, and improving profitability, in line with the Public Private Project “Promoting an Environmental-Friendly Construction Sector in Malawi” (PEFCoM). To achieve this, the project will implement three work packages:

1. WP-1: geological mapping, clay sampling, and laboratory testing
2. WP-2: will focus on organizing an LC³ information day
3. WP-3: will support the establishment of an LC³ standard

Through this strategy, the project aims to create a scientific and legal framework for LC³ in Malawi, thereby establishing sustainable value chains driven by local business interests that will continue beyond the duration of the project.

Project Location

This is a full-time position based in Meru-Kenya. The Project Officer will be primarily based at the Institute of Cement and Concrete, Meru University of Science & Technology, Meru-Kenya. The successful applicants will be expected to report directly to the Project co-ordinator, LC³-TRC Africa and also work closely with the project partners within and outside Kenya.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Project Planning:

– Assisting in the development of project plans, including defining scope, objectives, risk assessment and timelines.

– Conducting research and gathering information for planning and designing the project.

2. Coordination and Communication:

– Facilitating communication among project stakeholders, including team members, clients, and external partners.

– Organizing and participating in project meetings, documenting minutes, and following up on actions.

3. Monitoring and Reporting:

– Tracking project progress against timelines and deliverables.

– Preparing and presenting status reports and updates to stakeholders.

– Identifying potential risks and issues and proposing mitigation strategies.

4. Resource Management:

– Assisting in the allocation and management of project resources, including budget, personnel, and materials.

– Coordinating with various departments or teams to ensure resource availability and efficiency.

5. Quality Assurance:

– Ensuring project deliverables meet quality standards and stakeholder expectations.

– Conducting evaluations and assessments throughout project execution.

6. Documentation:

– Maintaining comprehensive documentation related to the project, including plans, schedules, budgets, and reports.

– Supporting the process of project closure, including final reports and lessons learned documentation.

7. Stakeholder Engagement:

– Building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders and ensuring their needs and concerns are addressed.

– Collaborating with different teams to ensure alignment and coordination on project goals.

8. Budgeting and Financial Management:

– Assisting in developing project budgets and tracking expenditures.

– Reporting on financial performance related to project activities.

9. Compliance and Governance:

– Ensuring that project activities comply with organizational policies, procedures, and legal regulations.

– Supporting audits and compliance checks as required.

10. Capacity Building and Training:

– Identifying training needs for team members and supporting capacity-building initiatives.

– Facilitating workshops, training sessions, or seminars related to the project.

Qualifications:

1. Atleast a Bachelor’s degree in Project Management /Commerce /Business Administration or related fields.
2. Have solid knowledge of cement and concrete
3. Have a good publication record in peer-reviewed journals, commensurate with their research experience.
4. Having prior experience with running a project would be an added advantage.
5. Proven experience in project management or a related role.
6. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
7. Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
8. Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Asana, Trello).
9. Be available to start the Project Officer position immediately.

Key skills/ Personal attributes required include:

1. Strong analytical, organizational and communication (in English, both oral and written) skills.
2. Highly motivated and independent with strong research skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
3. Be a person of integrity and a keen eye for details.

Tenure and terms

The tenure for the project office will be one year (12) months including a three months’ probation period.

Stipend and benefits

The position offers an attractive stipend in addition to professional and personal development for the duration of the project.

Notes

i) Applicants should email their motivation letter, valid passport (biometric page only), certified copies of their academic certificate and transcripts as well as curriculum vitae (CV) giving details of their qualifications, experience and three (3) referees indicating their telephone contacts and e-mail contacts;
ii) Applications and related documents should be forwarded addressed to the Director, Institute of Cement & Concrete, Meru University of Science & Technology, Meru-Kenya, P.O Box 972-60200, Meru-Kenya
iii) Applications should be emailed as one file in PDF: icc@must.ac.ke
ii) Closing Date: Wednesday, 7th August, 2024
iii) Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
iv) For enquiries, contact Dr. Joseph Mwiti Marangu, Email: jmarangu@must.ac.ke