Project Manager

Job Opportunity

PROJECT MANAGER

Project title: Creating a Sustainable Circular Economy for Plastic Waste in Vietnam
Project duration: 3 years
Job location: Danang City, Vietnam
Reports to: iDE Vietnam Country Director or his/her designee
Supervises: Project Officer and technical project staff as required
Liaises with: Technical experts at iDE Vietnam and iDE Global

About iDE

iDE (www.ideglobal.org) is a U.S.-based international non-governmental organization implementing development programs in Africa, Asia and Central America. In Vietnam, since 1991, employing a market facilitation approach with strong partnerships at local and national government levels, iDE has implemented projects in pig value chain development, fertilizer deep placement commercialization, clean water, tobacco control, micro- irrigation technology commercialization and market-based sanitation. iDE Vietnam focuses on building the capacity of government partners and private sector actors to effectively scale market-based solutions, resulting in lower poverty, increased climate resilience, better health and cleaner environments.

About the project

The long-term vision for this project is to cultivate plastic waste recycling as a profitable venture for everyone involved in the value chain—particularly for local waste collectors and small recycling business owners—while reducing the flow of plastic waste into natural environments in coastal cities of Vietnam.

iDE is uniquely situated to lead the pursuit of this vision as the implementing partner in this project. iDE has pioneered market-based development and inclusive market ecosystem creation for over 30 years with deep experience in human centered design, supply chain strengthening, and product and service-delivery innovation. To complement our strengths, iDE has assembled a team of commercial partners that share our vision and are ready to pursue it, including: (1) Oceanworks is our international commercial partner and is a US-based company that hosts a platform built to drive recycled plastic offtake and reduce demand for new virgin plastic. Their expansive and growing range of recycled resins, textiles, and products from committed independent suppliers is sold to brands and manufacturers globally. (2) ReForm Plastic is our local commercial partner and is a technology provider for low-grade plastic processing and production of materials and products made from recycled low-grade plastic.

Overall responsibilities

The Project Manager is responsible for the successful implementation of assigned projects through completion to achieve its environmental goals and targets in cost-effective and innovative market-driven ways. As this is a consortium project with iDE serving as Lead Partner, the Project Manager is responsible for coordinating the implementation with the project’s Commercial Partners, including a global recycled plastic trading company. The coordination responsibilities also include managing collaboration with key Danang City government agencies participating in the project implementation. Management responsibilities could be extended to a small two-year project in Hue City to pilot one business model implemented in the Danang project, pending the signature of both contracts.

Specific responsibilities

Project implementation management

• Plan, oversee, and lead the implementation of the project to deliver outcomes of the donor contract
• Represent iDE as the Lead/Administrative Partner in the project implementing consortium with the project’s Commercial Partners
• Coordinate with the project’s Commercial Partners to ensure implementation of activities according to plan and delivery of results according to the MOUs and donor contract
• Responsibility for the creative management and direction of the systems-change project, by conducting field-based interviews with various stakeholders, reviewing M&E results and networking with other actors in plastic waste and related fields
• Monitor progress of the project on a regular basis through the Project Officer
• Prepare well-written and delightful project reports according to schedules agreed with the donor
• Ensure project implementation is on track in terms of timelines, targets and expectations, adhering to established operating parameters
• Seek and propose innovative ideas / solutions / changes aiming at continuously improving project implementation effectiveness and impacts
• Establish and maintain good relations with project’s government partners
• Work with project consultants and subcontractors, provide them with direction and manage their performance
• Coordinate with iDE Global experts to get technical support/deliverables for the successful implementation of the project as designed in the project proposal
• Contribute to iDE’s Global understanding of circular economy and iDE’s role in solid waste management
• Document project implementation process and lessons learned for external communication
• Manage a small pilot project in Hue City with similar responsibilities, pending signature of the project contract

Project budget/expenditure management

• Manage project financial planning and expenditures in accordance with the donor contract
• Review and approve project billings/invoices according to the iDE Vietnam procurement policy and the donor contract
• Review and approve subcontractors’ and partners’ billings/invoices submitted to iDE according to the iDE Vietnam procurement policy, the donor contract, and subcontractor agreements

Project staff management

• Lead, motivate, coach, and provide guidance to direct reports to achieve effective teamwork in line with iDE’s entrepreneurial and innovative culture
• Assist project staff in developing work plans and professional development goals ensuring the success of the project and their professional growth
• Manage workplans and performance of direct reports
• Conduct performance evaluations and develop performance improvement plans, as needed

Qualification & skill requirements

Required

• Master’s degree in related field, preferably in business administration, with a minimum of 5 years of experience in project management and leadership
• Solid experience working with private sector businesses, in SME support and in value chain development
• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles of circular economy,
• Experience working with municipal government and international development organizations is a must
• Experience managing subcontractors and consultants
• Skills in budget preparation and management
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong documentation and report-writing skills
• A self-starter always striving for excellence, with an entrepreneurial and innovative mindset
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and under pressure; with a willingness and ability to work in arduous and challenging situations
• Ability to travel to project sites on a regular basis
• Excellent command of English (spoken and written)

Preferred

• Experience working with or managing circular economy or plastic waste projects in Vietnam
• Prior experience with behavior change interventions
• Prior experience with data analysis and/or M&E implementation
• Experience with Google Suite tools - Google Docs, Google Sheets and Google Slides, is a plus.

How to apply

• Interested applicants should email a detailed Curriculum Vitae and an Application Letter (both in English) to iDE Vietnam at [email protected]. At least 2 reference contacts should be provided in the Application Letter.
• The closing date for application is 14 May 2021. The recruitment process will start before the closing date, therefore early applications may have an advantage.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Women are actively encouraged to apply. iDE provides a women friendly work environment with flexible work arrangements, appropriate skills development opportunities and good career development potential for high performing individuals. We are committed to creating a diverse environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Employee selection and related decisions are made without regard to gender, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, or any other protected class.