Project Manager –Integrated Water Resource Management and Climate Adaptation

Company Description

SNV is a mission-driven global development partner working in more than 20 countries across Africa and Asia. Building on 60 years of experience and grounded in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we work on the core themes of gender equality and social inclusion, climate adaptation and mitigation, and strong institutions and effective governance. Together with our team of over 1,600 people, our mission is to strengthen capacities and catalyse partnerships that transform the agri-food, energy, and water systems, which enable sustainable and more equitable lives for all.

Our core values of people-centeredness and respect, equity and equality, and diversity and inclusion, are fundamental to who we are, and what we do. This is reflected in our vision and mission, and strategy, which sets out our aspirations and commitments as our compass towards 2030. In our 2030 Strategy, SNV aims more explicitly towards systems change during project preparation and implementation by strengthening institutions and kick-starting markets that help many more to escape poverty beyond our projects.

In Benin, SNV has two offices, one in Cotonou (south) and one in Parakou (center-north) and counts more than 30 staff and 5 projects currently being implemented.

For more information on SNV, please refer to our website: www.snv.org

Job Description

Join SNV as an Integrated Water Resource Management and Climate Adaptation Project Manager. This is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful impact on local climate adaptation and water security in rural areas of Benin. As part of SNV, you will lead a dynamic team, collaborate with consortium partners, and drive change in the Delta of Ouémé. The program will focus on Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) for the prevention of water-related risks such as floods and droughts, with a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) approach. The program will make linkages with water security for various uses such as irrigation, livestock, and domestic purposes, and the preservation of the natural environment in rural areas.

Building on the results achieved by a previous program, through this new program SNV aims to institutionalize and make past Integrated Water Resource Management actions at the community level more sustainable to increase their impacts in the Ouémé Delta for a minimum of 500,000 people through high-impact, sustainable community Integrated Water Resource Management with reduced maintenance and operating costs, and to strengthen the national early warning system up to community level for more effective flood prevention.

This position offers the opportunity to work within SNV's standards and approach to project management, making a tangible difference in the lives of people. The Project Manager will report directly to the Country Director of Benin, and the position is based in Cotonou, in the south of Benin on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea. Cotonou is the economic centre of the country and the most populated city and is a secure area with many possibilities and facilities for family life and access to international education centres (British and French international schools).

Key responsibilities:

• Program set-up and design: Establish program structures and procedures aligned with organizational guidelines and donor requirements for effective implementation of climate adaptation and water security initiatives in rural areas of Benin.
• Program Management: Lead and manage the program team (10-13 team members including experts and support staff). Ensure effective development results, financial management, donor reporting, and timely progress while prioritizing quality and successful outcomes.
• Program quality assurance: Ensure the quality of program deliverables and provide technical inputs to meet required standards in water resources management, governance, climate change adaptation, and gender equality and social inclusion.
• Contract Management & Program Accounting: Ensure the quality of program deliverables and provide technical input to meet required standards in environmental science, climate change adaptation, and water resources management.
• Strategic Leadership: Develop country level Water sector strategy in collaboration with partners and the SNV global water sector team. 
• Representation & Promotion: Develop and maintain strategic relationships with stakeholders and actively participate in external and internal networks.
• Advisory Services: Lead complex assignments, set benchmarks for results, and monitor quality of advisory services of the Water sector team. 
• People Management & Team Leadership: Guide and motivate team members, advise on recruitment, and foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Monitoring & Evaluation: Ensure uniform understanding and practice in planning, reporting, monitoring, and evaluation of Water sector projects/programs in line with SNV’s internal frameworks.
• Business Development: Build stakeholder relationships, identify innovation and upscaling opportunities, and address potential threats to project success.
• Analysis & Reporting: Collect and review project information, generate insights, and provide recommendations to inform organizational policies and practices.
• Knowledge Development: Contribute to international knowledge sharing by documenting projects and programs insights, attending relevant events, and applying lessons learned in collaboration with SNV’s global water sector team and partners.
• Contribute to SNV country program coordination as a member of the Country Management Team.

Qualifications

Basic requirements:

• Master's degree in Water Resources Management, Environmental Science/Studies, or related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant international experience in gender-sensitive development work, project management, and relevant sectors.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant international experience in the water sector, with a deep understanding of the institutional and societal aspects of water resources management.
• Fluency in written and spoken English, with proficiency in spoken and written French for effective communication with stakeholders and partners in Benin.
• Extensive experience managing grants with international and national consortium members, ideally with Dutch funded projects.

Preferred requirements:

• Strong diplomatic skills to navigate complex relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, donors, and local communities.
• Demonstrated resilience, determination, and integrity in managing challenging situations and overcoming obstacles.
• Solid knowledge of project management procedures, systems, and finance processes.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Commitment to continuous learning and knowledge sharing.
• A mindset of innovation and quality, with a results-oriented focus on achieving impactful outcomes.
• Experience in West Africa is a plus.

Additional Information