Project Manager I

Position Description

EnCompass seeks a Project Manager l to help provide management and operational support to the Learning & Leadership Development (L&LD) team’s projects. These projects could include assessment, planning, delivery, and evaluation of various learning projects conducted in Washington, D.C. and internationally. As a member of the team’s Project Operations and Management (POM) Function, the Project Manager I ensures that EnCompass delivers the highest quality of work in response to client needs and contract deliverables, within budget and on time.

The L&LD Project Manager I reports to the L&LD Project Operations Manager (POM) and is located in the EnCompass Rockville office.
Due to COVID-19, and subject to situational changes, the position is expected to be fully remote through September 2021. Must be legally authorized to work in the US for any employer without sponsorship.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

Essential functions:

Project Responsibilities

• Ensures smooth day-to-day project operations using effective project management and operational processes
• Liaises with EnCompass operations teams on behalf of project teams, as needed
• Oversees financial aspects of the assigned projects by leading yearly projections, ensuring accurate review of monthly invoices (for accuracy and compliance with the contract provisions), monitoring monthly costs, and tracking contract expenditures against budget and total obligated funds. Reviews and determines causes for variances to the budget and ensures that the Project Lead and Corporate Officer are aware of the status of budget and contractual performance.
• Works closely with Project Leads and finance and contracts teams on preparation of budget realignments, contract modifications, and subcontract modifications
• Works closely with clients and participants to organize workshops (maintains up-to-date participant lists, distributes welcome letters, fields individual questions, ensures timely delivery of program materials, etc.)
• Supports subcontract management
• Supports project startup and closeout for all assigned projects (US and country-based). In addition, for in-country projects, supports sourcing of field office space, onboarding country teams, and mobilizing expats
• Ensures that project-related files and documentation are maintained, shared, and stored according to established protocols
• Conducts quality control reviews and ensures project milestones and deadlines are met, revising activities, timing, and resources, as needed, in response to shifting client deadlines and ad hoc requests
• Works with project staff to plan and document best practices
• Collaborates with Talent Acquisition team to recruit project staff and consultants, including preparing job description, conducting interviews with candidates, and onboarding new hires; may serve as Hiring Manager
• Supervises and develops assigned staff

General

• Supports business development activities, as appropriate, including drafting project management role descriptions, describing EnCompass project management processes, and preparing proposal budgets

• Contributes to project management guidelines and standards, as appropriate

• Engages fully as a member of the EnCompass staff team, including participating in staff meetings and other EnCompass events

• Other duties as assigned

Position Requirements

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree and 6+ years of experience or Master’s Degree and 4+ years of experience or a PhD and 2 years of experience

Experience and Skills

• Minimum of two years of project management experience managing large portfolios in the international development sector supporting all administrative, operations and financial aspects
• At least two years of strong financial management experience required
• Experience conducting and managing leadership and management development, adult learning, instructional design, and/or training and facilitation programs preferred
• Experience working with international organizations, including U.S. Government (with main focus on USAID), the UN, NGOs, or the private sector
• Experience supervising larger teams working on multi complex portfolios with strong knowledge of the range of contracts and budget requirements (FAR and AIDAR) – cost plus fixed fee, time & materials, and fixed price contracts.
• Excellent management, organization, communication (verbal and written) and problem-solving skills with the ability to prioritize assignments and meet required deadlines
• Ability to confidently engage with staff at all levels to define needs and expectations, collaborate on projects and communicate results
• Ability to deal sensitively in multi-cultural environments and build effective working relations with clients and colleagues
• Flexibility in working in a dynamic environment managing multiple activities, ad hoc requests, and changing requirements
• Ability to integrate diverse information from varied sources
• Adept at identifying and framing problems, setting priorities, and making critical assessments
• Committed to providing the highest level of service to clients via numerous channels (writing concise emails and participating in client meetings as needed) and technical teams
• Expertise in project management software (SharePoint, UNANET, MS Project, etc..), word processing, database management, spreadsheets (Excel), and web-based programs
• Ability to work in an appreciative, strengths-based environment and to guide others in using an appreciative approach