Project Manager - International Development

Job Description

KEY INFORMATION
Job Title:                                Project Manager 
Position Type:                        Full-Time
Duration/Level of Effort:         Permanent
Position Location:                  Auckland, New Zealand
Reports to:                            Country Manager
 
BACKGROUND
Cowater is a global international development consultancy firm that works with partners to deliver technical assistance to governments and the private sector in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific.  In New Zealand, the core technical areas include climate change mitigation and adaptation, renewable energy, the blue economy, water and sanitation, disaster resilience and agriculture, with a focus on the Pacific, South Asia and the Caribbean. 

Cowater works with a diversified set of development donors, including the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), Asian Development Bank (ADB), the World Bank, UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the European Union (EU) and others. Cowater further counts on a dynamic and diverse team of professionals committed to designing and implementing projects that deliver lasting results for the clients and countries with whom it works.

SUMMARY OF THE POSITION
Cowater is looking for a full-time Project Manager to be based in our Auckland office with an interest and experience in sustainable energy policy, renewable energy systems, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and/or climate finance.  This is a fantastic opportunity for a dynamic international development professional looking to progress their career by being part of a growing team with big ambitions.

The Project Manager will report directly to the New Zealand Country Manager. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Research shows that while men apply to roles when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, women often only apply when they meet every requirement. If you’re passionate about our mission and you think you would be a good fit, please apply even if you feel you don’t meet all the criteria, apply!

Key responsibilities of the Project Manager

• Support delivery of multi-country, multi-year projects supporting developing country government counterparts to realise their renewable energy and climate changes goals.
• Monitoring and production of project outputs including quality assurance of project progress and technical reports prior to issuing to clients.
• Assisting with regular and ad hoc reporting to clients.
• Monitoring project contracts, including contract variations, final contract wrap ups etc.
• Project financial monitoring, invoicing, payments to suppliers and consultants.
• Assist with the improvement of systems and procedures to ensure conformity with donor requirements, and efficiency within the Company.
• Leading delivery of new projects. 
• Contribute to the growth and development of Cowater through: 
  • Business Development: Contributing to the pursuit of business development opportunities in Asia and the Pacific.
  • Marketing: Contributing content and articles to external channels; leading topical discussions and events.
  • Personal Development: Take ownership to grow one’s own capability, experience and expertise.
  • Knowledge Management: Ensure the roll-out of Cowater systems and processes and that all knowledge is shared and maintained via agreed team systems and processes.

KEY SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• A Master's degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience.
• 2 – 10 years’ experience managing complex donor-funded programmes (e.g. MFAT, FCDO, DFAT, EU, USAID, World Bank, GAC etc.).
• Proven project management skills, particularly around client relationship management, technical coordination, financial management, operations and risk management, donor reporting.
• Strong interpersonal and team-working skills – an ability to build and maintain strong relationships based on trust and mutual respect with clients, counterparts, sub-contractors, and team members.
• Excellent English verbal and written communication skills (reports, presentations, etc.).
• Strong organisational skills, with a focus on results.
• Ability to take initiative – a penchant for taking personal accountability – and to collaborate effectively with others.
• Mastery of the most common IT tools (MS Word, Excel, PPT, Teams).
• Capacity to work under pressure and tight deadlines.

  Desirable assets: 

• Experience managing New Zealand MFAT-funded projects 
• Experience working in developing countries
• Established networks in the Pacific region
• Technical knowledge of energy policy, systems and renewable energy technologies
• Project development (particularly geothermal energy development)

SALARY
Dependent on experience.  Candidates are encouraged to provide salary expectations in the cover letter.

Organisation

Cowater International New Zealand Limited

Job Summary

This is a fantastic opportunity for a dynamic international development professional looking to progress their career by being part of a growing team with big ambitions.

How to apply

APPLICATION PROCESS
Candidates are encouraged toapply as soon as possible, or by Friday, 3rd May 2024. For your application to be considered, please upload your CV (no more than 2 page-limit) and Cover Letter as follows: “Candidate Last Name, First Name, date, Title of the Position” or email to .Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law.

We thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.  

ABOUT US
Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company founded in 1985 and headquartered in Ottawa, Canada. Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies since 2017.
We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow with Cowater International.

Employer questions

Your application will include the following questions:

• Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in New Zealand?

Sector

Business/Private Sector

Cause (Sustainable Development Goals)

Other