Project Director

Title: Project Director
Location: Chiure, Cabo Delgado, Mozambique
Reports to: Regional Director
Start Date: 1st August 2025
Contract Duration: 1 Year

Organizational Context

The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is a ministry of the Society of Jesus, incorporated as an international non-governmental organisation with a mission to accompany, serve, and advocate for the rights of refugees and forcibly displaced people. Founded in November 1980, JRS now operates in 57 countries. JRS provides services in Education, Social Inclusion & Livelihood, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), Reconciliation, Global Advocacy and strengthening the Climate Resilience of the people served,

JRS service is human and spiritual, working in situations of greatest need, seeking the long-term well-being of refugees and displaced people while not neglecting their immediate or urgent needs.

CHILD SAFEGUARDING AND PSEAH COMMITMENTS

JRS has zero tolerance for all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse and is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. All personnel are expected to adhere to JRS’s safeguarding and Protection against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment (PSEAH) policies.

Operational Context / Role

The Project Director (PD) will be responsible for providing leadership and strategic thinking for all JRS operations and project initiatives in Mozambique. This includes developing and implementing strategic plans that align with JRS’s mission and vision, overseeing operations, staff, project activities, financial management, fundraising, and grant management. The PD will work in close collaboration with the Regional Office (RO) to ensure that all aspects of the project cycle are implemented effectively and in line with best practices.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Planning and Coordination:

• Lead the development of strategic plans and operational strategies for JRS Mozambique, aligned with regional and global JRS priorities.
• Apply strategic thinking to anticipate needs, identify opportunities, and suggest innovative solutions for challenges facing the project office.
• Regularly analyze the unmet needs of IDPs and other populations of concern and propose new initiatives to address these needs.
• Assist in the development of strategies, methodologies, and contingency plans through consultations and field visits.
• Contribute to the development and review of the project operations plan, ensuring it aligns with JRS’s global strategic framework and annual programming priorities.
• Attend relevant Cluster Working Group meetings and coordinate JRS activities accordingly.

2. Project Management and Implementation:

• Lead the planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of JRS projects.
• Conduct annual needs assessments for the project site and ensure adherence to JRS standards.
• Develop methodologies, timetables, and resources for project evaluations and ensure timely submission of proposals and reports.
• Conduct regular site visits to ensure quality implementation, provide feedback, and support staff.
• Promote project learning, documentation, and sharing within the JRS network.
• Ensure compliance with donor requirements and JRS standards.

3. Fundraising and Grant Management:

• Actively seek and develop funding opportunities, building relationships with donors and partners.
• Lead and support fundraising activities, including proposal development and donor reporting.
• Negotiate funding or partnership agreements in collaboration with the Regional Director.
• Maintain close working relations with partners and donor agencies, and attend coordination meetings.

4. Financial and Resource Management:

• Monitor project income and expenditures with the project and Regional Finance Officers.
• Ensure the project has sufficient funding for implementation and submit annual budget.
• Provide oversight and accountability for the financial management of project resources.
• Provide support for yearly accounting audits and for quarterly/mid-year budget revision
• Ensure procurement policy is in place and followed.
• Actively monitor and report on business risk profiles, ensuring alignment with Finance and Logistics policies, processes and procedures

5. Team Leadership and Capacity Building:

• Provide supervision, mentoring, and professional development for all project staff.
• Ensure JRS HR policies are implemented and adapted to local statutory requirements as needed.
• Support team members in strategic planning and project cycle management.
• Work closely with team members to coordinate efforts and ensure shared leadership.
• Ensure that Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan and Security Guidelines are regularly updated and implemented in all field locations. 
• Ensure that human resource issues are tackled and taken in serious consideration

6. External Relations and Communication:

• Represent JRS Mozambique in relevant meetings, forums, and external engagements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with partners, donors, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Develop communication tools to keep stakeholders informed of progress and challenges.

Qualifications and Experience

• University degree in Project Management, Business Administration, International Development, Migration, Refugee Studies or equivalent.
• Minimum of four years of project management experience with NGOs or international organizations.
• Experience in strategic thinking and developing strategic plans.
• Proven experience in proposal writing, fundraising, donor relations, and grant management.
• Knowledge of project cycle management, logical frameworks, and results-based management.
• Professional experience in financial planning, budgeting, and resource management.
• Excellent Portuguese and English communication skills; knowledge of local languages is desirable.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong strategic thinking, planning, and project management skills.
• Ability to develop and implement effective strategic plans and project cycles.
• Financial management capabilities and ability to prioritize work under pressure.
• Experience in working with multicultural teams and diverse stakeholders.
• High level of integrity, honesty, and confidentiality.
• Commitment to JRS’s mission, vision, and values, with respect for diversity and inclusion.

Travel and Conditions

The role involves regular travel to JRS project sites.
Contract is for one year, renewable (depending on funding), with an initial three-month probationary period.
JRS salaries reflect both professional standards and solidarity with the people served.

Application Process

Email your application to esar.hr@jrs.net.

Applications deadline: 8^th July 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
The position is open to candidates with Mozambican citizenship or legal authorization to work in Mozambique.