The African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC) has an exciting opportunity for an International Projects Manager to lead on programme monitoring, evaluation, learning and adaptation (MELA) and provide operational support to a portfolio of projects in five African cities.
ACRC is a collaborative research programme seeking to tackle complex urban development challenges in Africa's rapidly changing cities. Funded by FCDO, ACRC aims to generate robust insights and evidence that will help improve living conditions and urban services for all city residents, especially disadvantaged communities.
Acting as the operational link person for a portfolio of action research projects in selected cities, the post-holder will provide high-quality project management support, respond to queries and problem solve in an agile and effective manner. As a specialist in MELA, the post-holder will play a lead role in our MELA activities. With support from the senior management team, they will have oversight for all MELA activity across the programme and be expected to problem solve MELA issues and share learning across projects and cities. They will work with a number of key stakeholders, including city researchers, city uptake leads, the ACRC Uptake Director and Research Leads to develop appropriate indicators for each of our action research projects, and implement a reporting system for evidencing progress. They will support city teams to update indicators and/or adapt the ways these are measured, as needed. The post-holder will also coordinate and collate inputs for funder (FCDO) reporting, recommending modifications to our MELA framework where appropriate.
This role sits within our Manchester-based operations team (consisting of another International Projects Manager, leading on contracts, due diligence and compliance; a Finance Officer; a Project and Events Administrator; and the Operations Manager), and will work closely with project teams in each of our cities.
Proven experience of supporting projects through the full project management cycle is essential. The ideal candidate will also have thorough knowledge and experience of MELA practice in large donor-funded programmes, as well as in supporting the strengthening of MELA capacities in diverse institutions. The role will require some international travel (approx. 1-2 weeks each year) and applicants must be both willing and able to travel.
What you will get in return:
As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.
Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here
Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.
Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.
Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk.
Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.
Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
Name: Helen Allwood, ACRC Operations Manager
Email: helen.allwood@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries:
Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk
Technical support:
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home
This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.
Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.
