JOB PURPOSE:

The School Meal Project Manager will be responsible for the overall planning, implementation, coordination, monitoring, and reporting of the WFP-funded School Meal Project in Baluchistan. The incumbent will ensure effective project delivery in accordance with donor requirements, organizational policies, government regulations, food safety standards, safeguarding principles, and project objectives.

The Project Manager will provide strategic leadership, manage stakeholder relationships, oversee project teams, monitor project performance, ensure compliance, and contribute to improving school enrolment, attendance, retention, and nutrition outcomes through effective implementation of school feeding interventions.

Description:

Project Management and Implementation

• Lead the overall implementation of the School Meal Project in accordance with approved project documents, work plans, budgets, and donor requirements.
• Develop detailed implementation plans and ensure timely execution of project activities.
• Ensure project objectives, targets, and deliverables are achieved within agreed timelines.
• Monitor project progress and address implementation challenges proactively.
• Coordinate with schools, district authorities, education departments, and other stakeholders for smooth project execution.
• Ensure effective management of project resources to maximize efficiency and impact.

Donor Compliance and Reporting

• Ensure compliance with WFP guidelines, donor regulations, organizational policies, and contractual obligations.
• Prepare high-quality narrative reports, progress reports, presentations, and donor updates.
• Maintain project documentation and records in accordance with donor requirements.
• Facilitate donor visits, monitoring missions, and project audits.
• Ensure timely submission of reports and project deliverables.

Food Safety and Quality Assurance

• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, and quality standards throughout the food supply chain.
• Supervise implementation of food handling, storage, transportation, and distribution procedures.
• Coordinate with Food Safety & Quality Officers to conduct regular inspections and quality assessments.
• Monitor food suppliers and service providers to ensure compliance with approved standards.
• Address food safety risks and implement corrective actions where necessary.

Budget and Financial Management

• Manage project budgets in collaboration with finance teams.
• Monitor expenditures and ensure efficient utilization of project resources.
• Review budget forecasts and expenditures against approved budgets.
• Ensure compliance with financial policies and donor requirements.
• Support preparation of budget revisions and financial reports.

Team Leadership and Human Resource Management

• Provide leadership, guidance, and supervision to project staff.
• Develop staff work plans and monitor performance.
• Conduct regular team meetings and performance reviews.
• Identify capacity-building needs and facilitate staff training.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, diversity, and inclusion.

Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with:

• World Food Programme (WFP)
• Government Departments
• Education Department
• School Management Committees
• Local Authorities
• Community Representatives
• Implementing Partners

• Represent the organization in coordination meetings, workshops, and stakeholder forums.
• Strengthen community engagement and ownership of project activities.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL)

• Ensure effective monitoring systems are implemented.
• Track project indicators and performance targets.
• Review monitoring data and identify areas for improvement.
• Ensure accountability mechanisms are functional and accessible.
• Support project evaluations, assessments, and lessons-learned exercises.

Safeguarding, PSEA and Compliance

• Promote and ensure compliance with organizational safeguarding policies.
• Ensure implementation of Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) standards.
• Support awareness sessions on safeguarding and code of conduct.
• Ensure complaints and feedback mechanisms are operational.
• Report safeguarding concerns in accordance with established procedures.

Risk Management

• Identify project risks and develop mitigation measures.
• Monitor operational, financial, security, and reputational risks.
• Ensure business continuity and contingency planning where necessary

Requirements (Qualifications & Experience)

Educational Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Project Management, Development Studies, Public Administration, Social Sciences, Nutrition, Education, or a related field.
• Additional certification in Project Management (PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent) will be considered an asset.

Professional Experience:

• Minimum 7–10 years of progressive experience in project management, preferably in humanitarian or development sector.
• At least 3–5 years in a senior management role overseeing multi-sectoral projects.
• Proven experience in donor-funded projects (WFP, UN agencies, or international NGOs) is highly desirable.
• Strong experience in school feeding, food security, nutrition, education, or community development programs.
• Demonstrated experience in:

• Project planning, implementation, and operational management
• Budget management and financial oversight
• Donor reporting and compliance
• Team leadership and staff supervision

• Experience working with government counterparts, schools, and community-based stakeholders.

Technical Skills:

• Strong knowledge of project cycle management (PCM) and Results-Based Management (RBM).
• Sound understanding of WFP operational guidelines and donor compliance frameworks.
• Strong financial management and budget monitoring skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and project management tools.
• Strong analytical, reporting, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of MEAL systems, risk management, and accountability frameworks.

Core Competencies:

• Strong leadership and decision-making skills.
• Excellent coordination and stakeholder management abilities.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple teams and complex field operations.
• High level of accountability, integrity, and professionalism.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.