About Building Markets
Founded in 2004, Building Markets is an award-winning nonprofit that creates jobs and encourages economic growth in developing countries by finding, building and connecting competitive local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to supply chains and investment. Through this approach, the organization has built a network of more than 20,000 verified SMEs, assisted them in winning over $1.2 billion in contracts, and helped create over 70,000 jobs in some of the world’s poorest economies. Building Markets is headquartered in New York City and currently operates programs in Liberia, Myanmar and Mozambique. It will soon open a country office in Turkey. For more information, please visit www.buildingmarkets.org.
Position Overview
Building Markets is seeking an innovative, energetic senior manager, preferably with private sector experience, to oversee field operations and to participate in the strategic growth of the organization and its programming. The Project Director is expected to plan and monitor the day-to-day activities of field projects while coordinating key roles and functions at headquarters related to implementation. This staff member must anticipate challenges, possess strong problem solving and analytical skills, be driven by the organization’s mission, and most importantly, committed to ensuring their teams have the support required to surpass their goals. While this position comes with a demanding workload, and there are many challenges, we can promise that the rewards of working with colleagues and entrepreneurs in some of the world’s most exciting markets will provide an endless source of inspiration that will drive you each and every day.
Responsibilities and Duties
Plan and Organize
- Work with executive staff on strategic planning, including developing new project ideas and proposals, and innovating and streamlining existing systems and approaches.
- Prepare annual work plans, budgets and create staffing plans.
- Set-up project management processes in accordance with Contribution Agreements and donor requirements.
- Develop other macro-level project plans in coordination with Country Directors (CDs) (e.g. management task lists, implementation plans, strategies and priorities).
- Support CDs in developing project-level and activity-based work and management plans.
- Support CDs in developing administrative and management systems for monitoring operations.
Direct
- Provide strategic oversight and guidance to programs and projects and address issues as they emerge.
- Supervise CDs, Consultants and project related staff in New York.
- With COO, manage staff and consultant contracts, including onboarding and end of service procedures.
- Oversee the preparation of donor reports.
Coordinate
- Coordinate operations with COO and with other key staff functions.
- Cultivate strong working relationships with and among Country Directors and Project Managers.
- Liaise with donors on project progress and challenges.
- Seek out opportunities for partnership and growth by networking with senior managers of other relevant organizations.
Monitor and Review
- Comprehensively monitor the implementation of Building Markets programs in accordance with contribution agreements/contracts, targets, and proposals.
- Review project financials on a monthly basis and ensure projects achieve a minimum of 90% budget execution per annum.
- Ensure appropriate resource allocation, including staffing and other assets.
- Regularly monitor performance benchmarks and activity targets to confirm they are being met or exceeded. Work with CDs and teams to address challenges.
- Conduct regular staff performance reviews.
- Ensure all project related documentation is archived.
Represent and Communicate
- Represent and present on behalf of Building Markets at relevant external meetings.
- Communicate effectively with donors and other stakeholders to ensure relationships are developed and maintained that promote program and organizational success.
- Engage in social media including blogging, twitter and Facebook.
- Stay up-to-date on related research published within the field and engage in advocacy and policy dialogues where appropriate.
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Business, International Development or other relevant discipline.
- Minimum five years experience in a related field with at least two years in a senior management role.
- Experience working in the private sector or on SME development issues. Access to Finance a plus.
- Exceptional and proven track record designing and implementing complex programs.
- Strong analytical and problem solving abilities.
- Proficiency developing proposals.
- Team player with excellent inter-personal skills and ability to do business in a cross-cultural environment.
- Demonstrable flexibility, stamina, and ability to work under difficult/high-stress circumstances.
- Excellent written and spoken English language skills, with the ability to explain complex issues in simple and relevant terms.
- Able to travel extensively.
Reporting Lines
Reports to COO and CEO
Location
Position is based in New York City with travel to Liberia, Mozambique, Myanmar and other project locations as needed.
Duration
12 month contract with renewal expected.
Package
Salary commensurate with experience. Benefits include health and dental insurance, Transit Checks, annual training stipend, and four weeks vacation.
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