Ovation is seeking a dynamic, professional, and detail-oriented Project Manager to lead the implementation of a strategic initiative focused on co-creating an inclusive business ecosystem in the mining sector, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Based in Lubumbashi or Kolwezi, with frequent travel between these cities and occasional missions to Kinshasa and abroad if necessary.
Project Description
The project aims to develop a resilient business environment within the mining broad ecosystem. By bridging the gap between local talent and the requirements of large-scale companies, the project focuses on technical and entrepreneurial vocational training, particularly for youth.
Operating within the framework of the Global Gateway and the Lobito Corridor, the project seeks to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers by strengthening local SMEs and integrating sustainable practices such as the circular economy and green energy.
Key Roles & Responsibilities
As the primary point of contact and Ovation’s representative between consortium partners (Louvain Coopération, Ovation, CSR Europe) and local stakeholders, the Project Manager will be in charge of:
- Project administration: Ensure the global coordination, planning, and operational/financial monitoring of all activities.
- Partner Management: Act as the lead interface for partners (Louvain cooperation, CSR Europe) and the private sector (mining companies, FEC, IDAK) to ensure technical coherence.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Organize multi-stakeholder dialogues, workshops and events to align training programs with market needs.
- Quality Control: Supervise the collaboration with local incubators and beneficiaries, ensuring all processes are equitable and transparent.
- Reporting: Prepare trimestrial and annual reports, centralizing data for impact studies and audits.
Position Requirements
- Experience: Minimum of 4+ years in Project Management or equivalent in direct contact with international institutions (donors, large companies, etc.). Experience of complex and large scale project budgeting, execution and reporting.
- Languages: Full professional fluency in English and French. Local languages are a plus.
- Location: Based in Lubumbashi or Kolwezi, with frequent travel between these cities and occasional missions to Kinshasa and abroad if necessary.
- Sectors: Strong knowledge of the entrepreneurial ecosystem and the mining sector in DRC is highly preferred.
- Mindset: Rigor first for this assignment. Then: Business development-oriented, proactive, and highly efficient in partner follow-up.
Essential Skills and Competencies
To excel in this role, the Project Manager must possess a blend of technical expertise and interpersonal abilities:
- Hard Skills:
- Proficiency in Digital skills including Project Management software (e.g., the Office Suite and Excel in particular, Notion, Odoo, Google Suite,...) and capacity of rapid learning for new digital tools
- Financial monitoring and budgeting skills.
- Proven ability to draft high-quality technical and financial reports for international donors.
- Data driven and field person
- Soft Skills:
- Exceptional cross-cultural communication and negotiation skills.
- Strong leadership capabilities with a focus on team empowerment and conflict resolution.
- Excellent organizational and time management abilities, with a capacity to handle multiple priorities.
- High degree of adaptability and resilience when working in complex environments like the DRC mining sector.
Contractual Terms
- Duration: 1-year contract, renewable based on performance.
- Probation: 3-month probation period.
- Reporting: Reports directly to the Country Coordinator.
- Salary: Competitive, based on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
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