Project Manager: Eastern Partnership Countries

SEI HQ is recruiting for an experienced and motivated Project Manager to oversee the development and management of projects. You will be part of the Environmental Policy and Strategy (EPS) team, building up its portfolio to provide technical support to national governments in Eastern Partnership and Western Balkan countries with cross-cutting transitional cross-sectoral policy work.
The Environmental Policy and Strategy (EPS) team specializes in complex stakeholder management, focusing on transitional countries and regions. The team supports governments in demand-driven sustainable, environmental, and climate transitions in the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership Countries.
The role
SEI HQ is looking for an experienced, motivated and self-driven Project Manager to oversee the day-to-day development and management of projects. You will be part of the Environmental Policy and Strategy (EPS) team, where you will contribute to building the team’s portfolio of work in providing technical support to national governments in Eastern Partnership and Western Balkan countries with cross-cutting transitional cross-sectoral policy work. One of the main tasks will be managing a new EPS team project: the Green Agenda of Armenia, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.
Key duties and responsibilities
Managing Green Agenda of Armenia, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine project
Under supervision and with support from Team Lead, ensure overall success of the project and oversee day-by-day activities
Financial management and reporting: track and coordinate financial information flows, manage expenditures against planned budgets and work closely with SEI finance department
Administration and contractual support: support project-related recruitment and procurement processes
Project planning: plan, schedule, prioritize and allocate work effectively
Stakeholder engagement: in coordination/collaboration with the team and Team Lead, develop and maintain partnerships and relationships for project implementation, facilitate external relations with relevant stakeholders and convene high-level project and stakeholder meetings as required
Project communications: ensure overall smooth communication channels and flows within project team and stakeholders, build productive relationships with internal and external partners, coordinate and lead internal project management team (PMT) communications and meetings, support communications team with implementation of communications and engagement strategy and action plan
Monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL): lead development and implementation of MEL plan, manage project issues and risks and communicate with Team Lead and donors, coordinate necessary financial and technical reporting to donors.

Support EPS team development
Business development: identify new opportunities/donors, secure additional funding, lead preparation of bids and proposals, develop budgets, and tailor technical documentation
Together with EPS team members, support implementation of EPS strategy and action plans and maintain highly collegial atmosphere
Collaborate and support EPS team members working on Western Balkans-related projects and initiatives.

Who you are
You have a strong interest and proven track record in delivering medium to large high-complexity projects and working with multicultural/functional teams and multiple stakeholders. You are motivated by the opportunity to contribute to projects in the fields of environmental sustainability and policy in a dynamic international context.
To succeed in this role, you need proven expertise in analysis, development and influencing policymaking on a national and/or international level. Having previous experience in leading expert teams with the purpose of influencing policymakers is an advantage.
You are proactive, self-driven and structured with a willingness to learn, listen and share. You are goal-oriented and able to multitask and meet deadlines effectively. You value maintaining good working relationships internally and with project stakeholders.
Required qualifications, competencies, and experience
Relevant university degree
Minimum five years of expertise managing fast-paced and complex projects throughout complete project cycle
Minimum seven years of relevant working experience (preferably from fields such as environmental/energy/climate policy management and/or social impact assessments and/or sustainable finance)
Solid knowledge and understanding of European environmental, climate and/or energy policy and management issues and current policy and regulatory settings within the EU framework
Strong understanding of EU Green Deal and its practical application and impacts at national level
Expertise in monitoring, evaluation and learning for large-scale projects
Proven ability to convene and engage stakeholders and facilitate policy dialogues
Experience in working with governments and government officials
Experience in project financial and administrative management, designing and leading procurement processes, contracting and donor relationship management, including both financial and narrative reporting
Experience in budgeting according to different models and templates
Experience in designing and facilitating workshops, training and moderating seminars or conferences
Excellent communication (spoken and written) skills with capability to articulate project’s strategic goals into sound operating plans and processes; excellent written and oral diplomacy and negotiation skills
Strong ability to produce written outputs (reports, policy briefs, and presentations)
Ability to plan work assignments, handle competing demands and work under pressure of frequent and tight deadlines and with minimal supervision
Experience working in diverse multidisciplinary teams comprised of researchers, technical roles, and practitioners.

Desirable skills
Strong knowledge of Eastern Partnership countries (specifically, Armenia, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine)
Knowledge of one or more local languages of any Eastern Partnership country (specifically Armenia, Georgia, Moldova and/or Ukraine)
Working expertise on implementation of EU acquis
Experience in managing regional projects/programs in Eastern Partnership Countries
Experience in managing regional projects/programs in Western Balkan Countries concerning EU acquis transposition and implementation.