Position: Field Project Officer
Reports to: Project Coordinator
Grade Level: Officer
Job Summary
OGF seeks a Field Project Officer to oversee the planning, implementation, and monitoring of projects. The incumbent will play a pivotal role in translating environmental sustainability goals into actionable projects that make a tangible difference in local communities and ecosystems. This position also acts as a bridge between OGF, the environment, and the communities we serve.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
● Overall lead with responsibility for community development projects to deliver environmental sustainability services to target segment from inception through completion.
● Collaborate with stakeholders to develop detailed project plans that align with OGF’s mission and objectives. This involves defining project goals, activities, timelines, and resource requirements.
● Manage stakeholder engagement process and serve as focal point for all stakeholders, including community leaders, government agencies, partners, suppliers and contractors.
● Prequalify and map out new communities suitable for the deployment of the organization’s sustainable solutions such as solar energy, water treatment, clean cooking etc.
● Develop programs in compliance with regulatory requirements; monitor broader WASH sector initiatives at all levels of government to ensure programs are in alignment.
● Ensure project delivery is in accordance with technical, budgetary and timeline stipulations to ensure the
Foundations’ objectives and stakeholder expectations are met.
● Explore opportunities for collaboration with stakeholders (domestically and internationally) in relevant sectors, including WASH, renewable energy, waste management and agriculture.
● Support fundraising activities and provide content related to project plans and proposals for inclusion in grant applications, crowdfunding campaigns and donor requests.
● Coordinate and participate in selected relevant events to advocate for environmental sustainability and promote OGF’s strategy.
● Document project activities, achievements, and challenges through regular reports and updates.
● Communicate project results to stakeholders, donors, and the wider community, highlighting successes and lessons learned.
● Engage with local communities, indigenous groups, and other stakeholders to build partnerships, gain support, and ensure that projects are culturally sensitive and inclusive. This includes conducting community consultations, facilitating participatory decision-making processes, and addressing community concerns.
● Identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them, such as addressing conflicts with stakeholders, managing budget constraints, or responding to unforeseen environmental challenges.
Competencies and Skills Requirements
Project Management Skills:
• Proficient in planning, executing, and monitoring project activities to ensure they are completed on time and within budget.
• Ability to manage multiple aspects of a project simultaneously, including logistics, timelines, and resource allocation.
Technical Knowledge:
• Understanding of environmental issues, sustainability practices, and conservation strategies relevant to the specific projects managed by the NGO.
• Ability to apply technical knowledge in practical, field-based situations to solve real-world problems. Community Engagement and Communication Skills:
• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively interact with community members and stakeholders, gaining their trust and cooperation.
• Proficiency in communicating complex information clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, to diverse audiences.
Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills:
• Ability to analyze data and situations, identify potential problems, and develop practical solutions.
• Skill in evaluating project outcomes and adapting strategies as necessary based on feedback and changing conditions.
Adaptability and Resilience:
• Capable of working under challenging conditions, often in remote areas with limited resources.
• Resilience in facing physical and logistical challenges, maintaining a positive attitude and focus on project goals.
Cultural Sensitivity:
• Deep understanding and respect for local cultures, traditions, and community structures.
• Ability to work effectively within different cultural contexts, often adapting methods and practices to align with local norms.
Leadership and Teamwork:
• Strong leadership skills to guide project teams and local workers, inspiring cooperation and maintaining morale.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with other team members, NGO staff, and external partners to achieve project objectives.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
• Skills in setting up and implementing monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track project progress and impact.
• Proficiency in using tools and technology for data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Financial Literacy:
• Basic understanding of managing budgets, financial reporting, and cost efficiency to ensure project funds are utilized appropriately.
Language Skills:
• Fluency in the local language(s) of the project area can be crucial for effective communication and engagement with the community and local partners.
Key Performance Indicators (KPI)
Project Implementation and Management
● Project Completion Rate: Measures the percentage of projects completed on time and within budget, reflecting the officer’s efficiency in project management.
● Quality of Project Deliverables: Assesses the quality standards of project outputs compared to planned objectives, ensuring that all deliverables meet or exceed requirements.
● Adherence to Project Timelines: Tracks whether project milestones and final outcomes are achieved within the set deadlines, highlighting efficiency and time management skills.
Community Engagement and Impact
● Community Satisfaction Levels: Gauges the satisfaction of community members with the project outcomes and processes through surveys or feedback forms, reflecting the effectiveness of engagement strategies.
● Stakeholder Engagement: Measures the frequency and quality of interactions with key stakeholders, including local leaders and community groups, which is crucial for project success and sustainability.
● Capacity Building Outcomes: Evaluates the effectiveness of training and development activities provided to the community, assessing improvements in local skills and knowledge related to environmental sustainability.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
● Environmental Impact Measures: Monitors specific environmental indicators related to the project’s goals (e.g., reduction in pollution levels, increase in biodiversity, improvements in waste management practices).
● Sustainability of Project Solutions: Assesses how long the implemented solutions continue to benefit the
community after the project’s completion, indicating the long-term impact and sustainability of the projects.
Operational Efficiency
● Resource Utilization Efficiency: Tracks how effectively resources (financial, human, material) are managed and utilized throughout the project lifecycle.
● Problem Resolution Time: Measures the speed and effectiveness with which unforeseen challenges and issues are resolved during project implementation.
Minimum Qualifications
● A bachelor’s degree in project management, business administration, engineering, or a related field is required.
● Experience working in field-based roles, particularly within environmental projects, conservation, or sustainability programs.
● Experience in project management, community engagement, and working with diverse teams in challenging environments.
● Understanding of the nonprofit sector and experience working in or with non-governmental organizations in environmental sustainability space.
● Exposure to and interest in climate change, social impact and sustainability.
● Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems can be an asset for mapping and analyzing environmental data.
● Additional qualifications or certifications in project management, community development, or environmental conservation will be an added advantage.
OGF is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply without discrimination on grounds of ethnicity, race, marital status, gender, age, religion, disability status or political persuasion.
