The Programme Manager – Research & Training Initiatives will lead the coordination, implementation, and administration of research projects and capacity-building programmes within the organization. The role requires strong programme management expertise, effective stakeholder engagement, and the ability to ensure timely delivery of outputs in line with organizational standards and donor requirements. Reporting to senior management, the Programme Manager will play a central role in driving quality, efficiency, and impact across assigned initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Programme & Project Management
- Plan, coordinate, and oversee research and training projects, ensuring alignment with organizational strategy and donor requirements.
- Develop, update, and maintain detailed project plans, including timelines, deliverables, budgets, and resource allocation.
- Monitor project progress, track milestones, identify risks, and escalate issues with recommended solutions.
- Ensure project deliverables meet agreed quality standards and compliance obligations.
- Maintain comprehensive documentation, including work plans, progress reports, and project records.
Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
Serve as a primary point of contact for clients, partners, researchers, trainers, and consultants, under the guidance of senior management.Coordinate stakeholder meetings, prepare agendas, facilitate discussions, and document actionable outcomes.Prepare and disseminate progress updates, reports, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.Build and sustain positive relationships to enhance collaboration and programme visibility.Team Coordination & Support
Facilitate collaboration across research, training, communications, and operations teams.Provide logistical and administrative support for programme implementation, including scheduling, procurement, and consultant management.Promote a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous learning.Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting
Support the design and implementation of Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) frameworks to track project performance and impact.Collect, analyze, and interpret programme data to inform decision-making and reporting.Contribute to high-quality programme reports for leadership, donors, and external partners, highlighting achievements, challenges, and lessons learned.Operational & Administrative Oversight
Assist in managing programme budgets, monitor expenditure, and ensure compliance with financial and donor policies.Support procurement processes, contract management, and vendor coordination.Ensure programme operations adhere to organizational policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements.Maintain accurate and accessible records of programme activities, contracts, and financial transactions.Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Social Sciences, Business Administration, Public Health, Education, or a related field (Master’s degree is an advantage).3–5 years of progressive experience in programme or project management, preferably in research, training, or development sectors.Experience with donor-funded projects (e.g., USAID, FCDO, UN agencies, World Bank) is highly desirable.Strong familiarity with project management frameworks and tools (e.g., MS Project, Trello, Asana).Knowledge of research methodologies and / or training programme management is an advantage.Key Competencies & Skills
Excellent organizational and programme management skills with proven ability to manage multiple projects.Strong written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and stakeholder engagement.Analytical skills for monitoring, evaluation, and decision-making.Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); experience with digital collaboration platforms (e.g., Teams, Slack, Google Workspace) is a plus.Ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural and fast-paced environment.Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality assurance.Personal Attributes
Proactive, solutions-oriented, and results-driven.Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.Adaptable, flexible, and willing to learn.Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and commitment to organizational values.