IFSLU2.3 – Project Officer
About the Project
The Investments in Forests and Sustainable Land-use 2, Component 3 (IFSLU2.3) Programme aims to support the development of the capacity and market systems required to enable rural communities and national economies to benefit from a sustainable forest and land-use economy. The programme’s main intervention areas are :
Working closely with local organisations and communities to enable them to benefit from investment in sustainable land-use sectors.
Supporting businesses and entrepreneurs to trial new approaches and build capacity in sustainable land use practices.
Strengthening the capacity of public bodies, financial institutions, companies, business associations, and other actors to support people to benefit from sustainable land-use activities, including community-based forest management.
The project operates across four countries : DRC, Republic of Congo, Cameroon, and Gabon.
The position
IFSLU2 Component 3 is looking for two Project Officers position based in DRC (Kinshasa) and Cameroon (Yaoundé) to support the Central Project Management team. You will also work closely with the wider IFSLU2 Component 3 team in our London office and with Regional Teams, offering you excellent oversight of the whole programme.
We are seeking a full time Project Officer to help you develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies required for a successful career in the sector. The role is offered full-time (40 hours per week), based out of the Kinshasa office, with some home-working permitted
Primary Responsibilities
The Project Officer will support the country team through responsibilities such as (but not limited to) :
- Provide administrative and operational support to the senior leadership team.
- Coordinate activities between different departments to ensure effective communication and collaboration.
- Assist in the recruitment, onboarding, and training of new staff members.
- Conduct research and analysis to support project planning and implementation.
- Identify and resolve issues that arise within the organisation, ensuring smooth operations.
- Prepare reports, presentations, and other documentation as required.
- Support the development and implementation of organisational policies and procedures
Project Management
Finance and Operations
Manage programme payments and expenses, coordinating the processing, sign-off and approval processes.Support with management of supplier relationships through procurement, contracting and due diligence processes.Support with management of the programme budget through reviewing and analysing monthly project transactions and expenses.Upload and maintain documentation and records in the Operations and Finance folders on the IFSLU2.3 Sharepoint.Contribute to the development of Project Management processes.Support Regional Operations and Finances teams to ensure smooth operations of field offices,
including :
Support field staff and overall Project Management team with responding to yearly audits.Support project offices by acting as a liaison with Palladium corporate functions such as Accounts, Finance Management or Compliance teams.Supporting the work of Regional Operations and Finance staff with other ad-hoc duties.Other duties as reasonably requested by the Project Management team.Project Implementation
Track project milestones and deliverables to ensure timely completion and adherence to project plans.Maintain regular communication with stakeholders, including donors, partners, and beneficiaries, to ensure their needs and expectations are met.Ensure that all project activities meet the required quality standards and comply with relevant regulations and guidelines.Maintain accurate records of project activities and prepare regular progress reports for internal and external stakeholders.Assist in the implementation of sustainable strategies to ensure long-term sustainability of project outcomes.Supporting with the implementation of workstreams cutting across Operations, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) and External Relations and Communications.Team management
Support the Programme Manager with :
Monitoring and reconciling payroll in regional offices.Monitoring and updating the team leave trackers.Support with contracting and onboarding for new employees or consultants.Other duties as reasonably requested.Information Management
Support the development of systems to improve the quality and consistency of programme level data to ensure and maximise utility;Manage the portal for project ideas submission;Support process improvement working groups;Other duties as reasonably requested by the Senior Management Team;Reporting, data analysis and evaluation
Support the development of comprehensive data analysis service for the programme and Palladium;Support progress against programme milestones;Support the drafting of quarterly, annual and extraordinary reporting;Contribute to client financial and technical reports and deliverables;Scheduling / convening / meeting support / event coordination and management;Convene and document meetings of the Senior Management Team, and any other meetings as required;Follow up on actions / recommendations from the Senior Management Team, and any other meetings as required;Convene, document and follow up on client management meetings;Collate and distribute relevant documentation required for project level approvals and other programmatic decision making;Upload research notes and documents to the programme management tools . SharePoint;Relationships
You will work closely on tasks with the in-country Manager and wider team members as needed.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is passionate about working in the international development sector, particularly within the sustainable forest and land-use area. They are driven to lead initiatives that enhance environmental sustainability and foster growth and collaboration among rural communities and national economies.
The ideal candidate has the following skills and attitudes :
Is passionate about leading projects that lead to sustainable development.Aspires to work in international development to create positive environmental change.Collaborating with a diverse set of networks.Effectively communicating with stakeholders.Aptitude to learn and grow.Essential
Evidence of experience in project management, project coordination or administration. (Entry level position)Financial acumen and the ability to interpret and analyse financial data.Advanced Microsoft Office user (including but not limited to good working knowledge of Excel).Fluency in French – excellent written and verbal communication skills.Adaptable (keen to try new approaches, employs agile thinking, flexible and open to change).Innovative (intellectual curiosity, solution-based problem solving).People skills (communication, follow through, respect for individual, interpersonal relationships, networking).Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.Passionate and committed to the sector.Accountable (ensures work quality, organisational skills).Desirable
Entry level position with time spent in a professional environment.Experience with or interest in international development / environmental work.Experience in working with information management software, systems or tools.Experience in a charity, NGO or private company running FCDO-funded or other large international development programmes. ]Experience working in a cross-cultural environment.Demonstrates excellent verbal and written English language skills.Company Overview
About Palladium – Palladium is a global leader in the design, development and delivery of Positive Impact – the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value. We work with governments, businesses, and investors to solve the world's most pressing challenges. With a team of more than 3, employees operating in 90 plus countries and a global network of over 35, experts, we help improve economies, societies and, most importantly, people's lives.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion - Palladium is committed to embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion into everything we do. We welcome applications from all sections of society and actively encourage diversity to drive innovation, creativity, success and good practice. We positively welcome and seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce; and that all job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment regardless of their background or personal characteristics. These include : (but are not limited to) socio-economic background, age, race, gender identity and expression, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, nationality, veteran, marital or Indigenous status.
