Associate, Project Delivery, CATALYZE

Palladium
United States, D.C., Washington
April 16, 2024
Associate, Project Delivery, CATALYZE About Palladium: Palladium is a global company working to design, develop and deliver positive impact on the lives and livelihoods of people around the globe; broaden access to health, water, power, and infrastructure; build enduring, sustainable, and transformative institutions and market systems to address global challenges; and conserve the natural world. We operate in over 90 countries and have a workforce of 4,000 talented, motivated, and diverse staff of all religions, races, languages, and gender identities. This Opportunity: CATALYZE is a $250 million 8-year program, designed to mobilize $2 billion in private capital, especially to underfinanced social sectors (such as education) and higher risk countries (especially low-income and post-conflict countries) around the globe, complemented by a cross-cutting inclusion of gender-lens investing. CATALYZE serves as a "platform of platforms" that provides services to many missions and bureaus that "buy in" to tap the CATALYZE investment and pay-for-results project management expertise. Our aim is for investors to explore and find commercially viable opportunities and approaches to creating jobs, developing sustainable social services, tightening, and rationalizing supply chains, and advancing inclusive growth - ultimately, reducing the need for development institutions to provide donor funding. Palladium is seeking an Associate, Project Delivery, to support the CATALYZE project. The Associate, Project Delivery serves as part of an Activity Management Unit that is responsible for the management and delivery of a specific activity buy-in, ranging from $10 Million to upwards of $50 Million each. The Associate position supports the management of effective and efficient financial and compliance activities to deliver work in accordance with contractual obligations, company policies, local country settings, and client rules and regulations. The Associate, Project Delivery, is a valued member of the team completing a variety of tasks that are critical to high-quality project management. This role works closely with a Manager, Project Delivery and a Technical Director/Activity Lead. Location: The position is based in Palladium's Washington D.C. office. You and Your Career: If you are a problem-solver, collaborator, and doer, and you have expertise in verbal/written communication, organization, and attention to detail, we are interested in hearing from you. We are a learning organization and provide growth opportunities from the start. We pride ourselves on giving you the freedom, resources, and guidance to chart a fulfilling career! Reporting and Supervision: The role reports directly to the Manager, Project Delivery Internally the role will be required to liaise closely with other staff of the CATALYZE Project, including the project delivery team, corporate business services team, Process Excellence Hub, innovative finance/economic growth subject matter experts, and other units within the Americas Regional Business Partnership Externally the role will liaise with clients, in-country Palladium staff and stakeholders, subcontractors, grantees, and suppliers The role carries a degree of autonomy with appropriate consultation Primary Duties and Responsibilities: Project Management Support project start-up and closeout Serve as a liaison between the project and the Process Excellence Hub Contribute to the preparation and maintenance of project specific components of the project management manual Learn and contribute to training of project staff on company policies, procedures, and guidelines and client rules and regulations (covering for example: security, occupational health and safety, risk management, planning, human resource management, monitoring, reporting, finance, procurement, logistics, IT, communications, audit support and all other such implementation matters) Participate in the development, review, and tracking of progress against project work plans Support the development and presentation of internal and external reporting, (quarterly Internal Project Reviews [IPRs], project risk assessments, annual reviews, and client deliverables) and ensure these outputs are fit for purpose Ensure project issues and risks are logged, monitored, and updated in the issues and risk portal (aka register) and escalate risks and issues to corporate/project leadership Learn to review procurements, budgets, reports, and other documents to ensure compliance with relevant policies and procedures; may conduct spot checks on processes and internal controls including reviewing asset management procedures and updated asset registers for each project Support development of project subcontractor and grants management procedures compliant with both internal policies and procedures, and client rules and regulations Assist with internal PMU administration, including drafting weekly meeting agendas, tracking tasks, maintaining calendars and deadline reminders Work towards anticipating project needs and providing compliant, flexible recommendations on processes, or assigned responsibilities, such as suggesting adequate timelines for reviews and coordination between HQ and field offices, proactively handling PMU administrative tasks, etc Contribute to technical assistance through reviews, engaging in work planning and discussions with the field team, etc. to build skills with the goal of taking on a more senior role, such as manager, project delivery or a functional area Contract and Client Relationship Management Support the monitoring and maintenance of compliance with head/prime contracts Manage and support contract amendments as required Provide inputs and support to other PMU members on any client communication or reporting needs Financial Management Support monitoring expenditure against budgets and forecasts, including staff costs, operating expenses and procurements; reconciles & reports on all advances monthly Assist with project financial and cash-flow planning, process monthly Funds Transfer Requests and payments for assigned projects Review cashbooks / field vouchers and ensure supporting documentation is complete Help coordinate service providers and process work orders and invoices Assist with internal financial reporting and tasks including accruals and reviewing client invoices Support preparation of contract action requests (i.e., travel, personnel additions/changes, subcontracts, grants, budget realignment, etc.) Support audit processes and ensures retention of project records is compliant with company policy Human Resource Management and Recruitment Coordinate input and support from HR for recruitment and contracting staff and consultants Coordinate project staff recruitment and due diligence (i.e., posting job descriptions, due diligence, compliance spot checks, biodata verification, record retention, and contract preparation and onboarding) Maintain project data on relevant systems for short-term and long-term staff and consultants Support the mobilization and demobilization of all international staff (short-term and long-term) including contracting, travel management, security, approvals, payments and induction Business Development / Other Contribute to company growth by supporting well-managed projects, ensuring Palladium is seen positively by clients for consideration in future business development Participate in capture planning, providing inputs on implementation requirements Provide inputs to proposals and opportunity research as requested Key Competencies Required: Project Management and demonstrated experience with one of the standard Project Management software (e.g. Microsoft Planner) Budget management and forecasting Works with respect and dignity for all colleagues and contributes to a cooperative team working environment Excellent written and verbal communication skills, in English Financial acumen and the ability to interpret and analyze financial reports Basic understanding of management including organizational skills and attention to detail Sound problem-solving and decision-making skills Ability to work both independently and as a part of a team when required Professional Expertise/Competencies Preferred: Experience implementing USAID-funded programs Proficiency in a second language relevant to a developing country context Diversity, Equity & Inclusion - 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, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, nationality, veteran, marital or Indigenous status. Should you require any adjustments or accommodations to be made due to a disability or you are a neurodivergent individual or any other circumstance, please email our team at accessibility@thepalladiumgroup.com. Safeguarding - We define Safeguarding as "the preventative action taken by Palladium to protect our people, clients and the communities we work with from harm". We are committed to ensuring that all children and adults who come into contact with Palladium are treated with respect and are free from abuse. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced selection process including safeguarding-focused interviews and a rigorous due diligence process.