Project Manager
| Published | September 29, 2026 |
| Location | Bissau, Guinea-Bissau |
| Category | Management |
| Job Type | Full Time |
Description
Shelter For Life is seeking a Project Manager to lead an anticipated program in West Africa. The Project Manager will be responsible for the overall implementation, oversight, and successful achievement of project goals. The Project Manager will provide quality assurance and control of all program deliverables as well as provide leadership, supervision, and direction to the project’s field staff and operations. The position will be based in Bissau city, Guinea Bissau.
Areas of Responsibility:
Strategic Leadership
Provide supervision, support, and direction to field staff
Lead a multi-national, multi-lingual, and multi-skilled group of professionals
Establish relationships with various partners and stakeholders, such as the donor organization, governmental ministries, national, regional and local authorities, partner organizations, and represent SFL at key meetings
Bring focus and determination to the project staff to ensure high-quality results, and prioritize the achievement of the program’s goals
Quality Project Management
Develop and oversee detailed regular, periodic work plans and ensure the project meets all deliverables
Provide quality reports on project progress to SFL headquarters and the project donor
Carefully monitor project performance and document progress on project indicators
Provide oversight and guidance to the project’s finance department to maintain adherence to the
program’s budget and financial plans in accordance with donor requirements and SFL’s internal controls
Coordinate and communicate activities with SFL HQ, PRM, the US Embassy, and local government officials
Implement and enforce procedures that ensure compliance with US Government rules and regulations
Enforce SFL’s internal control procedures, outlined by SFL’s Field Operations Manual, Employee Handbook and the Who we Are, What we Believe, and How we Serve documents.
Technical Oversight
Responsible for strategy, logistics, technical oversight and guidance of project components
Provide overall responsibility for all data collection, monitoring and evaluation
Oversee a range of activities for coherence and harmonious operation of the program’s activities
Education and Experience Requirements:
Master’s degree in project management, or related fields.
Demonstrated track record in managing logistics, project-indicators and project objectives within insecure areas and fragile markets.
Thorough and demonstrated understanding of population management and migrant resettlement.
A minimum of eight years of relevant professional management level experience in logistics, particularly in fragile and unstable environments.
A minimum of five years of work experience as Logistics Manager, Project Manager, or similar level management position.
Prior work experience with UNHCR and/or IOM-funded or similar international donor-funded programs is preferred and advantageous.
Demonstrated experience in reporting project progress in adherence with donor guidelines.
Strong leadership and administrative skills, problem-solving management ability in a cross-cultural environment.
Strong communications and interpersonal skills with evidence of ability to productively interact with a variety of stakeholders and organizations.
Prior work experience in Africa required; specific experience in West African countries preferred.
Personal Skills & Abilities:
Proven leadership skills with ability to maintain a positive work environment with professionalism.
Strong teamwork and listening skills combined with excellent interpersonal skills and cross-cultural sensitivity.
Ability to analyze, coordinate, and plan, both strategically andinnovatively.
Ability to quickly assess complex situations and form accurate understanding.
Ability to respond practically, using adaptive management to operate successfully in difficult field conditions
Willingness to adopt the use of locally appropriate technologies.
Ability to be flexible, persistent, and diplomatic to gain respect among staff and diverse stakeholders including local community leaders, governmental ministries, and the donor organization.
Proficiency in written and spoken English required; strong command of Portuguese is strongly preferred; knowledge of French is a plus.
SFL is interested in applicants whose professional ethics, values, and determination to achieve impact are evident and aligned with organizational priorities.
Additional notes:
A minimum of 12+ months commitment to live and work in Guinea Bissau is required.
Applicants must be comfortable with frequent travel, especially in West Africa.
Competitive pay and generous benefits including six weeks of paid time off, two weeks of R&R, ACA compliant health insurance, and allowances for housing, food, and communication.
Please send your resume and cover letter with the subject line: “Project Manager – West Africa”. Applications must be in English. Please include your name in the title of all attached documents.
