PROJECT LEAD - FUNCTIONAL EXCELLENCE

JOB SUMMARY:

This role can be based in any approved CARE USA location. Candidates must currently have and maintain the legal authorization to work in the country in which they will be based. International relocation or expatriate terms are not available for this role. This position is not visa sponsorship eligible.

The Project Lead drives organization-wide change initiatives from conception through implementation and evaluation, with a focus on organisational change and operating models. This role is within CARE's Transformation Office which partners with different functional areas of the organisation to deliver changes that enable CARE to deliver on its current 5 year global strategy.

For remainder of CARE's fiscal year (June 2027) this involves completing the implementation of an existing project called Functional Excellence which is clarifying and strengthening the functional relationships between HQ, Regional and Country layers of CARE. This Project Lead role would then lead other organisational change initiatives through close partnership with different functional areas of CARE. The Project Lead will be responsible for driving alignment across senior stakeholders, leading implementation efforts, identifying sustainable efficiency opportunities, and ensuring successful implementation of these transformation projects in a highly matrixed environment.

The role will be line managed by the Senior Director of Transformation. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Deliver project objectives through excellent project management

- Ensure the successful delivery of project objectives within the approved budget, timeline, and scope.
- Develop project plans, timelines, budgets, and success metrics aligned with project goals, Project Management Lifecycle, and CARE policies
- Liaise with FP&A team and Executive Office budget manager to ensure project’s adherence to budget guidance and to manage any budget-related risks or issues as they arise
- Track project progress against outcomes and lead project team in successfully executing on project plan by facilitating team meetings, identifying and addressing barriers, and mitigating risks and issues
- Collaborate with the Senior Global Change Manager on integration of Change Management work and plans into overall project strategy and planning
- Ensure inputs from cross functional stakeholders on project planning where needed, such as for functional leads on periods of implementation for their function
- Leverage Monday.com and other project management tools for maximum efficiency and clarity

•  Identify and manage resources needed to deliver on project goals, such as external consultants; travel; translation; etc. 

Lead stakeholder engagement

- Lead in articulating the project vision and promoting the active engagement of key stakeholders
- Facilitate inclusive planning sessions, workshops, and project meetings
- Lead development of multi-stakeholder communication, engagement and commitment strategies, promoting dialogue from a diverse array of levels and functions across CARE
- Provide timely and impactful project communication and updates to all stakeholders across the CARE network: country office staff, regional offices, HQ functional teams, IPO, and executive leadership
- In partnership with the Senior Global Change Manager, support trainings and comms related to change management 
- Represent the project as needed in organizational or team forums
- Identify and mitigate risks related to staff capacity and active engagement in the project.

Ensure effective project governance

- Schedule, plan, and facilitate Steering Committee meetings, including preparing meeting agendas and slides; discussing meeting objectives with Executive Sponsors; ensuring adequate attendance; preparing any other facilitators as needed; and sending post-meeting follow-ups. 
- Identify needs for governance input, such as significant risks or issues; changes to scope; etc., and bring them to the Steering Committee for decision
- Facilitate the project’s progress through Project Management Lifecycle stage gates by guiding Steering Committee approval and decision points
- Manage other key meetings of leadership related to project governance.

Personnel management

- Provide day-to-day direction, coaching, and regular feedback to a change manager, setting clear priorities and expectations aligned to project goals, addressing any performance or capacity issues early and constructively
- Support the change manager's professional development through goal-setting, performance conversations, and stretch opportunities
- Delegate effectively, balancing ownership and autonomy with appropriate oversight and escalation points
- Foster a collaborative, trusting working relationship that models inclusive, transparent, and adaptive leadership.