Location: Remote (must be able to work to East and Central Africa time zones, with around 10% of time on project sites)
About GIST Research GIST is a global research, advisory, and programme delivery firm operating in complex and high-risk environments across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. We work with governments, international organisations, and NGOs to design and deliver practical, high-impact solutions.
Our teams combine strong analytical expertise with on the ground access in hard-to-reach areas, enabling us to respond effectively to local challenges. Our work spans conflict analysis, institutional strengthening, and innovative approaches to aid delivery in fragile settings.
We prioritise long-term partnerships and local knowledge, working closely with trusted experts to deliver sustainable results. GIST is known for its independence, integrity, and ability to turn insight into action.
About This Talent Pool
We are creating a Project Manager talent pool for upcoming and anticipated work in East and Central Africa, notably Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Mozambique.
PLEASE NOTE THIS IS NOT A LIVE VACANCY but an opportunity to register your interest in future Project Manager roles within our organisation. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and suitable candidates may be contacted as new projects are confirmed.
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced Project Manager with a background in international development, governance, or stabilisation programming to manage delivery of complex, donor-funded programmes across East and Central Africa (mainly Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Mozambique), including fragile and conflict-affected settings (FCAS).
This is not a generalist PM role . You will bring hands-on experience managing donor-funded programmes , including financial oversight and technical reporting, and be comfortable operating in politically sensitive and operationally complex environments.
About You – Essential Experience
To be considered, you must demonstrate:
Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in project management within:
o International development o Governance, peacebuilding, security or stabilisation programmes
Proven experience managing programmes funded by bilateral or multilateral donors, such as: o FCDO, EU, UN agencies, World Bank, US Government
Direct experience managing financial and technical reporting to donors
Experience working in or supporting programmes in fragile and conflict-affected settings (FCAS)
Strong management skills across the project lifecycle, including: o Deployment planning o Team coordination and management o Budget management o Risk management o Stakeholder coordination
o Monitoring, Reporting, Evaluation, and Learning
Experience contributing to business development through expansion of existing projects and development of proposals for new opportunities
Willingness and ability to travel to project locations, including higher-risk environments
Desirable Experience
Regional experience in East & Central Africa
Experience working with research, monitoring & evaluation, or evidence-based programmes
Knowledge of governance, stabilisation, or security sector programming
Key Responsibilities
Manage end-to-end delivery of donor-funded programmes
Lead financial tracking, forecasting, and reporting in line with donor requirements
Oversee technical reporting and deliverables to clients and partners
Coordinate with in-country teams, partners, and stakeholders
Ensure compliance with donor regulations and internal processes
Support programme adaptation in complex and evolving contexts
Contributing to project expansion and portfolio growth
Why Join Us
Work on impactful programmes in governance, peace and stabilisation
Contribute to delivery in high-priority global contexts
Join a specialist organisation operating at the intersection of research, policy and implementation
Flexible and internationally focused working environment
Before You Apply
This role is best suited to candidates who already have direct experience in donor-funded international development programmes.
Applications from candidates without this background (e.g. IT, construction, or corporate PM roles) are unlikely to be successful.
The Process
If you’d like to find out about project management opportunities as they arise within our team, please complete our application form which will tell us more about your skills and experience and what you are interested in. When we have a role which needs your expertise, we will reach out and let you know about it.
