As the second-largest technical cooperation agency in Europe, Expertise France (EF) has been entrusted by the EU with the design and implementation of the “Sustainable Cities – Phase 1” project. The action proposed by Expertise France addresses the need for capacity building and data collection within the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development (MLGRD); at the decentralized level, the action targets regional capitals—Wa, Damongo, Nalerigu, Bolgatanga, Tamale—and the secondary city of Yendi. 

Phase 1 of the “Sustainable Cities” project in Ghana is funded by the European Union (EU) to support sustainable and inclusive cities. The project started in March 2024 and is being implemented over 58 months. The overall objective of the action is to improve urban prosperity for all.

The specific objectives are:

1. Improve governance and implementation of urban policies;
2. Increase access to quality urban services and strengthen accountability of local authorities.

To achieve these objectives, EF is implementing the following actions:

• Promote coordination mechanisms between local and national authorities: capacity building, establishment of an urban observatory, integration of climate change and inclusiveness issues into urban policies, peer-to-peer dialogue, etc.;
• Structurally improve urban governance by strengthening the capacity of central and local governments to coordinate, design, and implement urban policies, planning, and regulation;
• Strengthen technical capacities of local authorities and promote a participatory approach;
• Support local authorities in planning and implementation processes to improve water, sanitation, and waste management services in the six project cities.

Expertise France is seeking a Project Manager to lead the implementation of the Sustainable Cities programme in Ghana.

Reporting to the Head of Urban Development and Circular Economy Unit, the Project Manager will:

• Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight
• Ensure effective delivery of project results
• Manage a multidisciplinary and multi-site team (Accra & Tamale)
• Act as the main interface with key stakeholders, including the European Union and Ghanaian authorities

Main responsibilities include:

Strategic and Operational Monitoring and Leadership 

• Lead overall project strategy, ensuring alignment with EU priorities and national policies
• Define operational orientations: Define and monitor annual work plans, budgets, and performance indicators;
• Ensure timely and high-quality delivery of outputs and outcomes in line with project objectives (logical framework, annual reports and work plans);
• Ensure effective implementation: activities and deliverables are completed on time and within budget;
• Oversee budgetary and accounting management in compliance with Expertise France and EU requirements;
• Oversee risk management, adaptive planning, and problem-solving
• Supervise technical activities related to Urban governance and policy, Capacity building, Urban services (water, sanitation, waste management);
• Coordinate short- and long-term expertise (local and international)
• Monitor project progress in collaboration with the team and EF headquarters (MEAL Plan, supervise reporting to the EU, pomote knowledge shring, capitalization and visibilty of results);

Represenation and Communication

• Serve as the primary liaison with:
  • EU Delegation in Ghana
  • Ghanaian government counterparts (MLGRD and local authorities)
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with key actors (AFD, World Bank, GIZ, UN-Habitat, AfDB, etc.)
• Ensure information sharing within the AFD Group and with the French Embassy in Ghana;
• Represent Expertise France in coordination platforms and high-level meetings

Administrative and Financial Management

• Contribute to the development and updating of project management tools and procedures and ensure their proper application;
• Ensure compliance with Expertise France and EU procedures (eligibility rules, procurement, contracts, grants, reporting, etc.);
• Oversee internal financial reporting and external budget reporting to the donor;
• Coordinate preparation of technical and financial reports.

Team Management

• Lead and manage a diverse team (technical, administrative, support staff)
• Oversee recruitment, performance management, and capacity development
• Ensure effective coordination between Accra and Tamale offices
• Ensure security procedures are applied in coordination with EF security services
• Ensure proper administrative management of staff;
• Maintain a dynamic and positive working environment.