Senior Project Manager – Critical Minerals Support Facility Design

Senior Project Manager – Critical Minerals Support Facility Design

Department: Management Consultants

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract

Location: Africa

Reporting To: Head of Programmes



Description

Allied Talent Partners is a talent marketplace,  connecting experienced professionals with climate-related projects and businesses in Africa.

High-Level Overview

Client:
The client is a philanthropic organisation dedicated to addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development in Africa. They collaborate with governments (national, and sub-national), regional bodies, civil society, labour, research institutions and the private sector to implement innovative solutions that foster low-carbon development and climate resilience. Through grant making and fiscal hosting the client supports an ecosystem of actors across the continent working at the nexus of climate and development.

Project:
The client is supporting the establishment of the Critical Minerals Support Facility (CMSF) to respond to the growing demand among African critical mineral producer countries for targeted support in navigating the opportunities and risks of the global energy transition. The Facility will offer technical assistance (rapid response and long term technical assistance) to help governments enhance domestic value addition, improve ESG performance, foster South–South collaboration, and support investment mobilisation. The CMSF will be incubated by the client (or another partner organisation) with the goal of spinning off as a standalone institution.
The client seeks an experienced Senior Project Manager to oversee the design phase of the CMSF. The role involves managing a complex, multi-stakeholder initiative to ensure the facility is designed to promote value addition, just development pathways, and climate-smart governance for Africa's critical minerals sector. The project requires coordination with consultants, partners, and internal teams to deliver a robust operational model, governance framework, and implementation plan.


Role and Responsibilities

Role: Senior Project Manager – CMSF Design
Direct Report: Head of Programmes
Candidates Required: 1

Key Responsibilities: 
  • Develop and manage a detailed workplan and timeline for the CMSF design process.
  • Establish and operationalise the Steering Committee, including drafting terms of reference, facilitating meetings, ensuring the SteerCo has access to information (minutes of meetings, briefing notes etc). 
  • Serve as the primary liaison between the client, external advisors, and stakeholders, ensuring inclusive and transparent consultations. 
  • Oversee consultants and technical advisors, ensuring alignment with project goals and quality deliverables. 
  • Maintain documentation of milestones, decisions, and risks, providing regular updates to client leadership.
  • Deliver a final design package for the CMSF, including governance framework, operational model, and implementation plan.
  • Support high level engagements by the client team and SteerCo members with producer countries and other stakeholders.
Key Deliverables:
  • Project implementation plan with timelines and responsibilities
  • Operational Steering Committee with established TOR, meeting schedule, and engagement processes
  • Submission of key design components (e.g. governance framework, operational model)
  • Final design package for the Critical Minerals Support Facility (drafted with technical consultants)
  • End-of-assignment handover brief, including risks and recommendations for Phase II


Requirements

Experience Required: 
  •  Minimum 10 years’ experience in complex project/program management, with demonstrated success in African development contexts.
  • Extensive background in extractive industries, critical minerals, or natural resource governance, with deep understanding of value chains and local content development.
  • Proven ability to design and implement multi-stakeholder initiatives involving African governments, Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), regional bodies, industry, and civil society organisations.
  • Strong technical knowledge of energy transition dynamics, including global supply chain geopolitics and climate-smart mining approaches.
  • Experience establishing governance structures for new institutions or facilities, including drafting governance frameworks and operational models.
Technical Requirements:
  • Advanced degree (Master's or higher) in public policy, development economics, natural resource governance, or related field.
  • Expertise in project management methodologies with ability to develop comprehensive workplans and monitoring frameworks.
  • Financial acumen to oversee budget development and operational costing for new facilities.
  • Proficiency in collaborative tools (e.g., MS Teams, SharePoint) and project management software.
  • Strong research and analytical skills to synthesize technical inputs from diverse consultants.
Other Skills: 
  • Exceptional stakeholder management capabilities, with proven ability to navigate political sensitivities and build consensus among senior leaders.
  • Self-directed working style with ability to drive progress amidst ambiguity and evolving priorities.
  • Superior written communication skills for developing high-quality briefs, reports, and presentations for executive audiences.
  • Fluency in English (written and spoken) is mandatory; professional proficiency in French or other African languages is strongly preferred.
  • Cultural awareness and adaptability to work effectively across diverse African markets.
Terms of agreement:
Required start date:
July 2025
Contracting period:
6 months (full-time), with potential extension into early 2026 to accommodate a December operational pause and ensure completion of all deliverables, if required.

Working Arrangement
Location:
Remote, with periodic Africa-based travel (subject to project needs). African nationals based on the African continent are strongly preferred.  Diaspora candidates will be considered if based in time zones compatible with African working hours.

Similar Jobs