Project Coordinators | Hanoi, Danang and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | 2024

General Summary/Background:

Chemonics International is implementing the USAID-funded Partnership for Higher Education Reform II (PHER-II) project, which aims to support three leading universities in Vietnam – Vietnam National University Hanoi (VNU-HN), Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), and The University of Danang (UD) – to become more sustainable, accountable, and autonomous. PHER-II seeks to modernize these institutions to help them achieve world-class university status by focusing on four core areas:

  1. Governance Excellence
  2. Academic Excellence
  3. Research and Innovation Excellence
  4. University-Industry Linkage Capacity

Position Overview

Chemonics International is seeking three qualified Project Coordinators for a fixed-term contract through August 2026. Positions are based in Hanoi, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh City to coordinate project activities with assigned universities. The coordinator will serve as the primary point of contact between the PHER-II project team and the assigned university, facilitating communication, coordinating activities, and ensuring effective implementation of project initiatives. This role is critical in fostering strong relationships with university stakeholders and ensuring that project activities are executed smoothly and timely. While the successful candidate may come from the international development sector, talented candidates with client-facing account management experience from consulting, accounting, marketing, or other related industries are encouraged to apply.

Work location

  • Hanoi position: Based in the PHER office in Hanoi with majority of work hours spent onsite at VNU-HAN corporate office and member institutions.
  • Danang position: Remote with majority of time spent onsite at UD corporate office and member institutions.
  • Ho Chi Minh position: Remote with majority of time spent onsite at VNU-HCM corporate office and member institutions.

Responsibilities

  • Relationship Management:
    • Build and maintain strong relationships with university leaders, faculty, and staff to support project goals.
    • Address any concerns or issues raised by university stakeholders promptly and effectively.
    • Represent the PHER-II project professionally in all interactions with university personnel.
  • Coordination and Communication:
    • Act as the primary point of contact between the PHER-II Chief of Party (COP), Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP), and university stakeholders.
    • Facilitate effective meetings, communication and collaboration between the PHER-II project team and university administration, faculty, and staff.
    • Maintain regular communication with designated focal points in university departments to ensure alignment with project objectives and activities.
    • Organize and schedule meetings, workshops, training sessions, and events related to the PHER-II project, ensuring attendance and productivity.
    • Prepare meeting agendas, materials, and logistics arrangements.
    • Take detailed notes and minutes during meetings, ensuring accurate documentation of discussions and action items.
  • Project Management Support:
    • Coordinate and monitor the implementation of project activities at the university, ensuring they are executed on time and within scope.
    • Provide inputs for development of detailed work plans and schedules for project activities.
    • Track progress against project timelines and milestones, identifying and addressing any potential delays or issues.
    • Prepare regular reports on project activities, progress, challenges, and outcomes at the university.
    • Maintain organized records of all project documents, communications, and files.
    • Assist in the preparation of presentations, reports, and other documentation as required.
    • Assist in collecting and analyzing data related to project performance indicators at the university.
    • Provide feedback and recommendations for improving project implementation at the university.
  • Administrative Support:
    • Coordinate logistical arrangements for project staff and consultants/experts visiting the university including international visitors not fluent in Vietnamese.
    • Assist with procurement processes related to project activities, following Chemonics and USAID policies.
    • Ensure compliance with all administrative and financial procedures.
  • Other Duties:
    • Perform other tasks as assigned by the PHER-II project management that contribute to the successful implementation of the project.

Skills, Qualifications and Professional Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in education, project management, business administration, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in project coordination, administration, or management within the education sector or with international development projects or equivalent experience in the private sector.
  • Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, in English and Vietnamese.
  • Ability to build and maintain professional relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
  • Ability to facilitate meetings with stakeholders, especially with VNU-HN counterparts.
  • Detail-oriented with strong note-taking and documentation abilities.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and virtual communication tools (Zoom, Teams).
  • Problem-solving skills with the ability to identify issues proactively and propose solutions.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability.
  • Professionalism and integrity, with a commitment to ethical standards.
  • Cultural sensitivity and understanding of the higher education environment in Vietnam.
  • Enthusiasm and motivation to contribute to the improvement of higher education.

Preferred qualifications

  • Master’s degree or other postgraduate education
  • Experience working with universities or educational institutions in Vietnam
  • Familiarity with USAID projects and understanding of donor compliance requirements.
  • Knowledge of project management principles and experience using project management tools.

Reporting Relationship

The position will report to the Deputy Chief of Party for the PHER Activity.

Application Instructions:

  • Only Vietnamese citizens residing in or willing to relocate to Hanoi are eligible for this position.
  • Interested candidates are invited to submit their Cover letter and CV to VietnamHEDSRecruitment@chemonics.com with the subject line: Project Coordinator – [Work Location name] – [Your name]
  • Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Chemonics prioritizes the protection of your personal data.
  • The deadline for applications is 15 December 2024

Chemonics is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, age, or other legally protected characteristics.