Jordan Programme Lead

About Siren

Siren drives innovation at the leading edge of public sector transformation, helping clients reimagine the possible in the service of safe, just and free societies. Adopting a systems-thinking approach to public sector change management, we respond to complex problems, deploying a range of services and technological solutions that meet client needs and deliver results for the communities they serve. All of our work is underpinned by a philosophy of client-centeredness.

Siren is an international non-profit organization with headquarters in Beirut and project offices in both Beirut and Jordan. For more information, see: www.sirenassociates.com

Role

The Jordan Programme Lead will occupy a versatile leadership role within Siren. In addition to being responsible for the successful delivery of an ongoing project in Jordan in terms of quality, impact, and compliance, the individual will also play an active and engaged role in expanding our programming within Jordan. Working closely with our Jordan Country Director and HQ Programmes Team, the role provides an opportunity for an energetic and strategic individual to help drive our Jordan programming in line with our 2021 Strategic Framework.

Siren operates in a highly dynamic environment and according to agile project management principles, and is currently undergoing an expansion while managing considerable uncertainty in relation to the Covid-19 crisis. Ultimately, the Programme Lead role demands leadership, strategic thinking, and a self-starter attitude. It is ideal for someone looking for a challenge, and the role offers ample opportunities for innovation and ‘outside-of-the-box’ thinking, as well as growth within the organization. Candidates are expected to bring their own ideas to the table.

Responsibilities Programmatic Strategy (50%)

Leadership & Strategy

• Working closely with our Country Director, provide consistent leadership to the project delivery team in accordance with Siren’s core values in order to foster a healthy, open, and productive work environment
• Execute sound, evidence-driven, and ethical decision-making at a strategic level that aligns with Siren’s mission and goals
• Working in close collaboration with Siren’s Programmes Team (based in Beirut), contribute to the development, updating, and execution of our Jordan Programmatic Strategy, in line with Siren’s 2021 Strategic Framework

Programme Development /Business Development

• Help to identify potential programme development opportunities, both around existing programming as well as in the broader context
• Contribute to the development of concept notes and project proposals in response to identified opportunities
• Where tenders are successful, support in project set up (including the hiring of additional project staff as required)
• Assist in mapping and regular monitoring of current environment in terms of potential donors, partners, beneficiaries, thematic areas, and geographies
• Develop Siren’s network in Jordan, networking with donors, state actors, and civil society in order to expand our portfolio
• Coordinate closely with other HQ functions (Operations, Finance, Human Resources, Communications)

Coordination

• Coordinate with HQ HR, Finance, and Operations Teams in order to ensure programmes are adequately and timely resourced in accordance with Siren policies and Strategic Framework
• Coordinate with the Communications Team to ensure communications and programming are aligned

Project Management (50%)

Delivery Management

• Develop and maintain a detailed work plan for the project in consultation with stakeholders, outlining activities, timelines and required inputs.
• Input into the development and updating of project monitoring frameworks, including theory of change and results framework
• Develop resourcing plans and accompanying budget forecasts, and schedule inputs of relevant resources including subject matter experts, partners, contractors, etc.
• Ensure that team members and experts have the time, resources and information they need to carry out their tasks effectively

Issue and Risk Management

• Work with the project delivery team to identify, resolve, and properly record issues and risks
• Elevate strategic risks to senior management, collaborating to develop response plans accordingly

Financial Management

• Work with the Support Team to maintain up-to-date, accurate, and well thought through Activity Based Budgets and financial forecasting, in accordance with Siren’s financial policies and procedures
• Elevate any financial risks

Reporting and Compliance Management

• Oversee procurement processes in relation to project activity in terms of compliance with Siren Procurement Policies
• Submit monthly narrative progress reports and financial reports, and maintain the Project Charter, in accordance with Siren policies and practices
• Submit required donor reports in accordance with donor requirements in a timely fashion and in close coordination with relevant internal stakeholders
• Report progress in monthly Siren Programme meetings

Staff Management

• Clearly communicate all roles and responsibilities to staff
• Ensure staff have the requisite support to fulfil their duties; in instances when this is not the case, take pro-active and constructive action to address this in collaboration with the Country Director
• Conduct/attend regular internal meetings (again in close coordination with the Country Director) to ensure adequate communication and that all team members remain updated on progress, issues and status
• Assist in on-boarding new project delivery team members, as necessary

Qualifications

Essential

• Jordanian resident
• Demonstrable commitment and alignment with Siren values, namely: Creativity, Commitment, Integrity & Courage, Perseverance, Taking Responsibility, and Valuing Diversity & Difference
• Degree in International development or any related field
• 7-10 years in the international development sector
• 5+ years in a managerial position, with clear evidence of progression in terms of responsibilities and at least 3+ years in a project manager role or equivalent
• Demonstrable experience in business/programme development
• Demonstrable understanding of the project management cycle
• Excellent command of written and spoken English
• Excellent command of written and spoken Arabic
• Strong analytical skills and problem-solving skill
• Ability to work independently and perform well under-pressure
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to maintain good internal and external relationships
• A nuanced understanding of the political economy in Jordan

Desirable

• Master’s degree in relevant subject
• Experience in security sector reform, public sector reform and/or public administration preferably
• Experience with various donor platforms and tendering requirements (e.g. USAID, EC, UK FCDO, etc.)
• Existing networks in the Jordan
• Project management qualification (e.g. PMI, PMDPRO)
• Familiarity with Agile Project Management methodology