Program Director: Jordan ‘Sawt’ Program
The National Democratic Institute (NDI) seeks a Program Director with excellent management skills and extensive experience to lead the implementation of an anticipated five-year USAID Sawt Civil Society Strengthening Activity in Jordan. The program will aim to position Jordanian civil society and media to actively and effectively represent and advocate on behalf of citizen-driven interests. The Program Director’s experience should include providing assistance to civil society groups, particularly related to encouraging political participation and inclusion of women, youth, and other traditionally excluded groups as citizens.
The Program Director will oversee all aspects of programmatic, staff and office management, including the implementation of program activities, managing grants, providing leadership to a team of Jordanian staff, and ensuring compliance with NDI and donor procurement and financial policies and procedures. The Program Director serves as the project’s principal contact point for USAID/Jordan and oversees all aspects of program performance.
The Program Director will be based in Amman. This position works closely with Washington-based program staff and management who manage communications and provide overall strategic guidance and support for country office activities. The Program Director reports to the Senior Country Director for Jordan.
Hiring for this position is contingent upon contract award as well as donor approval and funding.
Responsibilities:
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
- Provide day-to-day management of program activities, office administration, and oversight and evaluation of program staff
- Oversee the design and implementation of activities in key project areas including civic engagement, advocacy, and civil society and media capacity development
- Provide comprehensive oversight, technical assistance, and management of grants for local partners
- Monitor programs to determine that programmatic goals are achieved and that operational and reporting requirements are adhered to
- Adjust programmatic activities based on changing political circumstances and in response to needs articulated by local partners and program stakeholders
- Work in tandem with the Finance and Administrative staff in Amman and Washington, DC to oversee the project budget, financial management and the submission of monthly program activity budgets and financial reconciliations to the Washington, DC, office
- Make programmatic adjustments as necessary throughout the implementation cycle to avoid budget overruns
- Ensure program compliance with donor requirements with regards to work plans and performance monitoring plans, and respect of procedures to ensure the integrity of all financial transactions
EXTERNAL RELATIONS
- Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with Jordanian political and civil society leaders, partners, government officials and members of the international, diplomatic, and donor communities
INTERNAL COMMUNICATION / STAFF AND PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT
- Oversee the writing and timely submission of monthly program activity reports, quarterly reports, monitoring and evaluation data, periodic updates on political/security developments, and other program-related materials
- Collaborate with and build the capacity of project staff to play a substantive role in program development and implementation
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree, preferably in International Relations, Public Policy, or a related subject; Master’s degree preferred.
- Minimum ten (10) years of relevant work experience in international development, especially the democracy and governance sector
- Strong track record of visionary leadership and personnel management
- Solid experience in all aspects of program design and management, including office operations, financial and human resources management
- Proven ability to effectively communicate skills and experiences to others as a trainer, facilitator, and advisor
- Experience with grants programs, particularly in managing grants to partner organizations in the Middle East/North Africa
- Demonstrated ability to engage in strategic planning and conduct and apply sophisticated political analysis to programmatic activities in pursuit of the organizational mission
- Exceptional interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity to effectively interact and maintain professional relationships with all levels of staff, policy makers, US and foreign government personnel, members of donor organizations, and funders
- Knowledge of USAID rules and funding processes
- Proven ability to ethically manage budgets and employ accountable financial practices
- Strong oral and written communication skills in English; Arabic language ability preferred
- Experience working in a multicultural environment, preferably in the Middle East/ North Africa Region
- Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team and to promote staff development
- Working knowledge of PC-based word processing, spreadsheet applications, and e-mail technology
Comments:
Hiring for this position is contingent upon contract award as well as donor approval and funding.
This position is based in Amman, Jordan, with travel throughout the country.
Salary is commensurate with experience and education. A generous benefits package is provided.
NDI welcomes and supports a diverse, inclusive work environment. As such, our commitment is to promote equal employment opportunities (EEO) for all applicants seeking employment and NDI employees. NDI makes employment decisions based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, personal appearance, military status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political affiliation, educational status, unemployment status, place of residence or business, source of income, or reproductive health decision making. Additionally, harassment or discrimination based on these characteristics will not be tolerated at NDI. To perform the essential functions of this position, reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities and qualified individuals who have limitations due to pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or medical related condition.