Program Manager (Syrian Women Empowered for Peace & Security

Scope: Syrian Women Empowered for Peace and Security Program (Lebanon, Turkey, Syria)

Reports to: MENA Regional Director

Duty station: Beirut, Lebanon.

Hours:32 hours per week (4 days per week)

Contractual terms: one year contract, renewable

Start date: April 1st, 2021

Apply by: 16 December 2020

Are you interested in working with highly committed women to establish peace and stability in Syria? Are you challenged by the hindrances that Syrian women encounter in building an equitable and inclusive society? Are you triggered by women and their organizations striving for a new and democratic Syria? You might be the person we are looking for. Hivos is looking for qualified candidates for the position of Program Manager of the Syrian Women Empowered for Peace and Security.

Job Context

The Hivos MENA operation contributes to political, societal and economic processes that aim at societal transformation to pluralist and democratic societies with respect for human rights and equal opportunities for all citizens. It collaborates with a variety of stakeholders including citizen activists, civil society organizations, and creative entrepreneurs both in the region and in the diaspora to promote respect for fundamental freedoms and enhance the space for citizen participation.

The program will be implemented by Hivos (lead organization), the Euromed Feminist Institute (EFI) and the Centre for Civil Society and Democracy (CCSD) in Lebanon and Turkey. The program aims at creating a peaceful solution to the current conflict through active involvement of women of all sectors, geographical zones and political affiliations. The strategic objective of the program is: Effective lobby and advocacy ensures Syrian women’s organizations and women leaders have an equal position in Syrian peace processes, leading to visible and lasting commitment of international and local political leaders to peace inclusive of equal women’s rights and protection.

Pending final approval, the program starts 1 January 2021. The program is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Women, Peace and Security grant instrument. The five-year program has a budget of EUR 4.3 million.

Your responsibilities

The Program Manager is responsible for the overall management of the program, the operational and strategic relationship and contract management with the donor, including compliance with contractual agreements. The postholder is to take care that activities align with and contribute to the program objectives and Theory of Change. The person prepares decisions and documents for the Steering Committee and sends these to the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). The PM oversees and has final responsibility for planning and reporting, monitoring overall financial implementation and is responsible for the program audit. The PM will oversee the regranting of the consortium partners and, when required, consultants hired by the consortium for the overall program. The postholder is also responsible for coordinating program linking and learning, organizing key strategic meetings.

Other responsibilities include:

• Proper implementation of the program in close cooperation with local partners as agreed in the official project documents signed by Hivos and the Dutch MFA.
• Preparation and timely submission of annual work plans, M&E reports, narrative and financial reporting to the Dutch MFA and ensures the quality of the reports and evaluations.
• Ensures communication about program activities and results via Hivos website and news outlets whenever feasible and viable.
• · Proper registration of the program in the Hivos project administration system and timely reporting to the back donor, following the proper procedures and formats.
• Oversees and ensures compliance of Hivos, consortium members and local organizations with agreements made, and promotes dynamic accountability.
• Provides leadership in and ensures visibility of the WPS agenda of rightsholders.
• Provides leadership in and ensures visibility of the WPS agenda of rightsholders with donors and stakeholders, including professional forums.
• Contributes to the design and development of new projects within the field of women’s empowerment and gender based on lessons learnt from this project.

Your profile

• University degree in relevant disciplines and with a thorough understanding of gender equality.
• At least 5-7 years of experience in working with civil society organizations and activists in the Middle East on gender equality, with several years with NGOs. Experience working with Syrian women’s organizations and on gender equality for Syria is a critical competency for this position.
• At least 5 years of project/program management experience in similar programming in the MENA region.
• Demonstrated experience in supporting and guiding partners, and building capacities.
• Solid experience working and leading consortiums, and managing sub grants with local and national organizations/entities.
• Highly skilled in external relationship management, including with donors, government and the wider governance and accountability field.
• Strategic thinker, able to link operational learning to wider program outcomes;
• Demonstrates high level of professionalism, entrepreneurial and result oriented, flexible, well-organized, reliable, independent, decisive and strong team player with excellent communication and social interaction skills.
• Sense of humor, brings good energy and positive vibes, & dynamic to the team
• Excellent verbal and writing skills in Arabic and English. Candidates who are not fully fluent in Arabic will not be considered.

What we offer

We offer a stimulating work environment in a professional international organization with very dedicated staff. We particularly welcome applications from women. We offer a contract based on Hivos Lebanon local labor conditions, with a remuneration commensurate with the experience and expertise. Contract renewable depending on performance.