WeWorld-GVC, recently constituted from the merger of two NGOs, is an Italian secular and independent organization working since 1971 in international cooperation and humanitarian aid. Present in 29 countries with 128 projects, WeWorld-GVC operates in the following areas of assistance: human rights (gender equality, prevention and combating violence against children and women, migration), humanitarian aid (prevention, emergency relief and rehabilitation), food security, access to water, health and hygiene, education, global citizenship education, quality teaching and international volunteering. WeWorld-GVC works mostly with girls, boys, women and youth, actors of change in every community for a fairer and more inclusive world. Supports people overcoming emergencies and guarantees a life with dignity, opportunities and a better future through human and economic development programs, in the framework of the 2030 Agenda. Joining the WeWorld-GVC team means being part of the development of a dynamic organisation where the contribution of each staff member is promoted and valued, working together towards the collective achievement of shared goals and vision. At present, the main donors are Italy (AICS), the EU (DG ECHO), UNICEF, OCHA, and Belgium (DGD).

Position: Project Manager Syria

Reporting Relationship: Program Coordinator

Location: Damascus, field visit when required for the project supervision in Aleppo and DEZ

Type of contract: 6 months renewable

Deadline: 01/10/2021

Starting date: ASAP

Gross Salary: to be defined according to the candidate’s profile

Working context

The presence of GVC in Syria dates back to 2011, with an emergency education intervention in favour of Iraqi refugees in Aleppo. The programme aimed at improving the quality and the accessibility of educational services for students, with special needs in 12 primary schools in Aleppo. Since 2014, GVC has been providing humanitarian assistance to the Syrian population and IDPs with interventions in different sectors such as Education in Emergency and Wash. At present, the main donors are EU (ECHO), individual countries (AICS) and United Nations (OCHA, UN-Habitat).

Purpose of the Role

The Project Manager will work under the direct responsibility of the Program Coordinator and will be responsible for the successful implementation of specific projects, including budget, project design, development, project monitoring and evaluation. May manage field office staff.

Main functions and duties

Project Management

• Responsible for the planning, implementation and management of the project activities, ensuring accurate and timely reporting according to WeWorld-GVC and donor requirements
• Implement approved project plans (including the establishment of milestones)
• Provide supervision, guidance, coordination and monitoring of the project staff, ensuring clarity over project plans and priorities, encouraging effective team
• Provide the Program Coordinator with regular action plans and project updates advising of any deviations from the plan

Coordination and Representation

• Ensure relations with communities and local government are in place
• Support in the establishment and maintenance of relations with other NGOs
• Ensure constant and cooperative relation with Donors
• Develop and maintain appropriate, regular, transparent and supportive communication with the assigned project staff, and relevant stakeholders (e.g. beneficiaries, community leaders, local and national government officials, UN agencies and other NGOs)
• Participate in cluster coordination meetings and monthly Donor’s meetings, representing WeWorld-GVC and feeding back the Country Representative with relevant issues and updates
• Participate in internal coordination meetings

HR Management

• Participate in the recruitment process and training of team staff as required by project plans with program coordinator
• Lead and motivate the project team by building a collaborative work environment
• Ensure proactive attitude and inputs towards identification of training for staff
• Ensure that behavioural expectations of team members are established
• Ensure that performance reviews are conducted

Budget and Administration

• Manage the project budget and ensure all expenses are according to budget and meet WeWorld-GVC standards with regard to financial management, including accountability and good governance, in strict collaboration with WeWorld-GVC Country Finance Manager and with AFC Responsible in HQ
• Ensure that all expenditures comply with WeWorld-GVC Financial Rules and Regulations

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Define, together with the MEAL Manager, the monitoring plan and specific tools to assess the progress of the project
• Monitor progress on the implementation of activities and of results/objectives achieved through field visits, meetings with partners and stakeholders, data collection and analysis

Reporting and Accountability

• Ensure periodic internal reporting
• Draw up narrative and financial donor’s reports, intermediate and final (in collaboration with WeWorld-GVC local office and HQ)
• Prepare activity/project reports and analysis of the data collected on a regular basis or upon request
• Provide regular reports/updates to the Country Representative on all activities carried out

Essential Requirements

Qualifications and Knowledge

• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, economics, international affairs or related field required
• Fluent in written and spoken English
• Good knowledge of MS Office
• Knowledge of main mission donors’ policies and procedures (ECHO, UN Agencies, EU, Italian Cooperation)

Professional experience

• At least 3 years of professional humanitarian/development experience
• Demonstrable Project Cycle Management, including budget management, planning, reporting, monitoring and evaluation
• Proved experience in managing projects funded by AICS, EU, UN
• Proven experience in grants management
• Experience in donor reporting and proposal development

Skills and Abilities

• Strong flexibility and capacity to adapt behavior to the needs of the situation
• Capacity to work autonomously and in problems prevention/resolution
• Proven organizational skills and ability to effectively manage multiple tasks while fostering quality, team spirit and positive working relationships with colleagues
• Ability to identify, initiate and maintain good relationships with partner organizations, donors and national authorities including building professional relationships with senior decision-makers and influencers / leaders
• Good communication, negotiation skills and sensitivity in dealing with local institutions on critical issues
• Cultural, gender, religion, and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Strong commitment to the Mission of We World-GVC, genuine interest for international cooperation development topics

Desirable Requirements

• Knowledge of Italian would be considered an asset
• Previous experience in Syria or in the Syrian crisis context
• Knowledge of main donors’ policies and procedures (EU, UN Agencies, Italian Cooperation) proven by management experience