Program Director

Search for Common Ground (SFCG) is a non-governmental organization working to transform the way societies deal with conflict. We have acquired over 35 years of experience in peacebuilding and are based in 53 local offices worldwide. We seek to tackle the deep-seated causes of long-standing conflict, with our work covering specific topics ranging from refugee and IDP relations with hosting communities, to women’s empowerment, youth engagement, and media for social change, all with a link to deeper conflict issues. In each of our projects we seek to engage all stakeholders and support locally-led efforts to create sustainable change.

Summary of Position

The Program Director will be responsible for providing strategic guidance and ensuring program quality for Search. S/he will supervise Project Managers to ensure timely and quality implementation of all activities; work closely with staff in program design and monitoring and evaluation teams to learn from our work and design future projects; and engage with local partners and stakeholders and other international actors in order to develop and present a relevant and effective strategy for Search’s overall programming.

Responsibilities

•  Support the Country Director in the strategic planning at the office level and programme level 
•  Supervise projects managers to ensure that the overall implementation of projects is in line with donors’ expectations and achieve the expected results and objectives 
•  Work with Project Coordinators, Finance Manager and Procurement Manager to ensure that all the projects are implemented on time and within budget
•  Help lead fundraising and programme development in close collaboration with Country Director, including designing and writing of new projects’ proposals 
•  Assess and build the capacities of Project Managers to equip them with the skills relevant to their projects
•  Ensure that Project Managers have a longer term and broader vision of their own project in line with our overall strategy
•  Develop and maintain proactive and professional relationships with local partner organizations, other NGOs, donors, local authorities, civil society groups, religious groups, and media outlets etc.

As job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, the position holder may be required to undertake other duties that are broadly in line with the above key duties.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related area (Master’s Degree preferred), preferably in conflict resolution, international studies, peace-building, human rights or related are
•  Minimum of 5-7 years of related experience 
•  Strong knowledge of the practice of peacebuilding and conflict transformation as well as familiarity with the Syrian and regional context is essential
•  Knowledge of major donor rules and regulations, and the ability to manage and prioritize multi-donor funding 
•  Experience in the field of conflict transformation
•  Significant experience in project management in a non-profit environment 
•  Previous experience in conducting training and facilitate dialogue will be an asset
•  Proven track record of linking strategic thinking and project implementation

Skills

• Proven ability to negotiate multiple relationships with various partners.
• Dynamic leader with creative problem-solving skills, particularly in challenging situations.
• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills.
• Spoken and written fluency in Arabic and English and/or French.
• Track record of conducting inter-cultural dialogue between highly divided communities.
• Strong oral and written communications skills.
• Demonstrated writing and grants management skills.
• Cultural sensitivity and adaptability.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to-detail.