Programme Manager

About Ettijahat

Ettijahat- Independent Culture is a cultural organisation founded at the end of 2011. Ettijahat seeks to activate and render the role of independent culture and arts more positive in the process of cultural and social change. Ettijahat achieves this by supporting artists and undertakers of cultural initiatives, enabling young researchers, working to build consensus and alliances between individuals and cultural institutions, promoting the arts and artists through regional and international platforms, and helping Syrian communities wherever they are to have access to culture and arts.

Job Description

Applicants interested in the position of Programmes Manager should meet the requirements and be able to fully assume the responsibilities listed below.

Responsibilities

1. Programme Implementation Related Tasks:

• Oversee the implementation of programmes with specific focus on performing arts, arts education, and heritage initiatives in cooperation with respective programme officers, and provide advice in terms of priority setting and time management as needed
• Lead coordination and collaboration with local and international partners to ensure effective programme delivery and impact
• Oversee and ensure the timely drafting of programme reports to donors and the Ettijahat Board of Directors
• Lead on the internal and external reports that are related to the institution and its partners
• Take on resource mobilisation through expanding network of potential donors, contribute to drafting proposals and seek other funding channels (through new donors or the private sector)
• Stay abreast of all developments at the programme implementation level
• Be knowledgeable and stay informed on developments in the performing arts, arts education, and heritage sectors as well as general socio-political changes and provide analysis and contribute to strategic direction accordingly
• Provide guidance on members for independent juries that ensure fair selection processes for all grant programmes
• Contribute to drafting overall programme strategies and work plans
• Provide staff with general guidance and advice on programme implementation as needed

2. Office Financial Administration, Managerial and Representative Tasks:

• Work closely and on a daily basis with Ettijahat financial department, and stay informed of the financial situation of the office
• Discuss with Grants Senior Management as well as external stakeholders’ financial matters as required

Experience

• A minimum of eight years of experience in programme management within the cultural sector, with demonstrated expertise in performing arts, arts education, and/or heritage programmes
• A minimum of 5 years as a team manager
• Proven experience in managing and coordinating with local and international partners
• Fluency in Arabic (verbal and written) is a must; very good English (verbal and written) is required; French is an additional asset
• Knowledge of the cultural scene in Syria and Lebanon, and the Mashreq region in general
• Strong communication and writing skills and capability to adapt communication according to needs
• Experience in developing strategies and good understanding of monitoring and evaluation principles
• Experience in budgeting (programme and administrative) and confidence in handling financial reports and figures
• Ability to manage a team of at least 2 persons and to ensure a positive work environment for all
• A strong interest and understanding of the overall socio-political context of the Arab region
• Flexibility in adapting to unexpected circumstances and capability to find solutions for challenges and bottlenecks
• Willingness to travel
• Readiness to work overtime when needed
• Must be residing in Lebanon

Personal Skills

• Integrity that ensures performing in an impartial and honest manner at all times
• Professionalism that ensures that work is carried out with dedication, conscientiously, and efficiently
• Respect for others, empathy, and tolerance
• Strong time-management and organisational skills, and the capability to set priorities that ensure timely and efficient implementation of programmes and strategies
• Client/beneficiary oriented to ensure a positive relationship with all stakeholders
• Team spirit that makes working in a team enjoyable
• Creativity that helps overcome challenges and finds practicable solutions
• Technical awareness that is in line with the modern requirements of the time
• Capacity to work well under stress