Country Manager

SPARK develops higher education and entrepreneurship, so that young ambitious people are empowered to lead their post-conflict society into prosperity. SPARK is a dynamic and growing not-for-profit development organisation with over 100 staff members that helps young entrepreneurs to start or grow their own businesses. SPARK helps displaced youth to access higher education in conflict areas. Moreover, SPARK assists post-secondary education institutions to reform their curricula to better meet the needs of the labour markets. Based in Amsterdam, SPARK has offices in among others Abidjan, Amman, Beirut, Belgrade, Bujumbura, Gaziantep, Erbil, Hargeisa, Juba, Kigali, Mitrovica, Monrovia, Ramallah, Sanaa and Tunis. Main tasks and responsibilities The country manager will be responsible for the coordination of programme activities related to programs currently being implemented in Lebanon.  Manage HR for the country office (Beirut) and coordinate, support, train and coach field staff in Lebanon Overall management, reporting and implementation of  activities related to the HES programme; Ensure harmonisation and learning at programmes and projects level between SPARK’s programmes, local partner’s projects, programmes of other NGOs and government agencies Being the Legal Representative of SPARK in Lebanon and maintaining contacts with the relevant authorities Project development and acquisition including identification of project development opportunities for SPARK, contextual analysis and  assessment of the entrepreneurial landscape, and donor communication Provide organisational and logistical support for other missions and ongoing activities in the region;               Work closely with partner organisations and maintain partner relations; Reporting to donors including finances and M&E Facilitate and represent SPARK at multi-stakeholder platforms meetings and promote SPARK visibility in Lebanon Other tasks as required. Requirements and skills Educational background related to higher education, entrepreneurship and/or programme management; Must be Lebanese National. Minimum of 5 years working experience in a similar position, level and environment; Relevant experience working in Middle-East, previous experience in Lebanon is an advantage Knowledge of/or experience in international development, preferably working with higher education or entrepreneurship projects Thorough knowledge of the political and economic situation in the region; Proven organisational skills and the ability to work independently; Accurate, structured and precise; Flexible and responsible; Fluent in Arabic and English.  Strong writing and reporting skills; Proven track record of managing a team; Proven track record of  managing multiple projects and stakeholders; Good communication and social skills and the ability to work in a multicultural setting. SPARK offers Remuneration according to relevant work experience with a max gross salary of 3.300,00 Dollars Full-time contract for 12 months with possibility for extension   We are looking for candidates who can start as soon as possible.