Program Manager

BACKGROUND The International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC) is an international operating non-governmental organisation serving and protecting uprooted people – refugees, internally displaced persons and migrants –regardless of faith, race, ethnicity or nationality. ICMC advocates for rights-based policies and durable solutions directly and through a worldwide network of member bishops conferences, and alongside government and non-governmental partners. For its BPRM and ECHO funded projects in Syria, ICMC is recruiting a Program Manager to support national staff and local partner(s) with the implementation of projects providing health services, education, skills training and humanitarian assistance to Iraqi refugees, UNHCR-recognized refugees of other nationalities and vulnerable Syrians. The majority of the activities are implemented through local implementing partners to whom ICMC provides technical support and organizational capacity building. JOB PURPOSE The main duty of the Program Manager will be to provide support to the ICMC Head of Office with monitoring, evaluation and reporting for ICMC’s projects in line with the donor requirements and ICMC internal policies. (S)He will be responsible for drafting project reports (quarterly, intermediate, final) and relevant annexes in a timely and detail-oriented manner. The incumbent will also engage in identifying new program initiatives and strategic approaches for the positioning and expansion of ICMC operations in coordination with and under the supervision of the Head of Office and the ICMC Headquarters in Geneva. In coordination with the Finance Manager, the Program Manager will ensure ongoing monitoring of project expenditures and will assist with the regular production of financial reports as well as prepare budget modifications, as required. The position requires readiness to travel frequently to Damascus (Syria), subject to entry permits and security situation on the ground. Key ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Ensure timely and quality reporting on the project activities and progress on the targets as per the set deadlines, including regular production of narrative and financial project reports in coordination with the Finance Manager and under the overall supervision of the Head of Office; Review implementing partner reports and work with implementing partner staff to obtain needed clarifications and improvements to the reports; Drafts project reports (quarterly, intermediate, final) and relevant annexes in a timely and detail-oriented manner in coordination with relevant ICMC program staff and implementing partner staff and prepare draft responses to any project-related query from the donors; Ensure all donor requirements, project goals and objectives are well understood and strictly adhered to by ICMC program staff and by the local implementing partner’s staff; Assist with the preparation of concept papers, proposals and situation analysis in coordination with the Head of Office; As directed by the Head of Office, initiate contacts with potential partners in countries targeted for project expansion, including faith-based organizations and local NGOs, with a view to explore areas of project cooperation with ICMC; As required, the incumbent will also participate in various coordination, capacity building, research and assessment efforts and prepare various other documents, including training curricula and meeting minutes; Maintain regular contacts with ICMC HQ and with ICMC Liaison Offices as appropriate; Perform any other duties as required by the program  QUALIFICATIONS AND KEY COMPETENCIES   University degree in International Relations, Business Administration, Social Sciences or a related field. Minimum (3-5) years increasingly responsible working experience in the NGO sector, including proven multi-sector program experience; Prior work experience in the Middle-East and/or proven knowledge of the Middle East region essential; Proven knowledge and experience in designing projects and evaluating the needs of refugees, IDPs and migrants; Previous experience in project implementation in cooperation with local partners; Native level oral and written language skills in English. Arabic and/or French language proficiency an asset; Proven experience in successful program acquisition, including proposal and report drafting (writing sample in English may be required); Solid research and analytical skills; Ability to work under tight deadlines and with minimal support; Ability to identify key strategic issues, opportunities and risks and to adjust flexibly to program needs and strategic priorities; Good command of MS Office applications and other computer programs; Excellent communication and team working skills; Ability to travel within the region     The closing date for receipt of applications is July 25, 2012. Applications will be evaluated upon reception and interviews with shortlisted candidates may be conducted before the closing date. Referees may be contacted prior to the interviewing stage. Owing to the volume of applications, ICMC regrets that only applicants short-listed for an interview will be notified.  Please note that applications received after the deadline will not be accepted. ICMC is committed to equal opportunities for applicants and employees. Applications will be treated in strict confidence.