Project Manager

About the Strong Cities Network (SCN)

Launched at the United Nations in September 2015, the Strong Cities Network (SCN) is the first ever global network of mayors, municipal-level policy makers and practitioners united in building social cohesion and community resilience to counter violent extremism in all its forms. Led by ISD and comprised of more than 120 cities, the SCN builds collaboration between Mayors, political actors and frontline teams to tackle polarisation, hate and violence in local communities in every major global region. The network catalyses, inspires and multiplies community-centric approaches and action to counter violent extremism through peer learning and expert training. It operates with a set of fundamental principles, agreed by all members, that protect and promote human rights and civil liberties in all aspects of its work to prevent violent extremism.

Key responsibilities

The Consultant will need to work as part of a small team in the region and with others internationally. The deliverables for this placement will include but not be limited to:

• General project management, in liaison with the Senior Regional Programme Manager

• Close cooperation with ISD and SCN staff, consultants and partners based in MENA and London, ensuring excellent internal communications across a global team

• Fostering a positive and collaborative team environment

• Reporting and documentation of project activities

• Writing and editing impact reports, donor reports and public interest pieces

• Supporting local capacity-building activities and training stakeholders, including supporting the development of content for trainings and leading on technical training to local stakeholders

• Designing and delivering project activities and managing stakeholders, including regional implementation, small grants administration and the appointment of and liaison with local partners

• Understanding and meeting practitioner requirements/limitations

• Strategic planning and development

• Providing support to the Senior Regional Programme Manager where required on project delivery, stakeholder management and policy frameworks/infrastructure through a range of project tasks

Consultant specification

We seek an experienced, proactive and dedicated Consultant to work with the SCN team to ensure our ambitious plans in the region are achieved. The successful candidate will be a collaborative and solutions-focused professional with the ability to work to deadline and produce outputs to a high quality. We welcome applications from Consultants who meet the following criteria:

Essential

• A Master’s degree or equivalent in social sciences, international development, political science, sociology or a related discipline

• Exceptional written and spoken Arabic (native) and English

• Strong local awareness, with a familiarity and cultural awareness of working in Lebanon

• Clear, fluent and concise oral and written communication skills

• A minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in project and budget management

• Ability to develop and lead on prevention/intervention mechanisms

• Strong stakeholder management experience

• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders including colleagues, governments, international institutions, civil society organisations, policymakers, community leaders and frontline practitioners

• Outstanding attention to detail

• Highly organised with the ability to be flexible, multi-task and respond proactively

• Experience in leading and delivering events, trainings and high-level meetings

• Line management experience of 1-3 people

• Willingness and ability to work flexibly

• Experience in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook

Desirable

• Previous experience working with government/ municipalities, civil society and/ or international organisations in Lebanon/ MENA region

• 2-3 years of P/CVE and/or peace building project experience

• Other languages

• Sound political judgement, diplomatic awareness, and policy leadership