Peace & Conflict Desk Manager

SUMMARY OF THE ROLE

ALEF’s advocacy and policy work is organized into different thematic desks (Peace & Conflict, Justice & Rule of Law, Refugees & Migration, Freedom of Expression & Assembly, Transitional Justice): This Desk Manager role encompasses responsibilities for the "Peace & Conflict" desk. The position reports to the Programs Manager. If the role for Programs Manager is vacant, the position will be under the supervision of the Executive Director. The role involves advocacy, coordination, analysis and project management functions.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Projects Management and Planning
   • Oversee the development, implementation, and periodic review of Desk-level and project-level workplans and MEAL frameworks.
   • Supervise the execution of projects under the Desk, ensuring alignment with agreed objectives, budgets, and timelines.
   • Provide guidance to Desk Officers on project reporting and compliance requirements, ensuring high-quality deliverables.
   • Conduct regular reviews of activity and project progress, identify challenges, document and share lessons learnt, and implement corrective actions in collaboration with the Programs Manager.
   • Ensure financial oversight of project budgets and spending, liaising with the Operations and Finance teams to ensure compliance with donor requirements.
   • Identify areas for growth and innovation within the Desk’s thematic focus and propose new initiatives or adjustments to enhance impact.
   • In coordination with the Senior Management Team, identify and draw up plans, proposals, and budgets for new projects/extensions of projects.
   • Oversee the communication strategies of the projects under the Desk (social media, visibility, etc.) and ensure they are aligned with ALEF’s yearly communication plan.
2. Team Leadership
   • Provide effective line management to Desk Officers and interns, including regular check-ins, performance evaluations, and mentorship.
   • Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation within the Desk.
3.  Coordination and Representation
   • Represent ALEF at external events, including conferences, policy discussions, and advocacy platforms, ensuring the Desk’s visibility and influence.
   • Establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including partners and networks, to advance Desk objectives.
   • Coordinate closely with the Programs Manager to align Desk activities with ALEF’s overall advocacy strategies.
   • Track and identify relevant funding opportunities for the Desk and coordinate with the Programs Manager accordingly.
4. Advocacy Support
   • Lead on drafting advocacy briefs, position papers, and press releases, with the support of the Desk Officers.
   • Identify and prioritize advocacy opportunities related to the Desk’s thematic focus, advising the Programs Manager on potential interventions.
5. Context Analysis and Risk Management
   • Regularly update the Desk’s context analysis and risk assessments, ensuring mitigation measures are in place.
   • Brief the Programs Manager on significant developments affecting the Desk’s thematic areas.
   • Oversee the monitoring of violations and progresses related to the Desk

Qualifications:

• Degree in International Affairs, Political Science, Public Relations, Human Rights, Human Development, or any related field.
• 3 – 4 years of experience in the advocacy sector.
• Fluency in Arabic and English.
• Good knowledge of human rights’ mechanisms, platforms, and dynamics.
• Good knowledge of local laws and regulations.
• Managerial skills (organizational, reporting, budgeting, and proposal writing).
• Strong writing and editing skills.
• Strong diplomatic, mediation, and communication skills.
• Capacity to work independently, lead on tasks, and suggest solutions.
• Able to work fast and deliver under pressure in a volatile context.