Awards, Partnerships & Project Management Lead

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) was founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, with the mission to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster. The organization operates in multiple countries, particularly in the MENA region, including Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Libya, and Yemen. The IRC focuses on providing integrated programs that improve health and safety, prioritize children's education, foster economic wellbeing, and empower communities to regain control over their lives. The IRC's Early Childhood Development (ECD) portfolio has been active for over seven years, reaching millions of children and caregivers with high-quality ECD services and establishing partnerships with various ministries to embed programs within government services.

Job Overview:
The Awards, Partnerships & Project Management Lead is a pivotal role within the IRC's MENA Early Childhood Development portfolio, responsible for the operational backbone of the regional ECD initiatives. This position involves overseeing the full lifecycle management of regional awards, developing and managing strategic partnerships, ensuring financial oversight, and executing project management tasks. The role requires effective coordination and communication across IRC teams, partners, and donors at various levels, contributing to business development efforts aimed at sustaining and expanding the portfolio. The lead will directly manage an Awards & Project Manager and a coordinator" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Finance Coordinator, with potential for additional staff management as the portfolio grows. The position is crucial for ensuring compliance with donor requirements and maintaining high standards of project management and operational efficiency.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The major responsibilities of the Awards, Partnerships & Project Management Lead include:

• Business Development: Contributing to efforts to sustain and expand the ECD portfolio by identifying funding opportunities, leading pre-award development processes, and supporting donor engagement.
• Award Management & Compliance: Overseeing all aspects of award management, ensuring compliance with donor regulations, and maintaining accurate award management files.
• Financial Management: Managing budgeting, financial reporting, and accounting functions, ensuring accuracy and compliance in financial documentation.
• Partnership Management: Overseeing the partnership cycle from identification to close-out, ensuring effective collaboration with regional partners.
• Project Management & Operations: Maintaining systems for tracking deliverables and risks, ensuring adherence to project management norms.
• Coordination & Information Sharing: Serving as a central coordination point for all awards, partnerships, finance, and project management matters, facilitating knowledge management and regular team meetings.
• Team Management: Directly managing the Awards and Project Manager and Finance Coordinator, providing direction, feedback, and support for professional development.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess at least 7 years of experience in program administration, business development, awards, partnerships, financial management, and project management within an NGO context. Knowledge of project management methodologies, resource management practices, and change management techniques is essential. Candidates should demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills, the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, and experience in conflict and crisis settings. Familiarity with early childhood development or education is a plus, as is knowledge of the Middle East regional context, particularly experience in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, or Palestine.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required, typically a degree in international development, public administration, business management, or a related field. Advanced degrees may be preferred for this role, particularly in areas related to project management or humanitarian assistance.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically at least 7 years in relevant fields such as program administration, business development, and project management. Experience in managing complex projects, particularly in humanitarian or conflict settings, is highly valued. Candidates should also have a proven track record of successful financial management and compliance oversight.

Languages:
Fluency in written and oral English and Arabic is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the MENA region may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position can be based in the IRC Regional Office in Amman, Jordan, or in IRC’s offices in Beirut, Lebanon, or Damascus, Syria. The role may require travel approximately 15% of the time to country program offices across the MENA region. The IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, considering all applicants based on merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The organization emphasizes adherence to core values and principles, including integrity, service, equality, and accountability.