Program Manager – Women Empowerment At SEED Foundation

About SEED Foundation: SEED Foundation is a registered NGO in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. SEED’s mission is to protect, empower, and support the recovery of survivors of violence and others at risk. SEED is committed to delivering high-quality, holistic approaches, that combine international expertise and local know-how to achieve results for the people of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. SEED’s programming focuses on three key objectives: 1) the delivery of transformational, comprehensive services including case management, mental health, and legal services, as well as psychosocial support activities; 2) strengthening the capacity of service providers through education, training, and capacity-development programs; and 3) ​promoting policy and social change to strengthen the rights of, and protections for, vulnerable groups and individuals through public awareness, technical assistance, and advocacy.

SEED staff are expected to perform job duties and responsibilities professionally, respecting SEED’s Code of Conduct and Policies. SEED is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants, or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members as part of our commitment to a safe and harmonious work environment.

Role of the Program Manager: The Program Manager (PM) will manage a multi-year, international grant program. The Program Manager will be responsible for the successful attainment of goals, objectives and targets, ensuring the highest standards of quality. The Program Manager will plan and evaluate the program; oversee activities and its implementation; manage the budget; and carry out reporting and donor liaison. The Program Manager reports to the Head of Programs, and will work closely with other program managers, technical advisors, unit managers, field staff, and other units such as finance and operations. The PM may also lead the development of technical content for the delivery of the programs aligning with its specific objectives and activities. The PM will lead and strategize engagement and collaboration with government agencies as necessary.

Program Description: The program aims at protecting and empowering survivors or those at risk of gender-based violence through a multi-faceted approach, including community-based initiatives, psychosocial support (PSS), and capacity-building for service providers. By fostering safe spaces and addressing the root causes of violence, the program encourages community engagement. The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in managing women empowerment and GBV protection programs, with specific expertise in community development and PSS initiatives , as well as provision of training and technical assistance to the service providers. Strong technical expertise, program management skills, collaboration and team management, and a commitment to empowering survivors and enhancing their well-being and protection are essential for this role.

Specific Tasks

Program and Grant Management and Leadership (80%)

• Collaborate closely with the Head of Programs and other managers on the full cycle of program management, including design, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Oversee implementation and administration of programs, setting program direction and ensuring that all activities are conducted in full compliance with donor regulations and SEED Foundation policies and procedures.
• Manage budgets, prepare projections, review BVAs, and ensure timely and appropriate spending.
• Develop work plans and track progress on all program objectives, activities, and targets, ensuring program implementation is on time, progressing towards targets and within budget.
• Coordinate across technical, programmatic, operational and management teams to facilitate continuity and complementarity of programming.
• Identify challenges with implementation and make recommendations for course correction.
• Ensure that program implementation is responsive to communities and partners and consistent with SEED’s relevant program guidelines, principles, values, quality standards, and strategic plan.
• Supervise, train and build the capacity of program staff, identifying capacity-building needs and devising development plans for staff members.
• Conduct appraisals and provide regular, constructive feedback to staff members.
• Working closely with the MEAL Manager, develop and contribute to the creation of MEAL systems for programs and projects.
• Ensure that MEAL systems provide adequate feedback to inform program development and course corrections as necessary.
• Lead the drafting process of program reporting, ensuring that reports are of a high quality and submitted on time.
• Support with the development of proposals and concept notes and contribute to the development of SEED’s strategy for the KRI.

Communications, Coordination, and Organizational Representation (20%)

• Prepare program-related communications materials including flyers, social media posts, website content, awareness materials, etc.
• Identify, build and manage collaborative partnerships with other humanitarian partners, coordination bodies, local authorities and other stakeholders.
• Develop strategic partnerships and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders including donors, government actors, UN agencies, and international and local NGOs.
• Work closely with program partners and sub-grantees.

Other

• Ensure the respect of SEED’s Code of Conduct, SEED’s policy on Accountability, and ensure compliance with SEED’s policy on Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, humanitarian principles, and contribute to protection, and Age, Gender, Diversity (AGD) mainstreaming into SEED’s programming.
• Undertake any other duties that may be assigned by the Director of Programs.

Essential Criteria:

• Degree in gender studies, social sciences, international relations, international studies, conflict studies, gender studies, human rights, or another related field.
• At least 5 years experience managing women empowerment, protection, and GBV programs within conflict and post-conflict settings.
• Experience in community development initiatives.
• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Experience implementing donor-funded international development and/or humanitarian assistance programs.
• Experience in the Middle East, Iraq and/or Kurdistan Region is a plus.
• Strong belief in protection, gender equality and human rights.
• Good interpersonal, communication, collaboration, time management and team-building skills.
• High standard of spoken and written English, with Kurdish a plus.
• Ability to work in a stressful setting and adapt quickly to changing environments.