Programme Manager, Middle East and North Africa Programme At International Commission of Jurists

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) is a worldwide organization of judges and lawyers united in affirming international law and rule of law principles that advance human rights. Its strategic goals for 2021-2025 are: (1) to develop, defend, and strengthen international institutions, instruments, and standards on rule of law and human rights; (2) to improve domestic implementation of, and compliance with, international law and standards; (3) to bolster the effectiveness and independence of judges and lawyers; and (4) to improve access to justice for all and accountability. With its Headquarters based in Geneva, Switzerland, ICJ has a presence in Africa, Latin America, Asia & the Pacific, Europe & Central Asia, and the Middle East.

To help ensure the successful implementation of the ICJ’s work in the MENA region, we are seeking a full time Programme Manager. The ideal candidate has worked for NGOs and is familiar with human rights and rule of law programming, preferably in the MENA region; has a background in grant management and operations, and is able to lead programme development efforts.

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Working under the supervision of the Director of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Programme, and in close co-operation with the team of the MENA Programme and with ICJ headquarters’ financial and administrative staff, the Programme Manager will contribute to the development, implementation and monitoring of human rights and rule of law projects in the MENA region.

The Programme Manager tasks and responsibilities will include :

• Developing and monitoring the implementation of project activities and ensuring that project outputs are achived in timely manner;
• Drafting narrative reports to donors and enusuring the accuracy between narrative and financial reports;
• Managing administrative aspects of projects, including human resources, logistics, and financial matters;
• Drafting fundraising proposals in accordance with a range of donor formats and in coordination with the regional team;
• Supporting the MENA team, including by ensuring they receive appropriate and timely technical and substantive advice and assistance;
• Contributing to the implementation of activities and attending activities and meetings whenever required;
• Ensuring respect of organizational policies and guidelines;
• Developing and overseeing the implementation of strategies for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the programme;
• Developing and maintaining appropriate communication and information flow regarding the work of the MENA programme internally within ICJ and externally with a multitude of stakeholders in the region;
• Contributing to monitoring and analyzing the legal and political developments in the MENA countries relating to the rule of law, human rights and the independence of the judiciary and the legal profession; and
• Assisting in other ICJ activities at the request of the MENA Regional Director.

PROFILE

The successful candidate will have:

Education

• Degree in development, international relations, management, human rights or a related subject; further academic studies in management, international law or international relations and qualifications in project management desirable.

Work Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in programme management, including project design, budgeting, work plan development, implementation and monitoring, budget-tracking and reporting, ideally involving human rights, rule of law or justice sector-related projects;
• Experience in project development, financial and narrative donor reporting as well as budget and log frame drafting; track record in successful project devloppemnt and implementation an asset;
• Experience in organization of events, conferences, workshops, seminars or other events; and
• Knowledge of rule of law and human rights issues in the MENA region highly desirable.

Language skills

• Professional fluency in English. Knowledge of oral and written Arabic and/or French is an asset.

Other competencies

• Excellent project management skills and ability to maintain and expand a programme;
• Demonstrated analytical and writing skills, including substantial report-writing experience;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as a part pf a multi-cultural team;
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral): sensitivity to and responsiveness to all partners and staff;
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and to adjust priorities flexibly in response to external events;
• Computer skills (MS Office suite including Excel);
• Willingness to work from and travel in the region; and
• Demonstrated commitment to human rights and the rule of law.