Overview
Background:
Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions, and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.
Project Summary:
NEA/AC Supporting Civil Society in Syria project aims to strengthen the capacity of Syrian CSOs and the institution of Syrian civil society as a whole to serve Syrian citizens; support CSOs to advance peaceful coexistence; and support CSOs to hold local authorities accountable. The project activities to be supported through this funding opportunity will broadly aim to advance peaceful coexistence and strengthen accountability in targeted communities while enhancing the capacity of CSOs to serve and represent all Syrians.
Responsibilities
Position Summary:
Creative Associates seeks a Team Lead to support efforts strengthening civil society organizations in Syria. Program efforts will include establishing dialogue sessions with local council and organizations, incorporation of advocacy and accountability for the community and CSO capacity building and coalition support. S/he will oversee the day-to-day process of stakeholder engagement and project prioritization, coordination, planning, delivery, and reporting. The Team Lead will have experience in activity/ grant development and demonstrated experience with program management and reporting. S/He will also possess knowledge about the work and organization of local authorities in non-regime held areas of Syria. S/He will have the ability to represent the program to various stakeholders, analyze political work, define problems, and to think innovatively.
Reporting & Supervision:
The Team Lead will report to the HO-based Syria Project Director and will manage a team of approximately seven (7) members, including program coordinators, field officers and office staff.
Primary Responsibilities:
Planning and Implementation
- Coordinates with the Project Director to develop regional program strategy and activities.
- Lead in the development of program work plans to ensure progress towards program objectives.
- Work with program coordinators to develop project ideas and liaise with program partners about local circumstances and context.
- Provide technical oversight and input into grants and activities development and implementation.
- Help identify appropriate STTA support for coalition and capacity building efforts.
- Maintain oversight and report regularly on the professional progress of sub-awardees and local partners.
- Support program wide budget and program activity management, including tracking activity development, implementation, and disbursements.
Program Representation
- Overall management of the in-country relationship with the donor’s designated points of contact.
- Work with program coordinators to establish and maintain effective relationships with key local stakeholders.
- Lead program team efforts to engage and communicate with local partners and key stakeholders.
- Represent the program and Creative at program-related events and activities.
Reporting
- Analyze program and other research findings to inform program and activity design.
- Work closely with the Monitoring and Evaluation and Reporting Manager to ensure research and reporting inputs for reporting deliverables are provided in a timely manner.
- Contribute to the project’s weekly, quarterly, and final reports submitted to donors as required.
- Respond to requests from the client agency and supervisors as needed; and
Other responsibilities
- Perform other duties as required.
Qualifications
- Master or bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
- Knowledge of Syria conflict dynamics, political actors and civil society platforms.
- A minimum of eight-ten (8-10) years of work experience in development work or international project management.
- Experience implementing CSO support activities in a complex and challenging operational setting, preferably in a fragile or transitional state environment.
- Experience liaising with international officials and donor organizations.
- Strong analytical, organizational and communications capacity.
- Proven record of quality and accountability in managing activities through local partners and diverse stakeholders.
- Understanding of other organizations in the region and interactions with local government and bodies.
- Ability to build effective, credible partner and key stakeholder relationships and networks.
- Excellent written and spoken English skills.
- Excellent spoken Arabic and reading/writing proficiency.
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