Project Manager At Bibliothèques Sans Frontières

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About Libraries Without Borders

Established in France in 2007, Libraries Without Borders / Bibliothèques Sans Frontières (LWB/BSF) is an international NGO that supports knowledge development and culture, especially in libraries in developing countries. We think that easy access to information and culture sharing is vital for both human development and human rights. We work in over 20 countries, helping local communities build and improve libraries to support education, cultural access, and preservation. BSF develops creative programs including digital and physical libraries for enhanced access to education and information.

BSF’s interventions are based on three pillars:

  1. Selection and curation of educational and informational content adapted to the final beneficiaries (profile, language(s) spoken, literacy level, objectives), both physical and digital. To date, the BSF database contains over 50,000 digital contents in more than 36 different languages.
  2. Creation of tools and spaces: Disseminating this content using innovative offline digital tools, enabling users to access this content from their smartphone, tablet, or computer:
  • The Ideas Box: a multimedia library in kit that can be deployed over 100 m2 in less than 20 minutes, containing both physical and digital resources, an offline internet server along with computers and tablets, board games, films, etc. This toolbox can be used to set up educational and school activities, training courses, as well as human development activities such as theatre workshops and games.
  • The Ideas Cube: a mobile micro-server that works without an Internet connection to provide access to information in the most remote locations. The Ideas Cube creates a Wi-Fi hotspot to which users can connect using a smartphone, tablet or computer to access thousands of educational, cultural or training resources.
  1. We train facilitators, librarians and teachers to conduct educational and cultural activities using the Ideas Box and Ideas Cube.

For more information, visit www.librarieswithoutborders.org

Context

BSF has been active in the Middle East since 2015 and currently implements various educational projects in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Palestine. Operations are conducted under the regional office in Amman, Jordan.

In Syria, BSF is currently implementing a project funded by the French Embassy in Syria (under the FEF funding mechanism), which aims at rebuilding cultural and social life for communities in Rural Damascus, As-Sweida and Aleppo by supporting the opening and operation of 5 libraries/cultural centres. The project started in November 2025 and will run until November 2027. Within the framework of this FEF project, BSF is now seeking to recruit a Project Manager.

Position Overview

The Project Manager plays a central role in ensuring the quality, accountability, and effective implementation of the FEF-funded project. The position is responsible for planning, managing, and overseeing all project activities to ensure timely delivery in line with objectives, donor requirements, and organizational standards.

The role ensures strong coordination with partners, technical teams, and support departments, with a particular focus on partner management, operational oversight, and compliance. The Project Manager plays a key role in ensuring that programmes are delivered with high quality, accountability, and impact, while adapting to changing contexts and operational challenges.

The Project Manager works closely with MEAL, logistics, and finance teams to ensure effective project implementation, including oversight of procurement processes, resource management, and operational planning.

The Project Manager reports to the Country Representative based in Damascus (line manager) and to the Regional Program Coordinator based in Amman (functional manager).

This position is open to Syrian nationals only.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Planning and Implementation

  • Lead project planning processes, including development of workplans, budget, and implementation strategy.
  • Ensure timely and effective implementation of project activities in line with objectives and donor requirements.
  • Monitor progress against workplans and adjust implementation as needed.
  • Conduct regular field visits to all project locations to monitor the implementation and support implementing partners as needed.
  • Ensure that cross-cutting priorities (protection, gender, inclusion, accountability, communication, etc.) are integrated into project activities.
  • Oversee and conduct the technical needs assessment, with the support of the MEAL Officer.
  • With the support of the Technical Coordinator, conduct training for partners’ staff on operating the Ideas Cube servers and the micro-library.

2. Partner Coordination, Management and Capacity Building

  • Oversee and monitor implementing partners to ensure quality, compliance, and alignment with project objectives and technical requirements.
  • Maintain regular communication and coordination with partners, including field follow-up.
  • Identify capacity gaps and support partners through training and ongoing technical guidance.
  • Ensure partners adhere to agreed methodologies, reporting requirements, and contractual obligations.
  • Contribute to partners’ mapping and capacity assessments.

3. Monitoring, Reporting, and Quality Assurance

  • Work closely with the MEAL Officer to ensure proper monitoring systems are in place and used effectively.
  • Ensure timely collection, analysis and validation of project data and partner reports.
  • Draft high-quality narrative reports in line with donor requirements.

4. Budget Management

  • Ensure sound budgetary management by forecasting and monitoring expenditures, ensuring efficient and compliant use of funds.
  • Work closely with the Admin/Finance/Logistics Officer to monitor burn rates and forecast expenditures.
  • Ensure financial reporting is accurate and aligned with project implementation.
  • Track sub-grant timelines, deliverables, and reporting deadlines.

5. Logistics and Procurement Oversight

  • Coordinate with the Admin/Finance/Logistics Officer to ensure timely procurement of project supplies and services.
  • Prepare and submit detailed purchase requests for all procurement required under the project.
  • Ensure procurement processes are conducted in compliance with organizational and donor regulations.

6. Coordination and Representation

  • Coordinate internally with MEAL, finance, logistics, and technical departments to ensure smooth project implementation.
  • Ensure representation and coordination as needed with the Ministry of Culture and local authorities.
  • Ensure the representation of BSF in external meetings with NGOs, donors, sectors, and working groups as required.
  • Build relations with potential operational partners (national and international NGOs) as required to further develop BSF’s partnerships.

7. Contribution to Programme Development

  • Support the Regional Programme Coordinator and the country team in designing education and culture projects in Syria, and provide inputs for proposals as required.
  • Support the development of logical frameworks and standardized indicators for education and culture programming in Syria.
  • Any other relevant task as required by the Country Representative or the Regional Programme Coordinator.

Reporting Lines

  • Line manager: Country Representative
  • Functional manager: Regional Programme Coordinator
  • Supervision of: Cultura Project Officer (1)
  • Collaborates with: AFL Officer, MEAL Officer, Project Managers, NGO partners (national and international), direct beneficiaries, BSF Regional Office team.

Required Skills and Competencies

Experience / Competencies

  • University degree in related sector (education, project management, development, humanitarian studies…).
  • At least 2-3 years of experience in project management and coordination. Prior experience with international NGOs would be a strong asset.
  • Proven experience in education and/or cultural projects is required.
  • Experience in managing child-friendly safe spaces would be a strong asset. Experience in PSS and protection would be an asset.
  • Strong experience in partnership and grants management.
  • Knowledge of donor procedures.
  • Good command of Microsoft Office tools.
  • English proficiency.
  • Knowledge of the Project Cycle Management.

Soft skills

  • Strong interpersonal skills and teamwork, with ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, especially in multi-partner projects.
  • Excellent critical thinking and analytical skills.
  • Strong autonomy and initiative.
  • Excellent communication, writing, and synthesis skills.
  • Strong organization and ability to meet deadlines.
  • Problem-solving mindset.
  • Flexibility and adaptability in complex contexts.
  • Ability to work in sensitive and multicultural environments.
  • Commitment to NGO values and principles.

Hiring conditions

  • Status: one-year fixed contract with possibility of renewal, depending on availability of funding and performance.
  • Starting date: ASAP
  • Location: based in Damascus, Syria, with regular travel to other governorates in Syria (notably Aleppo, As-Sweida and Rural Damascus).
  • Salary and benefits: salary based on experience and BSF salary scale.

How to apply

Application process

By joining us, you’ll be part of a vibrant, growing organization that leads meaningful projects with social impact. We value our employees’ career growth through training and teamwork in a collaborative work environment.

Applicants should submit their CV and cover letter by September 13, 2026 at admin.me@bibliosansfrontieres.org with the email subject “Application Project Manager SYR”.

Incomplete and/or late applications will not be considered. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for the next steps of the recruitment process (technical test and interview).