Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) Project Manager-Syria NES (Local Position)

Function prerequisite:

The Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) Project Manager (CVE-PM) will be responsible to assist the Programme Manager and the Programme Team of Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) with programmes related to de-radicalization, specifically CVE, PVE, Early Warning and Early Response System (ERERs), and reintegration and protection of women and girls, protection of children, women empowerment and interventions related to supporting and implementing the CVE programme.

The CVE-PM is responsible to and reports to the Development Programme Manager (DPM). The planning and implementation of the programme are carried out in coordination with the operation, the finance team, and under the overall responsibility of the CD.

The position is based in NES, Syria with travel to other areas of operation as required.

Note, travel to other areas of intervention will be essential.

Responsibilities:

General description:

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Manager (PM), the position holder will be responsible for the management and monitoring of the projects related to the CVE programme in Syria, in line with NPA’s overall strategies, plans, and policies.

• In coordination with the PM, ensure coordination with all partners, relevant stakeholders, local and national authorities, and other organisations engaged in the development initiatives and working groups in NES.
• Assist the PM in the process of partner identification and verification.
• Act variously as mentor, advocate, or moderator, depending on the demands of the occasion.
• Guide the team to maintain active coordination and cooperation with local partners, I/NGOs, and other stakeholders.
• Focus on working with NPA local partners, in terms of supporting project development, proposal writing, and reporting process. These functions require on the part of the person selected, an ability to relate to the needs and aspirations of the underprivileged in a manner that is both supportive and respectful of culture and traditions.
• Closely follow up on the status of CVE issues in NES and keep the team updated accordingly.
• Under the overall guidance of the Country Director and supervision of the Programme Manager, in cooperation with the programme team and NPA support units, ensure adequate risk management in NPA project activities, including streamlining the integration of risk and security management perspectives in all strategic and programmatic

Specific duties and responsibilities:

• Support the PM with day-to-day management of the programme and relevant projects.
• Follow up with project team, MEAL team and Finance team and Ops team in managing projects and provide necessary support as needed.
• In coordination with the programme team and local partners, support the PM to oversee the implementation of the project activities in accordance with plans and budgets.
• Coordinate with and support local partners in the process of developing and monitoring work plans, budgets, and progress reports that NPA donors require.
• Contribute in monitoring the project expenditures with the PM and finance, develop monthly expenditure projections.
• Contribute in monitoring grant agreements and sub-agreements with partners.
• Work with the PM to monitor and revise budgets, as needed.
• Close coordination with Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Department, to prepare and regularly update the Project Monitoring Plans (PMP).
• Participate in grant opening meetings, conduct required preparation for the meeting and strictly follow up the decisions made in the meeting.
• With the Programme team, support the partner organizations in the process of proposal writing, budgets, logical framework and implementation plans. Review and provide input regarding partner contracts and budgets (originals and amendments).
• Support organizing of project kick off meeting and Steering Committee Meetings on quarterly basics, providing materials to partners and organizing the agenda in liaison with PM.
• Oversee management of contracts with partners with Programme team, ensuring full compliance, timeliness and quality of implementation and reporting in both financial and narrative reports, and in cooperation with the other NPA units. Follow up on partners’ budget spending and assist with payment requests for instalments.
• With the team, conduct regular visits and follow up on communication with partners to follow up project activity implementation and provide support.
• Coaching and mentoring staff as required.
• Lead and contribute in conducting assessment meetings with potential local partners, for soliciting their proposals and concept notes to NPA.
• Prepare quality input to project proposals, quality reports and information materials in a timely manner.
• With Capacity Building team, conduct necessary assessments for partners’ capacity building, and developing capacity building plans and tools, and appropriate follow up.
• Support team and partners in financial and narrative proposal and report writing to ensure good quality, timeliness, accuracy, achieve donor demands and improve project implementation.
• Review and provide inputs on project proposals, reports and information material.
• With or on behalf of the PM represent NPA in formal events such as conferences and meetings conducted by stakeholders.
• Closely follow up the context in Syria especially in regard to CVE issues and keep the Programme Manager updated accordingly.
• Assist the Programme Manager through verbal and written ideas/thoughts in the process of proposal writing to secure funding for the Syria programme.
• Maintain active communication with the programme team, timely response to emails that are sent to him/her by the senior management team, others in the programme team and local partners.
• Complete all required donor reports accurately and on time. Provide the Programme Manager with programme materials, status, and outcomes as requested.
• Help facilitate, liaise and ensure good working relationships with a range of national authorities, UN and local stakeholders.
• Assist in organization and implementation of MEAL and donor visits.
• Support the Programme Manager and MEAL officer(s) to design and implement effective monitoring and evaluation system in the field level to capture impact and ensure that the programme is responsive to opportunities and challenges.
• Develop and maintain proper soft and hard copy archiving for all projects under his/her responsibility.
• Identify any apparent issues in the programme and report them to the appropriate personnel including reporting security incidents/concerns.
• Other duties assigned by the Programme Manager and/or Country Director in relation to program issues.
• Capacity building:
  • Conduct mapping of training needs of local partners, organize and implement trainings for project partners in close cooperation with the Logistics officer and capacity building consultants/trainers.
  • Conduct regular coaching, feedback, mentorship and other forms of capacity building to partners.
  • Support and orient new staff.
  • Support the Programme Manager in developing implementation strategies for partners’ capacity building.

Programme and Thematic Responsibility:

• Assist the PM in strategic planning of programme and provide inputs with the aim to set high quality technical and performance targets, ensuring adherence to sectoral standards, best practices, NPA strategic objectives, Programme Handbook and donor guidelines.
• Coordinate to ensure implementation of adequate procedures for partner relations management, project management and follow-up and integration of financial management.
• Assist the PM and support the team to regularly assess the strategic partnerships and partners in the programme in order to ensure relevance, impact, compliance, transparency and congruence with NPA’s Partnership Policy, NPA Gender Equality Policy, Partnership Agreement as well as NPA’s strategic objectives.
• Based on partner`s capacity assessment ensure the necessary plans for capacity building of partners and oversee and guide the technical and financial assistance to partner organisations.
• Together with MEAL Team ensure high standard monitoring, evaluation, reporting and information management, identify areas for improvement and take charge of necessary reviews in the programme.

Authority/ Decisions:

Typical decisions the holder of the positions makes

Reference is made to the NPA Regulation for Delegation or Authority, Quality Management and Guidelines for the NPA NES Office.

Required qualifications:

Education:

Must have:

• University degree in political science, human rights, development or law, or equivalent experience in relevant sectors with reputable INGO or UN.
• Excellent English language skills, both written and oral.

Experience:

Must have:

• At least 5 years of proven experience in development programming including 3 years of project management experience, in one or more of the following sectors: CVE, PVE, Protection, SGBV, Women Empowerment, Human Rights,
• Strong budget and programme management and leadership skills and proven experience, with the ability to inspire and build competence of staff and achieve results through others, especially in local partnership.
• Excellent analytical and needs assessment skills, experience with capacity development of local organisations.
• Good communication, organizational and analytical skills and ability to work well in a team.
• Written and verbal proficiency in English is essential, as well as Arabic written and verbal proficiency.
• Experience as a successful project manager in an international context working with local partners.
• Experience of long distance (remote) management tools and working with local NGO partners, including capacity building and organizational support to partners.
• Strong knowledge of cultural and political contexts and development issues in the Syria and the NES.

Other qualifications:

• Strong technical and coordination skills, with the ability to lead, inspire and build competence of implementing partner staff and achieve results through others.

Personal Competencies:

• Self-driven with integrity, initiative and ability to think and work independently
• Strong communication, networking and interpersonal skills

Additional Considerations:

• Staff is to abide by the policies and personal code of conduct by the Norwegian People’s Aid and represent the organisation in a loyal and responsible manner.
• All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks including vetting and due diligence.