Program Manager, Palestine

Overview

Global Communities works at the intersection of humanitarian assistance, sustainable development and financial inclusion to save lives, advance equity and secure strong futures. We support communities at the forefront of their own development in more than 35 countries, partnering with local leaders, governments, civil society and the private sector to achieve a shared vision of a more just, prosperous and equitable global community.

Global Communities is seeking a Program Manager, Palestine to join the Global Operations team at the headquarters in San Diego, CA or Silver Spring, MD. The primary responsibility of the Program Manager is to provide Headquarters (HQ) program and operational support to specific countries and projects within a designated portfolio. S/he is the lead for the assigned portfolio and manages (directly or indirectly), mentors and coaches junior program support team members. The Program Manager is the primary point of contact at HQ for 1) more complex projects within designated countries and 2) cross-cutting, country-wide systems, processes, or initiatives.

The Program Manager oversees HQ support across the project life cycle for the more complex programs within the portfolio, delegating to the Program Officer or Associate where appropriate. This includes providing first line program management and operational support to the in-country team and working with other stakeholders within and outside the Global Program Operations department where needed and appropriate. On assigned projects, s/he is responsible for award management and is the primary point of contact with the donors. The Program Manager will also mentor and support the Program Officer in the management of smaller projects within the portfolio.

The Program Manager identifies key trends, best practices, lessons learned, and challenges across the assigned portfolio. S/he works with the in-country team to improve processes and procedures and escalates any key concerns to the Senior Program Manager. S/he supports the roll out of crosscutting, country-wide programmatic or operational initiatives, delegating to the Program officer where appropriate.

Responsibilities

Responsibility Area: Program Management and Operations

1. Lead HQ support and oversight for more complex projects within the assigned country portfolio, delegating specific tasks to the Program Officer as appropriate.
   • Oversees all HQ support for assigned projects, including award management, contracts and sub-award management, and financial management among others. Coordinates with relevant HQ stakeholders (including Sustainable Development, Finance, People & Culture, General Counsel, Security, IT, recruiting, etc.).
   • Identifies concerns and proposes solutions to programmatic, operational, and systemic challenges to a project’s success. Communicates internally on program and operational successes and challenges, including escalating any major challenges, risks, or issues to the Program Manager.

• Maintains effective relationships with donor HQ representatives, including with the AO/AORs. Requests and secures donor approvals as needed (e.g., prior approvals, deadline extensions, deliverable approvals).
• Provides first-line donor compliance support across the award life cycle for assigned projects. Ensure compliance with contractual requirements, donor regulations and internal policies and procedures.
• Reviews and edits donor reports and other program deliverables (e.g., workplan) for operational soundness and to ensure quality, compliance, a timely submission.
• Ensure adherence to GC and donor minimum program quality standards.
• Conducts visits to country offices and project sites to provide technical and operational support.
• Ensures that key documents and content are updated in GC’s knowledge management system (SharePoint) and that lessons learned, and best practices are being captured.

1. Leads HQ support for crosscutting, country-wide initiatives, delegating specific tasks to the Program Officer as appropriate.

• Provides strategic advice regarding programs, management, and operations.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for the roll out new country-wide programmatic or operational initiatives (e.g., roll out of a new system, support the set-up/improvement of a feedback mechanism, etc.)
• Identifies best practices and lessons learned across the country portfolio, including working closely with the in-country team on a learning agenda.
• Works with in-country team to develop and roll out preparedness planning.
• Review proposals and budgets for new business development opportunities linked with the country portfolio to ensure operational soundness.
• Reviews monthly country report provided by the in-country team and financial analysis developed by the Program Officer, identifying key trends, and escalating any major risks to the SRM.
• Produces succinct written and oral responses to senior management information request on all aspects of country -specific operations under tight deadline.
• Communicates HQ policies and regulations to country offices and monitors compliance.
• Develops and conducts trainings, as needed.
• Leads or provides technical support to new project start-up and close-out in assigned countries.
• Covers field responsibilities/vacancies when needed and provides surge support in cases of new emergencies.

1. Undertakes all other duties and projects as may be assigned from time to time.

Responsibility Area: Management

• Guide staff to prioritize, coordinate, and distribute work based on available resources and changing demands across projects and countries.
• Through matrix management, provides mentorship, coaching and support to junior team members.
• Hires, trains, guides, mentors, and advises staff within the HQ Country Support Team (estimate one staff); leads training and onboarding process for new staff as required.
• Ensures adherence to Standards of Conduct, the Employee Handbook, and other corporate and applicable policies, procedures, and schedules.

POSITION SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Able and willing to travel internationally up to 25-35% annually.
• Promote a culture of excellence, inclusion, learning, support, diversity, and innovation; and demonstrate Global Communities’ culture and values of dignity, integrity, humility, connection, and creativity across country offices and at HQ
• Under the direction of the Senior Program Manager, support other projects or organizational initiatives, as appropriate

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of international humanitarian and/or development programming, monitoring and evaluation techniques, and grants administration to include procurement and award management.
• Ability to manage, track and report on budgets and program financial data.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Suite. Comfortable working with large amounts of data and Excel spreadsheets.
• Experience working successfully in cross-cultural and multi-disciplinary settings.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, alongside the ability to interpret documents and spreadsheets, analyze information, and develop strategies.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Abilities in a second language strongly preferred (Arabic).
• Ability to draft and edit quality reports targeting a variety of audiences.
• Ability to work effectively in an atmosphere of shifting priorities and deadline pressure.
• Able to work in a team environment.
• Accuracy, attention to detail.
• Ability to read and interpret documents and ability to sit at a computer and operate a keyboard.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in a related discipline and a minimum of four years of related work experience or a minimum of eight years of related work experience.
• Relevant work experience in the international NGO/non-profit development sector preferred.
• Significant experience with USAID and BHA programs, financial analysis, business development, and budgeting preferred.
• Prior international living experience, preferably in a developing country.
• Prior program development experience a plus.
• A passion for the mission and values of Global Communities
• Must have U.S. work authorization.

Application Instructions

To be considered for this position, please apply (including your resume and cover letter) by Novermber 14, 2023. Applications received after this date may be reviewed on a rolling basis until the job has been filled.

Location and Work Schedule

This selected candidate can be based in San Diego, CA or Silver Spring, MD. Candidates must be authorized to work in their preferred country without any restriction. This role is on a hybrid/telework schedule. The selected candidate is expected to work at least twice as week (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday) from either our San Diego or Silver Spring office and the remainder of the week from an approved remote location. Please note that this is a short term employment opportunity that will end tentatively six months from the date of hire.

Salary and Compensation

The estimated salary for this position is between $67,683-93,152. Final salary will be based on several factors including qualifications, geographic location, experience, and internal equity. Global Communities provides a comprehensive benefits package; please note that this position is not eligible for allowances.

COVID-19 Policy

As an organization working to advance public health, Global Communities has an obligation to model best practices and to do all we can to protect each other, our partners, and the communities where we work. To ensure the continuity and effectiveness of our business operations, Global Communities is adopting a policy to safeguard the health of our visitors, employees, families, and the larger global community from COVID-19. Effective January 3, 2022, all U.S.-based Global Communities employees are required to provide proof of having received full dosage of COVID-19 vaccine that is FDA approved, approved for emergency use authorization, or have an approved medical or religious exemption on file with Global Communities, as a condition of employment.

Safeguarding Policy

Global Communities holds strict safeguarding principles and has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. In the process of recruitment, selection, and appointment, Global Communities will conduct robust reference and background screening checks, including international vetting as a signature of the Global Misconduct Disclosure Scheme to ensure children and vulnerable adults are safeguarded, and abuse is prevented. The incumbent is required to carry out their duties in accordance with Global Communities Safeguarding policy and the Standards of Conduct.

EEO/ADA

Global Communities is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Global Communities complies with all applicable provisions of the ADA and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities unless it provides undue hardship to the organization. If reasonable accommodation is necessary to participate in the recruitment process, please contact [email protected].