Programme Manager based in Amman, Tunis, Cairo or Istanbul

SPARK is launching a new EU funded programme to strengthen green business ecosystem by leveraging network effect and peer learning for sustainable green growth in Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Egypt, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia. The position will be under the dual supervision of the Regional Programme Directors for the Middle East and Africa. The programme manager will work in close coordination with Regional teams in both regions as well as country teams.

SPARK’s ambition with its 2030 strategy is to become a market leader in creating impactful jobs for youth in fragile and conflict-affected states (FCAS), creating 20,000 impactful jobs annually. Considering the green economy’s high potential for job creation in the future in the Southern Neighbourhood, especially in the food sector, water and renewable energy, SPARK intends to become a leader in greening of business processes, business support to growing (M)SME with a growth oriented green product, as well as green jobs.

The purpose of the action is to strengthen business support organisations’ capacity in networking and regional cooperation, and at providing them with the most innovative practices and knowledge on green business support and circular economy, with a focus on sustainable consumption and production, towards a greener and more inclusive economy. The programme will cover Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Egypt, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia. The Programme Manager will be based in either Amman, Tunis, Cairo or Istanbul.

The Programme Manager will lead the programme team responsible for the implementation of the components of the programme and work directly with SPARK’s partners in each country.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

The responsibilities and tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Lead the management and implementation of the programme across the targeted countries.
• Ensure the achievement of the projects results with focus on high-level impact
• Make sure that all programme documents are available and regularly updated
• Build effective and strong collaboration with the project co-applicants and potential partners using SPARK’s localization lens
• Manage the project team and ensure to build the capacity and SPARK internal expertise related to the Green sector
• Prepare monthly/quarterly and yearly Plan of Action/ Narrative /Financial reports, and to ensure effective implementation of the general project Work Plan and also forecasting of activities and operational costs matching the budget pipeline. Ensure that the program activities are carried out in the area according to SPARK requirements
• Provide inputs for acquisition to support programme development and expansion of SPARK’s portfolio;
• Scouting of new local partners in Lebanon, Jordan and Morocco [MH1] for the identified SPARK strategy pillars, green, digital and women’s empowerment
• Contribute to the implementation of other/new programmes as assigned.
• Support liaison with donors organisations
• Other tasks as required.

This job description covers the main tasks that are anticipated. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary.

Requirements and Skills

• Advanced level degree in economic development, business studies or a related discipline,
• Strong knowledge about Green innovation and climate resilient initiatives and stakeholders in the region is strong asset.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of relevant work experience in programme management for international organizations, or 3 years of experience in programme management combined with 3-5 years’ relevant private sector experience,
• Strong knowledge and skills in project management, budget management, reporting, monitoring and evaluation.
• A background working on entrepreneurship and/or supporting or working for business support centers would be considered a strong asset,
• Experience in building partnerships with private sector companies, public bodies and NGOs.
• Fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic
• Proven organizational skills and the ability to work independently;
• Strong writing and reporting skills;
• Good communication and social skills and the ability to work in a multicultural setting with a small and young team;
• Gender awareness;
• Ability to work under stressful conditions.

SPARK Offers

• A challenging and exciting position in an international environment;
• Remuneration based on experience
• Full-time contract 40h/per week;
• Training opportunities.

About SPARK

SPARK develops higher education and entrepreneurship to empower young, ambitious people to lead their fragile and conflict-affected societies into prosperity. SPARK is a dynamic and growing, international not-for-profit development organization with 110+ staff members, in more than 14 offices around the world. SPARK supports refugees in the Middle East by providing them with scholarships in universities and higher education institutions in the region. SPARK also supports young entrepreneurs in fragile states, to start or grow their own businesses.