Search Jerusalem

Since its establishment in 2000, Search for Common Ground (Search) has maintained a presence in Jerusalem, where we have implemented projects across various thematic areas including inclusive governance, women, peace and security, media and inter-religious dialogue among others. Over the past two decades, we have developed extensive expertise in managing large-scale and diverse projects. Our collaboration extends to diverse local partners, ranging from grassroots organizations and activists to women’s groups, all sharing a vision to overcome fragmentation and promote inclusive narratives. Our diverse team possess significant experience in managing multi-sectorial programs, comprises experts in conflict transformation, peace-building, capacity building, media, and program management. They bring to the table a deeper, lived experience of the conflict, coupled with a nuanced understanding of its various social, political, and religious dimensions. Conflict sensitivity is ingrained in our everyday interactions and is a fundamental aspect of the design and implementation of our programs.

Team Summary

The Program Implementation team has oversight for the implementation of Search’s programs and projects in its country offices, in accordance with Search and donor policies and procedures. The Program Implementation team works on the full life-cycle of the project, from the start-up phase to the full close-out. This involves designing work plans, implementing activities, reporting, financial management, and staffing management The Program Implementation team collaborates with other departments, including Finance, Institutional Learning, Programs, Global Affairs and Partnerships, Human Resources, and Information Technology.

Responsibilities

• Provide oversight for project implementation
• Manages processes associated with project implementation
• Manages relationships related to the project implementation such as vendors, donors, local partners and cross team collaborators, and employees
• Works closely with the program officers to ensure full coordination on the program activities.
• Coordinates program related activities and implementation plans with the MENA office team.

Contributions

• Workplan: improve, finalize and monitor cost-work plans and spend-out plans; support in finalizing and monitoring the logic frame and Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) plan
• Project activities: design project activities (e.g., objectives and structure of activities); lead and/or deliver project activities; coordinate with trainers in the design and delivery of project activities
• Reporting: review and finalize project documents (e.g., presentations, and agenda); finalize donor reports; review and finalize monthly and activity reports before sharing; review General Ledger (GL) and support country finance team (CFT) in producing financial reports
• Compliance: coordinates with the appropriate country management team member in ensuring project, finance, and logistics staff follow donor rules/regulations; ensure donor compliance; lead capacity-building sessions to streamline rules and regulations
• Finalize the procurement plan and coordinate with project vendors (e.g., hotel, catering, transportation, etc.).
• Financial management: ensure project financial health; lead regular Budget versus Actual (BvA) meetings; ensure the BvA is right; ensure budget revisions are done as needed.
• Subward management: Provide technical review of partner documents; lead communication with partner management; provide oversight to partner work plan and key deliverables; lead in partner capacity assessment/plan and partner selection.
• Performance management: Interface with staff across all departments on regular basis
• Coordinate with the Country Director (CD) in the development of project staffing plan;
• Provide guidance for compilation of interview materials, and assessments for recruitment of open positions;
• Long-list and short-list candidates;
• Manage staff members accordingly
• External engagement: Maintain regular communication with donors (e.g., 4 corner meetings, reporting, etc.); meet with local authorities as needed, facilitate approvals; meet with partner leadership, and conduct regular meetings
• Program management, quality and project design: Coordinate with Design, Monitoring & Evaluation (DM&E), Grants Management System (GMS), and Country Manager (CM) in the organization of reflection sessions
• Note and record lessons learned via donor reports
• Ensure reviews and reflection sessions lead to adaptive work plan
• Make sure that approved Search methodologies are utilized.
• Coordinate with the Global Affairs & Partnerships Program Development team, as needed.
• Support in attending fundraising and networking meetings.
• Support in the identification and decision of opportunities (go/no-go).
• Provide inputs to strategy development and planning related to technical area of work
• Technical review of strategy and Objectives and Key Results (OKRs).
• Infuse organizational Values into all work.
• Other duties that are broadly in line with the above key contributions as assigned.

Competency Behavior Indicators (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Manages overall strategy and vision. Provides functional and program/project management. Anticipates and plans for needs and takes action accordingly. Provides guidance to direct reports or matrixed team members.
• Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with vendors, organizations, professional associations, partners, funders, and Search’s network of experts critical to the area of purview.
• Modifies a planned course of action in response to new information or new circumstances.
• Responds to changing circumstances and expectations readily.
• Articulates Search/function program/project goals and objectives within and external to Search. Develops program objectives that reflect broader Search strategies and approaches.
• Provides input for standards across functions globally within Shared Services teams and with a view from a multicultural perspective that reflects consideration of other cultures, other viewpoints, and other ways of doing things.
• Overcomes obstacles using ethical practices; formulates and evaluates morally and ethically justified solutions.
• Assesses risks and opportunities to lead decision makers to a favorable outcome.
• Checks the accuracy of one’s own and others’ work and sets up systematic checks and balances to support content and data integrity.
• Has knowledge of project management tools including technology as resources for efficiency and reduction of stress.
• Works with employees to set and communicate performance standards that are specific and measurable.
• Anticipates the consequences of situations and plans accordingly.
• Analyzes the costs, benefits, risks, and chances for success in making a decision.
• Provides coaching and mentoring to staff.

Type and Nature of Contacts

• Routinely coordinates with colleagues and consultants on-site and in the field and resolves problem situations with tact.
• Represents, as assigned, selected programs or projects and other organizations, including donors, vendors, and international and local partners.
• Interacts with the country office and regional staff.

Education and Experience

• Typically BS/BA with a minimum of 9 years’ experience.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Usual office environment conditions; ability to travel locally at least 60%.

Supervisory and Budget Responsibility

• Typically manages one or more direct reports and/or consultants and/or manages one functional area.