Program Manager

A. Responsibilities

The Program Manager is responsible for

• independently managing the projects (BMs and IBs) for the Lebanon Program in accordance with the tasks and project goals, and activities agreed with the partner and/or agreements with the superior
• providing professional advice to partners and cooperating with important stakeholders.

The Program Manager performs the following tasks:

B. Tasks

1. Professional advisory services

The Program Manager

• advises partner institutions in identifying needs, developing concepts and strategies, and provides technical input
• contributes to preparing and implementing the coordination process, project/program activities and work in Lebanon
• formulates job descriptions and terms of reference and selects third parties in the course of carrying out project/program activities
• monitors the development and implementation of project/program plans and activities in close consultation with partners
• organizes and participates in official events, meetings, workshops, seminars and other events on issues related to the project/program’s area of activity
• develops and monitors project progress and the activities of BMs and IBs, including narrative and financial reporting, reviews reports and documents on the progress of the project/program, identifies bottlenecks and recommends alternative options to the superior
• conducts political, economic and legal analyzes and drafts periodical articles, fact sheets and reports
• is responsible for ensuring that the services provided by the BMs and IBs are aligned with the partner’s needs
• drafts project proposal for third parties and third-party-funds (EU, UN etc.)
• prepares and implements educational activities like i.e. organizing visiting delegations to and form Germany and the EU.
• contributes to the regular planning updates
• communicates with KAS headquarters and other regional KAS offices.

2. Networking and cooperation

The Program Manager

• ensures cooperation, regular contact and dialogue with partners and other KAS offices in the region; plans and carries out PR and media work and cooperates with local communities, relevant organisations, non-governmental agencies and individuals in the project/program environment and with other projects to improve and maintain good working relationships
• contributes to the updating and following up of the webpage of KAS Lebanon and social media
• communicates local interests and efforts, forwards these and encourages sharing ideas and information for the benefit of the project/program
• travels (in Lebanon and abroad) in accordance with project requirements.

3. Knowledge management

The Program Manager

• draws up reports and presentation documents
• formulates appropriate input for various project/program reports including annual reports, and contributes to the other reports required by the superior
• conducts research activities and studies on political issues which benefit the program/project.

4. Management and coordination tasks

The Program Manager

• is responsible for program/project planning and develops project concepts and strategies, ensures implementation
• coordinates and prioritises relevant project activities at local level in cooperation with the partners, both as regards the organisational preparation and implementation of the activities
• monitors the program/project budget in consultation with the accountant
• compiles the relevant information for activities and assignments.

5. Other duties/additional tasks

The Program Manager

• files relevant documents related to the project/program according to KAS regulations (i.e. in Favorit digital database)
• performs other duties and tasks at the request of the superior.

6. Required qualifications, competences and experience

- Qualifications

• M.A. degree in an area related to the project/program objectives, preferably in Political/ Social Sciences, or Middle Eastern Studies.

- Professional experience

• minimum 3-5 years of professional experience, including previous experience in project management and/or comparable responsibility in a multi-national work environment.

- Other knowledge, additional competences

• motivated, proactive and dynamic personality
• strong analytical, organizational, communication and writing skills
• wide interest in  history, state institutions, and the political development in Lebanon and the region
• familiarity with non-European cultural and political environments, preferably Middle East
• capability and willingness to work both independently and as part of a team
• ability to prioritize and multi-task effectively; to work under pressure
• highly organized with strong attention to detail and precision, ensuring high quality standards are maintained
• proven IT skills
• fluent written and oral knowledge of English and German is essential
• fluency in Arabic is desirable; good knowledge of French would be an asset
• excellent diplomatic and networking skills and a deep understanding of political processes; experience of high level representation and interaction on behalf of KAS
• professional and personal identification with and full commitment to the values and principles of KAS as a German political foundation.