Regional Programme Manager – MENA

Who We Are

Diakonia is a Swedish international development organization with the overall goal to change unfair political, economic, social and cultural structures that generate poverty, inequality, oppression and violence. Diakonia works with the most vulnerable people, local partners and other strategic actors for the fulfilment of the right of all people to live a life in dignity - irrespective of age, class, disability, ethnicity, gender, nationality, political conviction, religion, or sexual orientation and identity.

Overall purpose of the role

 The Regional Programme Manager is the leader of one of Diakonia’s regional programmes focused on Gender Justice, and is accountable for its execution, coordination, reporting, and representation in MENA (Lebanon, Egypt and Palestinian Territories). 

We are looking for an ambitious person, with a can-do attitude, expertise and experience in Gender Justice Program design, management, advocacy and implementation. Moreover, the successful candidate shall have experience in working with local partners, supporting them and building their capacities while exchanging learning throughout the program execution.  

We are looking for a pro-active leader who takes initiative and resolves challenges with flair. Somebody who enjoys working in a multicultural team and knows what it takes to work in a decentral organisation.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

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

• Support the Regional Director and Country Directors where needed to ensure that programmes in the region are implemented within budget and meet agreed KPIs as per agreement with donors and partner organisations.
• Lead and execute the Gender Justice regional programme.
• Support the growth in the Middle East by coordinating timely input to new programme design and promoting the concept of localization (and co-creation with local partners) amongst the Diakonia’s regional teams.
• Provide input to the overall Diakonia’s strategy on regional level as well as general policy input for the multi-year strategic plan adjustment and annual plans, and in line with these, actively develop new Gender Justice program ideas.
• Work with the regional and country teams on the design and development of regional programs and budget focused on Gender Justice.
• Work with Diakonia’s program staff on mainstreaming feminist principles in program design and implementation.
• Work with national, local partners and stakeholders on the regional level to implement the Gender Justice regional programme.
• Work with Diakonia’s global Gender Justice advisor on integrating feminist principles, adopting and designing programmes upon.
• Coordinate with other relevant stakeholders, including relevant NGOs and other partners such as UN agencies at country and regional level in close coordination with the Country Directors and Regional Director.
• Represent Diakonia and its programmes and advocate in different countries and regional forums for more access to Gender Justice programme implementation and coordination in the region.
• Executes together with Country Directors and Regional team Diakonia’s Strategy across the region, focused on Gender Justice while promoting Diakonia’s values.

Requirements and Skills

• Minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience, including significant experience in Gender Justice programming in the Middle East.
• Deep understanding of, and experience of working based on, feminist principles
• Advanced academic degree in relevant discipline.
• Experience with medium-large multi-donor, multi-country, multi-year programmes.
• A people centric attitude and experience in working with teams with members of diverse backgrounds.
• Experience working in the Middle East
• Proven experience with programme development, donor relations and acquisition
• Full professional proficiency in English. One or more of the languages spoken in the region is a strong advantage, especially Arabic.
• Based in one of the MENA region countries and access to the respective programme counties is a requirement.