Project Manager

About D4C 

D4C (Design for Communities) is an NGO based in Beirut that empowers designers and professionals from a variety of backgrounds to engage in community projects in different countries. The interdisciplinary platform connects architects, landscape & urban designers, planners, environmental, climate, mechanical & civil engineers through a diverse portfolio of projects operating at the highest levels of innovation in the field.

Our mission is to empower the design community to actively collaborate, engage, learn and implement innovative and sustainable projects to improve the quality of life of the local communities.

D4C targets the upskilling of communities through an inclusive design hub that democratizes a participatory approach. It gives the opportunity for students, fresh graduates and professionals to use their creative and innovative spirit to actively collaborate, design and engage in building sustainable projects for marginalized communities. It thrives to promote and strengthen design at the core of the development of inclusive, empowered and self-sustainable environments for present and future generations.

Our vision is to have an impact driven design hub that develops innovative sustainable community-based programs and projects.

D4C aims at harnessing the power of design and innovation at the crossroads of impact-driven initiatives. It pioneers sustainable development while triggering creativity, problem-solving, curiosity, and motivation for community empowerment. It integrates technology as part of the design strategy to lead both social and environmental projects for marginalized communities.

Project Manager  

• Reporting to: Executive director
• Responsible for: Managing a mentoring program
• Location: Beirut, Lebanon 

Role description 

Key responsibilities 

• Managing a Mentoring Program
• Conduct a feasibility and market study for the mentoring program to assess the financial sustainability of the program 
• Explore and establish partnerships with the educational, vocational and professional sector to upscale the program
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders, fostering partnerships and securing necessary resources.
• Develop a roadmap for the program aligned with the NGO's goals and mission.
• Create a detailed project plan, defining milestones, resources needed, and timelines for program execution.
• Collaborate with architects and educational experts to upgrade the curriculum of the mentoring program.
• Coordinate the identification of projects to be developed and implemented through the mentoring programRecruit and onboard experienced professionals as mentors for the program.
• Facilitate the pairing of mentors with mentees based on their goals, interests, and expertise.
• Provide guidance and support to mentors and mentees throughout the program duration.
• Ensure the effective implementation of the curriculum, monitoring its relevance, implementation and budget and making adjustments as needed.
• Act as the primary point of contact for all program-related communications.
• Outreach to young architects from various universities and facilitate the recruitment of interns, and their performance management and evaluation. 
• Establish robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track program progress and effectiveness.
• Prepare regular technical and financial reports assessing the impact of the program to partners and donors and identifying areas for improvement.
• Refer back to and consult the executive director for decision making.

Other tasks assigned by the executive director  

Required qualifications 

• Minimum qualifications 
• Bachelor's degree in Project Management, Architecture or a related field. (Master's degree preferred)

Experience 

• 1+ year of experience in project management, preferably in educational programs with prior experience in the humanitarian/NGO sector.
• Experience of working with a team of volunteers and/or staff.
• Experience in curriculum development and program evaluation.

Knowledge

• Comprehensive knowledge of architectural principles, design processes, and industry standards.
• Familiarity with educational program development, curriculum design, and implementation strategies.
• Knowledge of project management methodologies and tools
• Knowledge of NGO project management in Lebanon and other countries of the MENA region.

Practical skills 

• Ability to manage a project 
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
• Capacity to maintain relationships and communications in a multicultural environment. 
• Strong organizational skills including the ability to multitask, coordinate multiple parallel processes with potentially conflicting deadlines,  and prioritize effectively.
• Full proficiency in Microsoft Office, specifically excel, and relevant software/tools for project management and communication.
• Demonstrated experience in program development, implementation, management, project planning, scheduling, and resource management.
• Track record of successful coordination of mentorship or educational initiatives combined with excellent interpersonal skills to facilitate mentor-mentee relationships.
• Prior engagement in architectural projects or understanding of architectural practices showing good understanding of architectural principles and industry practices.
• Strong ability to communicate in written and spoken English and Arabic, third language is an asset, particularly French.
• Ability to think strategically and identify ways to improve fundraising efforts.

Personal qualities 

• Passionate about mentoring and nurturing talent within the architectural field.
• Leadership skills and interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to work as a team manager and colleague in an international and multicultural environment. 
• Self motivated, ability to take initiative and work independently. 
• Open-minded, willing to learn and onboard and drive change.
• Able to work under tight deadlines with a problem-solving mentality
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to be flexible, resourceful and innovative in a variety of situations.
• Displays honesty, integrity, and a strong sense of values and ethics in all actions and decisions. 
• Adaptable to different working conditions, including working under pressure and tight timelines.
• Team player. 
• Understanding of and acceptance of the fundamental principles of D4C. 
• Ability to work within and team and coordinate with all D4C teams.

Terms and conditions 

The position is a part time job for a 6 months probationary period, may be offered a longer term, and is renewable on mutual agreement. 

• The salary will be paid on a monthly basis. 

• The position is based in Beirut, Lebanon. 

• Working hours will depend on the tasks at hand and will be agreed upon by both parties. The successful candidate must be willing to work extra hours and on weekends, when necessary. 

The successful candidate is expected to start working by January 2024.