Country Manager Jordan / Preferably national candidate

Position: Country Manager Jordan / Preferably national candidate

Location: Amman. Jordan

Application Deadline: 31st March 2024

Duration: Full time for 12 months (with possibility of extension)

Start Date: As soon as possible

The Country Manager Jordan is SPARK’s representative in the country, provides leadership to the Country Team and oversees its programmatic portfolio. The Country Manager is accountable for SPARK’s country targets and compliance to SPARK procedures. (S)he represents SPARK legally towards the national authorities as the SPARK national legal representative. (S)he also actively engages in liaison, representation and positioning of SPARK vis-à-vis the donor community in-country. The Country Manager reports to the Regional Programme Director.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

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

• Accountable for quality implementation of all SPARK projects and programmes in Jordan as per costed work plans, and in compliance with SPARK procedures, as well as donor contracts and agreements. This also includes excellent Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting.
• Represent SPARK towards the Jordanian Government and authorities (local and central), local partners and other relevant national institutions.
• Serve as the legal representative for SPARK vis-a-vis federal Government authorities in Amman and ensure that all administrative requirements are fulfilled as per local laws and regulations.
• Provides leadership to all SPARK staff in the Amman office, building a team spirit where staff collaborate effectively, care for each other and where innovation is encouraged.
• Supervise and assist national staff in developing personal work plans and achieving individual targets. Assess staff performances under his / her leadership.
• Responsible for pro-active and effective liaison with the donor community in Jordan, positioning SPARK, in collaboration with the (Deputy) Regional Programme Director and the Head of Representation and Donor Relations.
• Actively contribute to the Quarterly Programme Review process convening all concerned departments.
• Establish and maintain strategic relationships with relevant stakeholders and cooperation partners working in Jordan, including UN, NGO (national and international), civil society organisations, private sector entities, local universities, and governmental institutions.
• Contribute to fundraising efforts through the development of strong value propositions building on results in Jordan and SPARK’s experience, in close collaboration with the Regional Programme Director and the regional business development team.
• Ensure that the Country Office related operational costs remain within budget.
• Lead on development of the annual OKRs for the Country Office, and contribute to the Regional and Organisation-wide OKRs.
• Ensure a Security Plan for the Office is in place.
• Promote SPARK values.
• Work in compliance with SPARK policies and procedures.
• Other tasks when required.

Requirements and Skills

• Advanced academic degree in relevant discipline for international development, preferably related to (higher) education or entrepreneurship and business development issues.
• Minimum 8 years’ experience with large multi-donor programme implementation and team management in a senior role.
• Proven operational, procedural experience, working with international donor contracts.
• Proven financial management experience.
• Inspirational leader with excellent team building abilities and proven track record.
• Proven experience with jobs creation and private sector cooperation
• Good understanding of political environment and operational space in Jordan
• Experience in managing teams with members of diverse backgrounds.
• Experience with higher education
• Extensive network in Amman / Jordan with authorities, stakeholders, universities, and the private sector
• Native or bilingual proficiency in Arabic
• Full professional proficiency in English
• Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

SPARK Offers

• A challenging and exciting position in an international environment;
• Remuneration based on experience and full time contract (40h/per week)
• A dynamic working environment and great team