Project Manager

About the Role

ARK Group has been working in Iraq for a decade, with a programme office in Amman supporting in-country programme/project delivery. Present and past ARK Group donors in Iraq include among others the US Department of State, Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and the World Bank.  

ARK Group is seeking a Project Manager to lead the delivery of a research and advocacy project focused on political economy in Iraq. The Project Manager (PM) will be responsible for achieving the project’s objectives effectively, efficiently and compliantly, overseeing all aspects of project management through each project phase in accordance with ARK Group’s and the client’s policies and procedures. The PM is also responsible for the management of the project team, project resources and coordination across ARK’s wider operations team.  

The offer of a contract of employment is subject to project being awarded. 

What you’ll be doing

• Develop and review the overall work plan for delivery in coordination with relevant staff and follow up on the day-to-day implementation of project activities, including with partners.
• Plan and oversee logistics and procurement for each project phase, ensuring compliance with project needs and realistic timelines.
• Actively coordinate with the project and operations teams, including grantees, to foster effective collaboration. Ensure that all parties are aligned and working cohesively toward program plans.
• Conduct structured weekly meetings to review ongoing activities, assess progress, and plan upcoming deliverables. Use these meetings as a platform for team alignment, problem-solving, and strategic planning.
• Monitor the project and identify the need for adjustment and improvement of systems and processes to improve efficiency, optimise utilisation of resources and improve quality of deliverables.
• Lead on regular engagement and communication with the donor.
• Lead on engagement with local authorities and civilian representatives of the Republic of Yemen Government (ROYG).
• Recruit and manage the inputs and contributions of subject matter experts (SMEs)/consultants.
• Work collaboratively and coordinate with ARK Group’s departmental leads involved/supporting the project, such as Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL); Research; Gender and Inclusion; and Communications.
• Review financial glidepath with Finance staff monthly to identify underspends and overspends.
• Ensure that budgets are spent in accordance with donor funding and donor regulations within the appropriate timeframe.
• Make any recommendations for budget adjustment to the Country Manager and/or Head of Finance.
• Act as the security focal point; monitor any changes to security risks and brief Senior Management on relevant changes. Update the Project Risk Register and Security Plan monthly or on becoming aware of a change in the threat level to ensure that it remains accurate and relevant, and all risks are managed appropriately.
• Provide support for the implementation of the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) plan.
• Lead in preparing weekly and monthly reports including the compilation of data and lessons learned for quarterly and annual reports.
• Provide ongoing support to potential grantees to facilitate the successful implementation of their plans. Offer guidance, resources, and technical assistance as needed to ensure their activities are well-aligned with the overarching goals of the program.
• Regularly assess grantee’s implementation for alignment and make recommendations for adjustments to maintain coherence with program objectives.
• Develop and implement capacity building plans for each grantee, tailored to their unique needs and technical gaps. Collaborate with grantees to identify skill gaps and design training modules, workshops, and other interventions that effectively address these needs.
• Ensure all staff related matters for the staff of the designated project(s) are carried out in accordance with ARK Group’s policies and guidelines. This includes recruitment, performance management, staff development and training and disciplinary action. Supervision of the Aden-based project staff and the delivery of the project’s objectives.
• Build and maintain professional relationships with a wide range of relevant partners, clients and sub-grantees.
• Liaise with the Communications team to develop and implement a strategy to publicize activities, contributing to external debate and promoting the program.