Project Manager

Sustainable Peace Foundation (SPF) is an Iraqi feminist Non-governmental Organisation (NGO) striving to build and sustain positive peace through vertical and horizontal approaches and participatory methods; addressing root causes of tensions and conflicts challenging positive peace in Iraq. SPF strives to achieve this by working on the grassroots level to reinstate and strengthen the lost trust between Iraq’s diverse ethno-religious communities; increase community resilience, empower and building the capacities of the very effected communities so they can mitigate and transform conflicts through dialogue and non-violent means.

SPF strives to achieve these objectives by working with vulnerable groups such as, youth, women and girls, people with special needs and IDPs through developing their capacities to take leadership roles and to actively participate in the peace and reconciliation processes; economically empower communities by offering them vocational trainings and providing them with livelihood means to ensure stability and a dignified living standard.

SPF also strives to engage local authority and security actors with the local communities through advocacy, round table dialogue sessions and developing local peace mechanisms and structures capable to acts as soundboards conveying their communities’ needs and challenges.

SPF also provides consultations for local and international NGOs on peacebuilding and social cohesion programming, such as: context analysis, needs assessments, actor and service mapping etc.

SPF’s focuses on minority protection, but through its Do-no-Harm approach, which ensures that SPF programming and implementation creates cohesion instead of doing harm.

Project Description:
The Sustainable Peace Foundation (SPF) seeks a highly skilled Project Manager to oversee the implementation of “Building Bridges: Strengthening Social Cohesion and Reintegration through Local Peace Committees in Anbar,” an initiative under the UNDP Iraq Social Cohesion Programme (ISCP) and CRRISA. The project focuses on empowering Local Peace Committees (LPCs) to address the socio-economic and security challenges in communities affected by conflict, displacement, and reintegration.

 

Key Responsibilities

 

– Project Leadership: Lead and manage all aspects of project implementation, ensuring alignment with objectives and deliverables outlined in the project proposal and grant agreement.

– Stakeholder Engagement: Foster relationships with LPCs, community leaders, tribal representatives, religious figures, women, youth, and local authorities to ensure inclusive, community-driven project execution.

– Capacity Building: Coordinate and oversee workshops and training sessions to equip LPC members with skills in conflict resolution, mediation, and community engagement.

– Monitoring and Evaluation: Implement the project’s Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) framework. Conduct pre- and post-activity surveys and ensure high-quality reporting on project progress.

– Financial Oversight: Manage project budgets, ensuring transparency and compliance with donor requirements. Collaborate with SPF’s finance team to maintain financial integrity.

– Reporting: Prepare and submit progress and final reports as required by UNDP, including detailed narratives and financial updates.

– Risk Mitigation: Identify and mitigate project risks, including those related to security, financial delays, and community resistance.

– Communication and Documentation: Ensure the visibility of project initiatives through high-quality documentation (photos, videos, and reports) and active social media engagement.

 

Terms of Reference:

The Project Manager will oversee the implementation of “Building Bridges: Strengthening Social Cohesion and Reintegration through Local Peace Committees in Anbar,” ensuring the delivery of all outputs and activities within the allocated timeframe and budget. The role involves strategic leadership, operational management, stakeholder engagement, and accountability for project results. Below is a detailed outline of the terms of reference for the role:

 

1. Leadership and Strategic Oversight

– Develop and execute a detailed project implementation plan in alignment with the objectives and deliverables outlined in the project proposal.

– Ensure the project adheres to the principles of inclusivity, gender sensitivity, conflict sensitivity, and the “Do No Harm” approach.

– Act as the primary point of contact for all project-related communication with the SPF executive team, LPC members, community stakeholders, and UNDP.

– Provide guidance to project staff and partners, ensuring that the team is motivated, aligned, and equipped to achieve project objectives.

 

2. Operational Management

– Oversee day-to-day project activities, including workshops, training sessions, and community engagement initiatives.

– Coordinate with SPF’s finance, procurement, and operations teams to ensure logistical and administrative support for project activities.

– Ensure timely procurement of services and materials needed for project implementation in compliance with SPF’s procurement policy.

– Develop a risk management strategy, identifying potential challenges (security, operational, or social) and implementing appropriate mitigation measures.

 

3. Stakeholder Coordination

– Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including LPC members, local authorities, tribal and religious leaders, civil society organisations, and the broader community.

– Facilitate effective collaboration between Local Peace Committees (LPCs) and external partners, ensuring alignment with local priorities and fostering ownership of initiatives.

– Represent SPF in high-level meetings with UNDP and other stakeholders, advocating for the project’s objectives and outcomes.

 

4. Capacity Building and Support

– Plan and deliver capacity-building activities for LPC members, focusing on conflict resolution, mediation, consensus-building, and participatory community initiatives.

– Establish and promote peer-to-peer learning opportunities among LPCs through structured twinning systems and collaborative sessions.

– Ensure the use of culturally sensitive training methodologies and materials to foster inclusion and participation across diverse community groups.

 

5. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEAL)

– Implement the MEAL framework to track project progress and evaluate the impact of activities.

– Conduct regular field visits to monitor the implementation of LPC-led initiatives and ensure adherence to project objectives.

– Develop tools for pre- and post-activity surveys to measure community engagement and attitudinal shifts toward reintegration and social cohesion.

– Document and share lessons learned, success stories, and best practices to inform future programming.

 

6. Financial and Reporting Accountability

– Manage the project budget, ensuring efficient allocation and utilisation of resources in compliance with SPF and UNDP financial policies.

– Prepare and submit regular progress and financial reports to SPF and UNDP, ensuring transparency and accuracy.

– Maintain meticulous records of expenditures, procurement, and project activities for audit purposes.

 

7. Communication and Visibility

– Ensure effective communication of project goals, activities, and outcomes to stakeholders through high-quality documentation, including reports, photos, videos, and social media content.

– Work with SPF’s communication team to amplify the reach of LPC initiatives through social media and other platforms, promoting peacebuilding and social cohesion efforts.

 

8. Compliance and Ethical Standards

– Uphold SPF’s organisational policies, including Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), financial and procurement policies, and MEAL standards.

– Ensure all project activities align with SPF’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusivity.

– Promote ethical practices in all interactions, particularly with vulnerable populations, ensuring that the project adheres to international standards and local cultural norms.

 

Education 

Bachelor’s degree in Peacebuilding, Social Sciences, Project Management, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.

 

Experience

– Minimum 5 years of experience managing similar community-focused projects, preferably in post-conflict settings.

– Proven expertise in capacity building, conflict resolution, and stakeholder engagement.

– Experience working with UN agencies or similar organisations is an advantage.

 

Technical Skills

– Strong understanding of social cohesion, reintegration, and peacebuilding methodologies.

– Proficiency in project management tools and MEAL frameworks.

– Financial management and budget monitoring experience.

 

Soft Skills

– Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

– Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

– Culturally sensitive with a commitment to gender equity and inclusivity.

 

Languages

Fluency in English and Arabic is required; knowledge of Kurdish is an asset.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to peacebuilding and social cohesion in one of Iraq’s most conflict-affected regions. Join SPF in empowering communities and fostering sustainable peace.

Interested candidates should submit their CV and a cover letter (applications without a cover letter will not be considered) outlining their relevant experience and motivation for the role to hr@sustainablepeacefoundation.org. Please include “Project Manager – Social Cohesion” in the subject line of your email.

For more information about the Sustainable Peace Foundation visit our website at www.sustainablepeacefoundation.org. 

SPF is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, ethnic origin, disability or age.