Project Manager – Civil Society Capacity-Building and Advocacy

Finn Church Aid (FCA) is the largest Finnish organization for development cooperation and the second-largest provider of humanitarian assistance. FCA operates in twelve countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, drawing on over 70 years of experience in international aid. FCA specializes in supporting local communities across three priority areas: Right to Livelihood, Right to Quality Education, and Right to Peace. Its operations encompass long-term development cooperation, humanitarian assistance, and advocacy.

Since 2012, FCA has operated in Jordan, initially focusing on addressing the needs of refugees and vulnerable host communities impacted by the regional crisis. Over time, FCA’s priorities have evolved from Education in Emergencies to initiatives supporting long-term resilience and reduced aid dependency among refugees and host communities, particularly through livelihood interventions.

Finn Church Aid (FCA) in Jordan will start the implementation of the BAYDAR initiative project funded by the European Union together with implementing partners. This initiative aims to enhance the capacity and sustainability of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Jordan. Therefore, FCA is seeking a dynamic Project Manager to lead the implementation of the BAYDAR initiative. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in community engagement, development, and outreach. Additionally, the candidate should possess proven expertise in capacity-building, advocacy, and project management. The successful candidate will ensure that the project aligns with its objectives of empowering CSOs, fostering inclusivity, and driving sustainable development through strong community connections and active participation.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Implementation and Coordination
   • Lead the planning, execution, and monitoring of BAYDAR activities, ensuring timely and high-quality delivery of outputs.
   • Oversee the mapping, selection, and capacity-building processes for CSOs, aligning them with project objectives and criteria.
   • Collaborate with partners to implement tailored training programs on governance, financial management, advocacy, and entrepreneurship for CSOs.
2. Capacity-Building and Technical Support
   • Develop and deliver demand-based training packages, including topics such as standards certification, proposal writing, financial management, and thematic expertise (e.g., agriculture, climate action, tourism).
   • Facilitate peer-learning exchanges, mentorship programs, and digital resource libraries to foster knowledge sharing and sustainable growth among CSOs.
3. Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement
   • Guide CSOs in designing and implementing advocacy campaigns, emphasizing budget allocations for activating CSOs’ roles within governorates and national development plans and budgets.
   • Strengthen relationships between CSOs, local authorities, community leaders, and donors to foster collaborative community development efforts.
   • Organize high-level events such as policy discussions, donor meetings, and the BAYDAR closure event to amplify project impact.
4. Financial and Operational Oversight
   • Manage financial support mechanisms for different CSO structures, ensuring compliance with funding criteria and efficient resource utilization.
   • Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of income-generating activities supported by the project, providing strategic guidance for improvement.
   • Ensure robust financial and administrative systems are in place for supported CSOs to enhance transparency and accountability.
5. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
   • Implement a rigorous monitoring and evaluation framework to track progress against project indicators and outcomes.
   • Prepare comprehensive progress reports for internal stakeholders and external donors, ensuring transparency and alignment with project goals.
   • Conduct end-line evaluations to assess project impact and inform future programming.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in international development, Project Management, Social Sciences, or a related field. A master’s degree is preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience managing capacity-building and community development projects, preferably in the civil society sector.
• Proven track record in designing and delivering training programs and advocacy campaigns.
• Experience with donor-funded projects, particularly EU-funded initiatives.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong project management skills, including budget management, stakeholder coordination, and activity planning.
• Demonstrated expertise in CSO capacity-building, governance, and advocacy.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage diverse stakeholders effectively.
• Familiarity with digital tools and platforms for training, communication, and project management.
• Fluency in English and Arabic is required.

Key Attributes

• Leadership with a strategic vision for empowering civil society organizations.
• Commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and sustainable development principles.
• Adaptability to dynamic project environments and challenges.