GCC Regional Programme Manager
Position: Maharat Programme Manager
Application Deadline: 20 March 2024
Duration: Full-time. Contract for 1 year with a possibility for extension.
Start Date: asap
Location: Riyadh or Egypt
SPARK is launching a project aiming to support underserved individuals by providing them digital and soft skills training and capacity building to enter the travel and tourism sector or enhance their existing job skills within the sector. The Project will support Beneficiaries across countries of Egypt, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Tunisia and Palestine (and Iraq and Yemen if feasible). For this project, SPARK is looking for a Programme Manager, to lead the implementation and overall management, reporting and implementation of activities of programmes in the abovementioned countries. The programme manager will work in close coordination with regional teams in both regions as well as country teams. The position will be under the supervision of the Deputy Regional Programme Director for the Middle East.
The Programme Manager will lead the programme team responsible for the implementation of the components of the programme and work directly with SPARK’s partners in each country. Additionally, the Programme Manager will support the development of new partnerships with Philanthropies, Corporate Foundations and GCC member states and their multilateral bodies. The Manager will cultivate new prospective partnerships and deepen existing ones to ensure SPARK can reach its impact targets for the youth it serves in conflict-affected regions. She/He will research prospects that are aligned to the SPARK mission, and pitch plans, and manage relations to the main accounts.
Main Tasks and Responsibilities
The responsibilities and tasks include, but are not limited to:
- Responsible for the implementation and overall management, reporting and implementation of activities of programmes in the mentioned countries.
- Organise and represent SPARK in networking events to provide individuals with access to economic opportunities in the travel and tourism sector.
- Organise and represent SPARK in online learning circles that will build local communities’ interest, information and experience-sharing and expand community support.
- Ensure the achievement of the project results with a focus on high-level impact
- Ensure that the project activities are carried out in the area according to SPARK requirements
- Work closely with partner organisations on the start-up of the programme and implementation of the activities;
- Work closely with Government policymakers enabling and supporting the tourism sector to engage with their local authorities.
- In coordination with the Regional Business Development Manager MENA, the PM is responsible for building a pipeline of prospective GCC-based Philanthropy, State and Corporate partners, leveraging your insights, research, and network.
- In coordination with the Regional Business Development Manager MENA, the PM is responsible for generating opportunities for conversations and access to both funding and broader content-based cooperation (through special and prospect events and bilateral meetings);
This job description covers the main tasks that are anticipated. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary.
Requirements and Skills
- Minimum of 5-7 years of relevant work experience in programme management for international organizations, or 3 years of experience in programme management combined with 3-5 years’ relevant private sector experience;
- Proficiency in project management methodologies, tools, and techniques is essential for planning, implementing, and monitoring. This includes skills in budgeting, scheduling, risk management, and resource allocation.
- A bachelor’s degree in tourism management, hospitality management, business administration, or a related field will be considered an asset.
- A deep understanding of the tourism industry, including trends, challenges, and opportunities, is essential. Knowledge of specific tourism sectors such as ecotourism, cultural tourism, or adventure tourism will be considered an asset.
- Experience in building and maintaining relationships with tourism industry stakeholders such as government agencies, tour operators, hoteliers, and local communities.
- Proven organisational skills and the ability to work independently;
- Strong writing and reporting skills;
- Good communication and social skills and the ability to work in a multicultural setting with a small and young team;
- Gender awareness;
- Ability to work under stressful conditions;
- Demonstrated experience working with GCC partnerships in the field of international development;
- A record of achievement that demonstrates successful client relationship skills and experience; with a focus on GCC partnerships;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Arabic and English.
SPARK Offers
- A challenging and exciting position in an international environment;
- Remuneration based on experience;
- Full-time contract 40h/per week;
- Training opportunities.
How to apply
If you are interested, please apply with motivation letter including salary expectations and CV (both in English) on https://vacancy.spark-online.org/Tab1/LoadProfileFromVacancy/559
with reference: Maharat Programme Manager and the country you are applying from at the top of the CV
All applications will be assessed on a rolling basis; interviews can therefore take place before the application deadline. However, due to the large volume of applications we receive, we cannot respond to every applicant individually. There may be a delay between the deadline and the moment we contact selected applicants.
We will only contact short-listed candidates.
About SPARK
SPARK develops higher education and entrepreneurship to empower young, ambitious people to lead their fragile and conflict-affected societies into prosperity. SPARK is a dynamic and growing, international not-for-profit development organization with 110+ staff members, in more than 14 offices around the world. SPARK supports refugees in the Middle East by providing them with scholarships in universities and higher education institutions in the region. SPARK also supports young entrepreneurs in fragile states, to start or grow their businesses.