Program Manager / National post for Syrian Only

We are a group of young men and women from around the world with diverse professional and academic backgrounds. We believe that human development begins with knowledge and awareness. We design and implement quality educational projects for displaced children and youth, using a comprehensive approach that aims for the all-around development of children and youth, their sustainable livelihood, their integration into society, that enables them to participate in the mainstream development process and contributes to building a sustainable community through education.

Our Vision:
A diverse and solidarity society that learns and empowers efficiently and creatively

Our Mission:
We create a creative learning and empowering environment for children and youth that explores and interconnects resources available in diverse communities for mutual benefit and sustainable giving.

Values:

• Equality
• Integrity
• Sustainability
• Inclusiveness
• Innovation

  Abjad Initiative is seeking a dynamic and motivated Program Manager to lead and coordinate its expanding education-focused programs in Syria. The ideal candidate is energetic, proactive, and passionate about community-led development, with a strong ability to transform ideas into action. This role is critical to building and nurturing Abjad’s presence and community engagement in Syria, and will involve designing innovative projects, leading partnerships, and coordinating volunteer and staff efforts on the ground.

  Key Responsibilities

  1. Project and Grant Development

• Generate and develop creative, impactful project ideas that respond to the needs of the education sector in Syria.
• Lead the preparation of project proposals in close coordination with Abjad’s team and board of directors.
• Conduct field assessments and propose evidence-based interventions to support community educational needs.
• Write assessment needs reports, concept notes and seed ideas for grant applications
• Lead a team for grants writing covering both concepts to budget.
  

  2. Grant and Project Management

• Oversee the implementation of projects, ensuring alignment with donor requirements and Abjad’s policies.
• Run two to three projects in parallel supporting Abjad strategic agenda in Syria
• Develop and manage detailed work plans and budgets, ensuring timely and effective delivery per project.
• Monitor project progress and impact, with a focus on sustainability and community ownership.
  

  3. Representation and Partnerships

• Represent Abjad Initiative in relevant forums, coordination clusters, and partner events within Syria.
• Proactively build and maintain strategic relationships with local, national, and international stakeholders.
• Facilitate partnerships that strengthen Abjad’s mission and expand its reach in the education sector.
  

  4. Team Leadership and Community Engagement

• Supervise staff and volunteers, encouraging innovation and ownership of tasks.
• Create a supportive and motivating environment for Abjad’s growing community of volunteers and partners.
• Coordinate Abjad-led events, trainings, and public outreach efforts to foster a strong and active network.
• Ensure all activities are in compliance with legal frameworks for Abjad’s operations in Syria.
  

  Qualifications and Skills

• University degree in Management, Education, International Development, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in project/grant management, preferably in the education or nonprofit sector.
• Previous work with leading diverse teams in NGOs educational settings.
• Previous work in grants writing and reporting to funding bodies
• Previous work with community organizations or volunteer-led initiatives is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of donor requirements and best practices in project implementation.
• Bilingual proficiency in Arabic and English, with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Microsoft Teams.
• Experience using modern project management tools (e.g. Trello, Asana, or similar).
• Use of WhatsApp in business settings and broadcasting
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and mobilise diverse teams.
• Deep commitment to values of transparency, inclusivity, accountability, and community empowerment.
• Desirable experience in writing of guidelines, concept notes or peer reviewed articles.