Project Manager – GBV Sector

About SEED Foundation: SEED Foundation is a registered NGO in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. SEED’s mission is to protect, empower, and support the recovery of survivors of violence and others at risk. SEED is committed to delivering high quality, holistic approaches, which combine international expertise and local know-how to achieve results for the people of Iraq and Kurdistan Region. SEED’s programming focuses on three key objectives: 1) the delivery of transformational, comprehensive services including case management, mental health, and legal services, as well as psychosocial support activities; 2) strengthening the capacity of service providers through education, training, and capacity-development programs; and 3) promoting policy and social change to strengthen the rights of, and protections for, vulnerable groups and individuals through public awareness, technical assistance, and advocacy.

Role of the Project Manager – GBV Sector: The Project Manager – GBV Sector will manage parts of an international grant project designed to build a sustainable, localized response architecture for combating gender based violence following the transition from a humanitarian to development designation in Iraq. The Project Manager – GBV Sector will provide leadership and oversight over SEED’s GBV Sector project, including management of the GBV Sector Coordination Group (GBV SCG) for the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and will facilitate multi-track coordination, representation, mobilization, advocacy, technical assistance, and capacity strengthening across a consortium of government and non-governmental stakeholders to support policy and practice reforms in regional prevention and response to GBV. The Project Manager – GBV Sector will be supported by dedicated Program Manager, GBV technical advisors, coordinators, and administrative staff. A key goal will be to strengthen coordination between GBV protection actors, and improve responses GBV in collaboration with government entities.

Specific Tasks

GBV Sector Management and Leadership (40%)

• Provide strategic leadership for the GBV Sector project, and exercise responsibility for the successful attainment of goals, objectives, and targets, ensuring the highest standards of quality.
• Build and maintain the GBV Sector Coordination Group (GBV SCG) in accordance with work plans, a regional network of governmental and non-governmental protection actors committed to eradicating GBV, and develop and implement strategies to nurture active engagement and growth, foster linkages and promote collaboration, ensure continued operation, and track progress toward commitments.
• Collaborate closely with SEED’s Senior Management team, the Program Manager, and other relevant teams on the full cycle of project management, including design, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Oversee all implementation and administration of the project, setting project direction, plans and ensuring that all activities are conducted in full compliance with donor regulations and SEED Foundation policies and procedures.
• Develop work plans and track progress on all project objectives, activities, and targets, ensuring implementation is on time, progressing towards targets and within budget.
• Manage the team working on the project, and coordinate as appropriate across the organization.
• In collaboration with the program manager, manage the project’s budget, prepare projections, review BVAs, and ensure timely and appropriate spending in line with work plans.
• Coordinate across technical, programmatic, operational and management teams to facilitate continuity and complementarity of programming.
• Identify challenges with implementation and make recommendations for course correction.
• Ensure that project implementation is responsive and accountable to communities and partners, as well as consistent with SEED’s relevant guidelines, principles, values, quality standards, and strategic plan.
• Supervise, train and build the capacity of project staff, identifying capacity building needs and devising development plans for staff members.
• Conduct appraisals and provide regular, constructive feedback to staff members.
• Ensure that the existing MEAL system provides adequate feedback to inform project development and course corrections as necessary, and work closely with the MEAL Unit Manager to contribute to further development and recalibration of the system as needed.
• Lead the drafting process for project reporting, ensuring that reports are of a high quality and submitted on time.
• Work closely with project partners in designing and planning GBV response programs and initiatives in accordance with program plans and recruitments.

Technical Leadership (40%)

• Lead and conduct research and assessment of needs of the GBV Sector across the KRI.
• Lead on the development of multi-track reform efforts within the GBV Sector, collaborating with diverse stakeholders to improve systems and processes.
• Lead the conceptualization, planning, and delivery of technical assistance to government partners to strengthen gaps assessment and analysis, prioritization, legislative and policy reform, strategic planning, and inter-ministerial/inter-agency coordination on combating GBV.
• Lead the conceptualization, planning, and delivery of technical assistance to NGO partners on areas of identified priority.
• Oversee the development of training and capacity-building efforts for NGOs and government stakeholders within the GBV Sector.
• Oversee the development of tools, resources, and guidance materials for the GBV Sector.
• Support other advocacy and awareness efforts for the GBV Sector, as needed.

Communications, Coordination, and Organizational Representation (20%)

• Identify, build, and manage strategic partnerships with other humanitarian partners, coordination bodies, local authorities, and other stakeholders.
• Maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders including donors, government actors, UN agencies, and international and local NGOs.
• Support preparation of project-related communications materials, such as flyers, social media posts, website content, awareness materials, etc.
• Closely coordinate with sector coordination group strategic partners at governorate level.

Essential criteria:

• Minimum of 3 years working in the field of GBV or protection in international development or humanitarian settings.
• Previous experience in cluster/sector coordination; previous experience as a cluster/sector coordinator preferred.
• Previous experience in information management is preferred.
• University degree relevant for development work, preferably related to gender studies, human rights, international development, law, social work, social sciences or other relevant areas.
• Excellent coordination, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and representational skills.
• Full adherence to PSEA, Child Safeguarding, Code of Conduct, and Conflict of Interest policies.
• Strong ability to work independently, including the ability to multitask, prioritize competing tasks, and manage time effectively.
• Ability to work in a stressful setting and adapt quickly to changing environments.
• Well-organized, self-motivated, and has the ability to work in a team.
• High standard of spoken and written English, Arabic, and Kurdish.
• Computer literate, especially in Microsoft Office packages.