Jordan: Project Manager: Cultural Walking Trails

The Abraham Path is a cultural route in the Middle East retracing the journey of the legendary prophet Abraham who is celebrated for his hospitality and kindness toward strangers. The Path serves as a platform for journeys that cultivate mutual respect and understanding among cultures, strengthen local communities and economies, and offer experiential education opportunities.

The Abraham Path Initiative (API) is a cultural and educational organization incubated at Harvard University’s Program on Negotiation. Since 2007, this non-profit has catalyzed and helped develop a network of walking trails in the modern Middle East that inspire unlikely connections across cultures. API is dedicated to the success and viability of this ancient route that honors today’s hearty tradition of hospitality in the region. Through leading walks, sharing stories, training guides and giving grants, API helps foster local livelihoods and promotes global understanding ( HYPERLINK "http://www.abrahampath.org)" www.abrahampath.org)).

General responsibilities:

API’s cultural trail sustainability and expansion programs are core to our mission. The Project Manager will oversee these programs and encourage their success. The portfolio currently includes: a. the World Bank Economic Development Across Fragile Communities grant in Palestine, b. support for the Sinai Trail, and c. Masarat: Trail-based Experiential Tourism in Saudi Arabia, another World Bank grant.

The Project Manager (PM) tracks progress of the portfolio, administers API’s grants from the World Bank, and ensures that clients and independent contractors meet their goals. In addition, the Project Manager will animate expansion of the portfolio into new arenas and regions, advising API’s professional team on potential next steps along the Path. Project Manager reports in writing and orally to Executive Director of the Abraham Path Initiative.

Specific responsibilities include:

Oversee project deliverables, track progress on project objectives, relationship management

Engage with and support partners on location

Provide strategic and technical direction for meeting project goals

Coordinate integration of project activities into the overall API strategy

Liaise with donors and grantors

Produce project reports to board and donor standards

Report on project activities to API leadership

Procurement and Contract Management

Lead the procurement of goods and services in accordance with project plans, ensuring that client procurement standards are met

Contract service providers based on programmatic requirements

Technical writing of project documents including Terms of Reference, Invitations to Quote, and other contracts

Manage current and future contracts with organizations, independent contractors, and goods and service providers

Oversee contractor reporting and monitor contractor deliverables

Assist local partners in achieving independent and sustainable hiring practices, procurement and managerial responsibilities

Budget Oversight

Oversee budget expenditures to ensure that the project stays within budget and meets expenditure goals and timelines

Develop budgets for future projects, including Path research and development and Fellows program

Gather and submit project invoices and reimbursable expenses to API’s accounting office on a monthly basis

Additional responsibilities include:

Write project proposals and concept notes for fundraising and network development purposes

Participate with ED and team in discussions on API’s forward-looking strategies regarding clients, Fellows, and independent contractors.

Advise and participate in API fundraising events, including occasional presentations to existing and prospective API supporters

Qualifications:

Minimum five years in project management (financial management, project monitoring, and evaluation of multi-million projects) in an international environment

Experience with management of international teams (5–30 members), with organizations and institutions in the public and private sectors

Cultural sensitivity and familiarity with the development aid sector

Knowledge of and experience in the Middle East: required

Proven ability to work independently (decision making, negotiation, and leadership skills) in complex settings

Demonstrated success in and knowledge of grant and proposal writing to assist organization’s fundraising efforts in the area of trail sustainability and expansion

Knowledge of trail-based experiential tourism and cultural routes is an asset

Proficiency in Arabic is preferred

Must be able to travel cross-border in the Middle East

Location: Amman or Bethlehem/Jerusalem

Send:

Cover letter or statement of intent

Complete curriculum vitae with narratives on key responsibilities and achievements

Three references

To: Anisa Mehdi, Executive Director: anisa@abrahampath.org