Project Manager/Doha Global South Health Policy Initiative

Position description

About the Middle East Council on Global Affairs

The Middle East Council on Global Affairs (ME Council) is an independent, non-profit policy research institution based in Doha, Qatar. It conducts policy-relevant research, convenes meetings, and dialogues, and engages policy actors on geopolitical and socioeconomic issues specific to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Serving as a bridge between the MENA region and the rest of the world, the ME Council provides a regional perspective on global policy issues. It also establishes partnerships with other leading research institutions and development organizations across the MENA region and the world.

About the Doha Global South Health Policy Initiative

In February 2024, the Middle East Council on Global Affairs (ME Council) and the Gates Foundation, with the support of Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, convened an inaugural meeting of the Doha Global South Health Policy Initiative in Doha. The initiative was conceived as a response to stagnating health indicators in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), despite global commitments and significant funding from global health initiatives. The initiative aims to provide a platform for LMICs to exchange knowledge and share insights in order to identify barriers in health policy implementation and propose effective solutions. Following a successful inaugural convening, the initiative has attracted global interest in its audacious goal of improving public health outcomes in the Global South.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

The Project Manager is responsible for providing project management support to the Initiative activities and pilot projects, facilitating initiative convenings, and undertaking additional tasks as required. They will be responsible for preparing comprehensive financial and activity reports and any other project-related reports in collaboration with all the ME Council teams and providing support for organizing initiative convenings.

• Project Management

–         In coordination with ME Council Financial Manager monitor budgets for project related activities, ensuring efficient use of resources and compliance with financial policies.

–         Oversee and monitor the implementation of activities and pilot projects in multiple countries, ensuring compliance with project objectives and timelines.

–         Coordinate and manage project timelines and deliverables to ensure timely completion of the initiative objectives.

–         Prepare and maintain accurate financial reports including in-country activities, budget tracking and expenditure monitoring, in coordination with finance and accounting teams.

–         Generate comprehensive activity reports, documenting progress, achievements, challenges, and lessons learned to inform decision-making and future planning.

–         Collaborate with the ME Council Communications team in the organization and coordination of convenings and events related to the initiative, including logistics, participant coordination, and agenda preparation.

–         Establish and maintain effective communication channels with project stakeholders, including partners, funders, and participating organizations, to ensure alignment and collaboration.

–         Facilitate communication and collaboration among project team members and external stakeholders.

–         Support the development and implementation of project strategies and goals.

• Content Creation

–         Document best practices, success stories, and case studies from project implementation, contributing to knowledge sharing and organizational learning.

–         Draft output on relevant health topics related to the initiative’s goals and objectives, synthesizing findings into reports, briefs, and presentations for internal and external audiences.

–         Support the development and submission of grant proposals and funding applications in the area of Health, including literature reviews, data collection, and proposal writing in collaboration with the ME Council teams.

–         Prepare high-quality written materials, such as concept notes, policy memos, and research manuscripts in the health area, adhering to organizational standards and guidelines.

• Administrative Support

–         Provide administrative support to project teams, including scheduling meetings, maintaining project calendars, and coordinating travel arrangements.

–         Organize and maintain project-related data and documentation, ensuring confidentiality, accuracy, and accessibility for team members.

–         Assist in the facilitation of project meetings, workshops, and sessions, including preparing agendas, recording minutes, and following up on action items.

–         Support internal and external communication efforts, including drafting correspondence, managing email correspondence, and updating project-related communication channels.

Qualifications

Applicant Requirements

Education/Experience Requirements:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Public Administration, International Development, or related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in project management, preferably in the non-profit sector or international development.
• Demonstrated expertise in monitoring and evaluating grant-funded programs or projects, with a focus on results-based management.

Knowledge/Skills Requirements:

• Fluency in English (research, writing, and editing) is required (C2).
• Desirable: intermediate level French (reading and writing).
• Proficiency in understanding and speaking Arabic is required.
• Ability to prepare comprehensive activity reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience in supporting the organization and execution of events or convenings, preferably in an international context.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks, manage timelines, and coordinate with multiple stakeholders.
• Familiarity with budget management and financial oversight processes.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively interact with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in project management tools/software.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in all aspects of work.

Application instructions

How to Apply

Applicants should submit the following documents:

• A CV including professional and educational experience, three references, full contact information.
• A cover letter along with any additional information you wish to convey.

Only applicants meeting minimum qualifications for the position will be considered. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted

·        Contractual Arrangement: temporary term contract

·        Contract Duration: 2 years

·        Location: Doha, Qatar

Submission deadline: December 31, 2024. Please note that applications may be closed before the deadline if a sufficient number of quality applications are received.