CONTEXT PRESENTATION:

Un Ponte Per (UPP) is an Italian NGO established in 1991. It started its activities as “Un Ponte Per Baghdad”, in the aftermath of the first Gulf War, intending to organize solidarity initiatives in support of the Iraqi civilian population. In subsequent years, UPP missions expanded to include Serbia and other Middle Eastern and Mediterranean countries. The NGO aims at preventing armed conflicts, protecting human rights and support local civil society, especially in the Middle East, by promoting the nexus between its humanitarian, peacebuilding and development programs.

Since 2015, UPP has been one of the leading INGOs in the North East Syria (NES) response, providing humanitarian aid and capacity building of local actors in Health and Protection as well as environmental health, including waste management. In partnership with local partners, UPP has been able to develop a comprehensive system of health services delivered in 26 facilities, including mobile units, hospitals, primary health care centres, and an ambulance network. For further information please refer to our website: www.unponteper.it/en/

Un Ponte Per is looking for one Project Manager that will be responsible of the following major tasks:

Programme Management

• Ensure the timely, efficient, and effective delivery of high-quality education activities led by local partner(s), aligned with donor expectations and project objectives.
• Closely monitor implementation through regular joint field visits (2–3 times/week) and ongoing coaching of partner teams.
• Collaborate with the Head of Mission (HoM) and other technical staff to ensure coordination and integration of programmatic interventions across sectors.
• Provide strategic input to the HoM on program planning, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Identify capacity-building needs and deliver structured support to partner staff to strengthen technical and managerial skills.
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of activities, with a focus on capturing lessons learned, challenges, and best practices.
• Oversee the tendering, procurement, and supervision of rehabilitation works in coordination with the Logistics and Procurement teams, ensuring compliance with UPP, MEHE and AICS regulations
• Ensure that rehabilitation works follow the academic calendar and that all services (including transport and events) are timely and well-coordinated.
• Ensure strict adherence to safety and security protocols, in coordination with relevant actors and security partners.
• Ensure the proper use of financial resources in coordination with Finance and Procurement teams.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by the HoM.

Partnership Coordination

• Foster and maintain strong relationships with implementing partner(s), providing hands-on support and strategic guidance.
• Support transparent budget planning and budget phasing with local partners, in line with AICS requirements.
• Regularly monitor the quality of partner implementation sites and ensure accountability mechanisms are in place.
• Facilitate regular coordination meetings with partners, ensuring the timely flow of information, shared challenges, and joint solutions.

MEAL 

• Work closely with the MEAL Officer/Coordinator to develop and implement a MEAL plan that includes measurable indicators for tracking project progress and impact.
• Work closely with the MEAL Officer/Coordinator to support partners in data collection and ensure high data quality and timely reporting.
• Ensure that accountability mechanisms to communities and stakeholders are integrated into program design and implementation.

Documentation and Reporting

• Lead the preparation of donor and internal narrative reports, ensuring alignment with AICS guidelines.
• Ensure that all key project documentation is updated, accessible, and stored appropriately.
• Collect and contribute case studies, human interest stories, and data for communication and fundraising purposes.
• Support documentation of rehabilitation works with visuals and regular progress updates.

Coordination and Representation

• Represent UPP in relevant coordination forums (e.g., Education Cluster), working groups, and sectoral meetings.
• Build strong working relationships with local authorities, community representatives, and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate and facilitate field visits from donors or HQ staff, ensuring professional communication and transparency.
• Ensure alignment and information-sharing with UPP HQ and other missions, where relevant.

Communications and Visibility

• Ensure project visibility materials (e.g., banners, signs, social media content) are aligned with donor guidelines.
• Collaborate with Communication Manager in HQ to contribute updates and success stories for external channels.
• Ensure proper branding of project sites and events.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

Qualifications and experience:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Education, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or related field.
• At least 4–5 years of experience as a Project Manager in complex and sensitive environments.
• Experience in Education programming is a strong advantage.
• Experience in working with AICS-funded projects and understanding of AICS compliance and reporting standards.
• Strong experience in partnership management, including mentoring and capacity building of local partners.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating rehabilitation works and overseeing procurement processes.

Languages and IT skills:

• Excellent written and spoken English and Italian. Arabic is an asset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint); familiarity with KoboToolbox is a plus.

Soft skills:

• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, with the ability to manage complex relationships diplomatically.
• Solid organizational skills and capacity to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
• High integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism.
• Strong cultural sensitivity and ability to adapt to local contexts.
• Autonomous and proactive, with the ability to make sound decisions.

Other requirements:

• Valid driving licence (category B) and willingness to travel regularly to the field using a UPP car.
• Availability to work in high-risk or politically sensitive areas, respecting all safety protocols.
• Commitment to UPP’s mission and values, including safeguarding and ethical conduct.