Senior Program Coordinator (Middle East)

Position description

Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) is an international non-governmental organization (INGO) with offices around the world working to improve protection for civilians caught in conflict zones. CIVIC envisions a world in which no civilian is harmed in conflict. Our mission is to support communities affected by conflict in their quest for protection and strengthen the resolve and capacity of armed actors to prevent and respond to civilian harm. We are advocates who believe that no civilian caught in conflict should be ignored, and advisors who provide practical solutions to preventing and responding to civilian harm. Learn more at civiliansinconflict.org.

About the Position

The Senior Program Coordinator – Middle East will support the Director of Programs in expanding CIVIC’s presence in the region beyond Yemen. This includes leading efforts to open new missions in Syria, Palestine, and Iraq, and establishing a regional office in Lebanon or Jordan. The position requires a senior-level professional with deep regional expertise, strong programmatic, financial, and fundraising experience, and the ability to engage donors, governments, armed actors, and humanitarian stakeholders at the highest levels.

Location: Amman, Jordan or Beirut, Lebanon
Contract: 1 year renewable, starting April 15
Reports to: Director of Programs

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Program Development

• Design innovative PoC programming adapted to the realities of conflict-affected contexts.
• Develop strategies to strengthen harm mitigation, training, and technical assistance programs.
• Lead CIVIC’s expansion by opening new missions in Syria, Palestine, and Iraq, ensuring legal, financial, and operational readiness.
• Oversee the establishment of a regional office in Lebanon or Jordan.
• Conduct stakeholder mapping, feasibility assessments, and strategic planning for new country programs.
• Align programmatic priorities with CIVIC’s global strategy and regional conflict dynamics.
• Contribute to CIVIC research, analysis, and dissemination of findings to inform policy and practice.

2. Fundraising & Donor Engagement

• Identify and develop funding opportunities with traditional donors (UN, EU, and government agencies) and non-traditional donors (Gulf donors, private sector, philanthropic foundations, etc.).
• Lead the writing of concept notes, proposals, and donor reports to secure sustainable funding.
• Cultivate high-level donor relationships and ensure CIVIC’s funding pipeline remains strong.

3. Program Implementation & Quality Assurance

• Support CIVIC’s Yemen program to ensure projects are implemented on time, within budget, and with high quality.
• Provide technical guidance and strategic oversight to program teams, including in financial planning, risk management, and compliance.
• Ensure effective monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL) frameworks are in place across programs.

4. Representation & Advocacy

• Represent CIVIC in high-level meetings, humanitarian coordination mechanisms, and diplomatic forums in the Middle East.
• Engage with governments, security forces, international organizations, and civil society actors to advocate for civilian protection.
• Position CIVIC as a leading actor in Protection of Civilians (PoC) policy and programming in the region.
• Provide technical input on protection issues to national and international stakeholders.

5. Financial & Administrative Oversight

• Work with CIVIC’s headquarters to develop and manage budgets for new and existing programs.
• Oversee grant compliance, financial reporting, and donor agreements, ensuring adherence to all funding requirements.
• Provide guidance to country teams on financial and operational best practices.
• Ensure the timely and accurate submission of reports to donors and internal stakeholders.

6. Human Resources & Capacity Building

• Oversee the hiring, mentoring, and capacity building of program teams in the region.
• Ensure staff are trained on programmatic, financial, and security-related policies.
• Foster a strong team culture, professional development, and knowledge-sharing across CIVIC’s regional programs.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in international security, human rights, advocacy, or related fields.
• A master’s degree in international relations, conflict studies, humanitarian affairs, or a related discipline (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Fluency in Arabic and English (French is an asset).
• Proven track record in program development, implementation, and evaluation.
• Demonstrated ability to fundraise, cultivate donor relationships, and write successful grant proposals.
• At least 5 years of experience in the Middle East, with strong geopolitical and security knowledge of the region.
• Previous experience as Head of Programs, Country Director, or Head of Mission in an INGO or UN agency.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with a proven ability to motivate diverse teams in complex environments.
• Excellent representation and advocacy experience, including engagement with governments, security forces, international organizations, and donors.
• Experience designing and implementing workshops, seminars, surveys, and monitoring systems.
• Strong budgeting and financial oversight skills, including experience managing compliance with diverse donors.
• High level of computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience with staff security and safety issues is desirable.
• Candidates must have a valid working permit in Jordan. Lebanon is also an acceptable location for this position.

Preferred Skills & Attributes

• Ability and willingness to travel extensively in the region and internationally (66% travel expected).
• A passion for leadership, and a commitment to CIVIC’s mission.
• A visionary leader who can balance programmatic growth, operational efficiency, and strategic positioning.
• Ability to navigate sensitive political environments while maintaining neutrality and operational effectiveness.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to effectively lead a team, communicate a vision, make transparent decisions, and manage conflict.

Application instructions

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