UAE: Resident Program Manager/Senior Program Manager

The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) seeks a Resident Program Manager or Senior Program Manager, based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to direct and implement a program to develop the capacity of young women in Kuwait to run for political office, conduct issue-based advocacy and hold public officials accountable on policies related to women. In addition to managing all facets of the program, the incumbent will provide technical assistance and training to program participants. The position requires extensive travel from NDI’s regional office in Dubai to Kuwait. This position is considered key personnel and is contingent upon funder approval. This is an unaccompanied post.

Background

In the last seven years, women have increasingly been granted political rights in Kuwait, such as the right to vote and to run for office, and in 2009 for the first time in the country’s history, four women were elected to the 50-member parliament. The dramatic increase in opportunities for Kuwaiti women resulted in the development of many women’s groups and has increased women’s activism. However, women continue to struggle to build strong support networks, win a larger proportion of seats, and influence policy. While the first class of women MPs has made significant strides in establishing women as credible elected leaders, women politicians generally face continuing difficulties in garnering support to pass or revise legislation on policies affecting women, including support from civil society and from male colleagues.

NDI’s program seeks to build the capacity of young Kuwaiti women to participate in the political progress, influence policy debate and hold elected officials accountable on policies related to women. Through a parliamentary internship program, community service campaigns, a mentorship program and a series of skill building academies, participating women will build networks and gain practical experience in organizing, campaigning and policy analysis and development.

The Resident Senior Program Manager will draw upon his/her demonstrated experience in fostering women’s political participation and training young professionals to manage and direct all phases of the program.

Programmatic:

• Establish partnerships with local civil society organizations, parliament, universities, participating Kuwaiti women leaders and other stakeholder groups.
• Develop curriculum to support the methodology and content of the program.
• Initiate parliamentary and civil society fellowship programs.
• Establish communication strategy, including use of new media, to build community among fellows.
• Conduct skills-building academies and workshops with women on topics such as advocacy techniques, networking, gender-specific policy analysis, message development, and constituency outreach.
• Travel monthly to Kuwait for extended periods to conduct workshops, facilitate mentorship program, build community of fellows, and monitor and conduct other program activities.
• Develop and maintain relationships with the U.S. Embassy, the Middle East Partnership Initiative, the donor community, and other international and domestic organizations active in Kuwait.

Administrative:

• Coordinate training activities and logistical arrangements for short-term trainers and consultants.
• Oversee the planning and preparation for regional conferences, seminars, workshops and other events, including coordinating travel, accommodations and other logistical needs in partnership with program support staff.
• Maintain regular communication and collaboration with Washington, DC-based program team.
• Draft and submit accurate and timely field reports that monitor and evaluate program results.
• Draft reports that detail program activities and monitor and measure program results and political developments.
• Supervise local staff and foster their professional development.
• Manage and reconcile program expenses according to program budgets.

Experience Required

• A minimum of eight (8) years (Manager) or ten (10) years (Senior Manager) of experience working to increase women’s political participation, either through work with political parties, civic groups, or community outreach and organizing.

• Proven ability to communicate skills and experience to others as a trainer, advisor, or consultant, including conference/seminar organizing and facilitation.
• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Demonstrated work experience in program management.
• Experience using new media technology.
• Experience in monitoring and evaluating programs.
• Experience planning events, including conferences, seminars and workshops.
• Strong written and oral communications skills. Computer literacy is required.
• High degree of organization and initiative.
• Experience in financial management and reporting.
• Excellent staff and office management and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working or living in the region is desirable or a proven ability to adapt quickly to new cultures, both professionally and personally.
• Knowledge of Arabic is highly desirable

Comments
The Resident Senior Program Manager will be supported by local and international NDI program staff in Dubai, as well as NDI staff in Washington, DC. Salary is commensurate with experience. A generous benefits package is provided, including an in-country housing allowance and a language bonus for fluency in Arabic. This position is an unaccompanied post.

No phone calls please

NDI is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, political affiliation, religion, gender, disability, and/or sexual orientation.