Position: Full-time
Location: Strong preference for Beirut, Lebanon (other locations in MENA may be considered on an exceptional basis)
Duration: 12 months (with renewal options)
References: EPP Project Coordinator
The Arab Reform Initiative (ARI) is a policy research centre whose key mission is to articulate a homegrown agenda for democratic change in Arab countries. It operates on the principles of impartiality, social justice, gender equality, and diversity. It conducts policy analysis and research, while providing a platform for inspirational voices and empowering young scholars and socially engaged youth. ARI is a hub for a network of Arab think tanks and works in partnership with international institutions. ARI engages academic research centres, think tanks, social movements, decision-makers, media and the public on issues of democratization and political transformation. ARI combines scholarly work and advocacy and produces practical intellectual tools to influence existing political transformation. It promotes sustained exchanges and dialogues on reform across the region and with outside partners.
Overall Purpose
The Arab Reform Initiative (ARI) is seeking a full-time Project Coordinator to support ARI’s growing Environmental Politics program. The coordinator will be in charge of the implementation of a research project seeking to bridge the knowledge gap surrounding environmental activism within the MENA region, particularly in Morocco, Tunisia, Lebanon, and Iraq (the project is called DIRAIA) but will also contribute and participate in the Environmental Politics Program’s other activities.
The coordinator will closely work with and report to the Program Director to a) ensure smooth project implementation; b) ensure regular and effective coordination with partners in the MENA region and other relevant stakeholders; and c) lead on innovative visibility and communication approaches. Moreover, he/she will ensure high impact and quality delivery through sound project management and proper financial follow-up.
About ARI and the DIRAIA "Developing Inclusive Research through Activism and Informed Advocacy" Project
ARI, an independent policy research center, is committed to fostering inclusive and democratic governance as well social and environmental justice across the Arab region. With a strong emphasis on gender equality and diversity, ARI conducts in-depth policy analysis, field research, and combines academic rigor with advocacy to produce tools that enhance active citizenship and better governance. Through providing an international platform, ARI amplifies research from the MENA region, engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including academic researchers, civil society actors, social movements, policymakers, and the media, on critical issues like democratization, social justice, and full citizenship. ARI’s collaborative efforts extend globally, promoting meaningful South-South and South-North dialogues on reform initiatives, with operational bases in Paris, Beirut, and Tunis.
The DIRAIA (Developing Inclusive Research through Activism and Informed Advocacy) initiative represents a strategic endeavor by ARI to examine environmental activism within MENA, particularly in Morocco, Tunisia, Lebanon, and Iraq. This initiative aims to explore the resilience, strategies, and dynamics of environmental mobilization against the backdrop of governance and social justice challenges. It critically addresses the MENA region's vulnerability to climate change, highlighting the discrepancy between state-led responses and grassroots involvement, and emphasizes the exploration of gendered impacts within environmental activism. Supported by Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the DIRAIA project seeks to also place environmental activism in MENA within a broader understanding of the evolution of environmental activism globally. This project aims to enrich the environmental activism discourse, foster connections among stakeholders, and influence policy decisions, reflecting ARI’s dedication to contributing to environmental justice and governance reform in the MENA region.
Scope of Work
The Project Coordinator will have the following key responsibilities:
Project Coordination
- Coordinating and following up on the deliverables of the environmental politics program research team.
- Implementing and monitoring of all project activities and milestones, in close consultation with the Program Director.
- Working closely and building positive relationships with project partners and consultants in all countries of interventions to ensure project deliverables are met. This entails maintaining regular communication channels with partners and co-leading bilateral and consortium-level meetings.
- Building partnerships with and ensuring outreach to other relevant stakeholders in collaboration with the Program Director and ARI’s wider team.
- Assisting in the delivery of events such as webinars and conferences, including outreach to relevant stakeholders, tracking invites and participation
- Developing and maintaining relations with all environmental researchers and advocates and establishing communications mechanisms. This also includes maintaining an updated environmental politics program database and regular communications with regional partners.
- Assisting in preparing the communications materials with quality content for internal/external purposes and identifying/delivering them through appropriate channels and means such as campaigns, advocacy material, policy briefs, newsletter, and factsheets.
- Carrying out day-to-day administrative and coordination tasks necessary for overall project success.
Partners Coordination and Donor Reporting
- Coordinating partners’ reporting on all project deliverables, while ensuring high quality content and timely submissions.
- Assisting the Program Director in the preparation of the narrative reporting as per IDRC requirements as well as project briefs to other relevant audiences.
Financial and Budget Management
- Working closely with the Finance Officer and Administrative Officer to monitor on a monthly basis to reinforce good financial management practices.
- Planning, forecasting and monitoring spending in line with agreed projects budget and expenditure for both ARI and partners.
- Ensuring solid procurement processes are in place for suppliers and service providers to achieve internal and donor compliance. This also includes developing terms of reference and calls for applications, where relevant.
Qualifications
The Project Coordinator shall be committed to environmental justice in the MENA and to supporting knowledge production/research, capacity building and voices/networks of environmental advocates within MENA with the following background and experience:
- A master’s degree in Social Sciences, Environmental Policy, Management, Development, or any other relevant fields. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree with relevant working experience will also be considered.
- More than 4 years of working experience in multi-stakeholder projects.
- Prior experience with international donor-funded organisations.
- High level of organization.
- Ability to work with limited supervision, be flexible and comfortable in a multi-cultural work force.
- Good communication skills and the ability to build positive working relationships with the project team and partners.
- Excellent command of English and Arabic is a must.
Contract Conditions
This is a full-time contract for 12 months (renewable based on successful performance) with an immediate starting date. It is preferable for the candidate to be based in Lebanon. Other locations within MENA will be considered on an exceptional basis.
To Apply
Please send your CV (max. two pages) and a cover letter describing your qualifications and motivation for the position to: recruitment@arab-reform.net with the reference “EPP Project Coordinator” subject.
The closing date is 1 June 2024
Candidates must have the right to work in Lebanon.
We will only contact short-listed candidates.
ARI is a leading independent think tank working with expert partners in the Middle East and North Africa and beyond to articulate a home-grown agenda for democratic change and social justice. It conducts research and policy analysis and provides a platform for inspirational voices based on the principles of diversity, impartiality, gender equality and social justice.
ARI strives to be an equal opportunities employer. ARI is committed to equality of opportunity and to non-discrimination for all job applicants and employees, and we seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce regardless of gender, race, religious beliefs, nationality, ethnic/national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability.