Project Manager | Youth Empowerment Project | Pending Donor Approval

OVERVIEW

The Jiyan Foundation for Human Rights is a non-governmental, non-profit organization committed to supporting survivors of human rights violations through a comprehensive and holistic approach. Since its founding, the foundation has provided specialized services, including mental health and trauma care, medical assistance, legal support, and social reintegration programs. Operating across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, the Foundation focuses on promoting justice, dignity, and the long-term well-being of individuals and communities affected by war, persecution, and violence. Our team works with dedication to fostering resilience and building a society where human rights are respected and protected.

The Jiyan Foundation for Human Rights is currently inviting qualified and motivated individuals to apply for the position of project manager in Ninawa, Anbar, Baghdad, Najaf, and Basrah.

Position: Project Manager | Youth Empowerment Project | Pending Donor Approval

Status: full-time employee (40h/week, five days)

No. of hired staff: 1

Project: Youth Empowerment Project

Based in: Ninawa, Anbar, Baghdad, Najaf, and Basrah.

Reports to: Director of Operations

Required Degree: Bachelor's or higher

Application Deadline: August 31, 2026

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Project Management:

• Supports the Grants Coordinators (GC) with proposal writing by providing information about previous and current projects, lessons learned, and local sources and ensuring that first-hand background information is available and assessments are being conducted when necessary.

• Check the draft proposal for accuracy and realistic target numbers (involving heads of programs and center managers); needs to be reflected in the budget (for ex., equipment, training, client/staff transportation, etc.).

• Knows proposals, project objectives, and indicators, as well as contracts and donor regulations and guidelines, etc. Establishes joint understanding with SPC. Establishes and maintains the project fact sheet that includes all this information.

• Organizes the internal Jiyan project kick-off meeting with relevant colleagues and the "decision gates" meetings (implementation status, discussion of challenges, status of finance, and target implementation).

• Coordinates and prepares project closure meetings with relevant colleagues (positive/negative achievements, lessons learned) one month after the project ends.

• Coordinates project inception meetings with donors.

• Visits to project locations for the purpose of monitoring project implementation on the occasion of an activity.

• Keeps track of all expenses (budgeted vs. actual expenses) and the financial overview of all projects under their coordination.

Monitoring:

• Requests relevant information in due time from the HoP and Center Manager about the upcoming activities in their programs and centers.

• Sets up a comprehensive info-sharing and reporting system (updating fact sheet, Asana deadlines) for all projects he/she is coordinating and updates HoP and CM about upcoming deadlines.

• Collects data from the database/statistics/internal reports, centers, and programs supported by the project officer for regular internal reporting.

• Monthly tracking of the status of target number implementations based on client and event statistics according to target numbers in centers/projects; talk to HoP/center managers in case of problems.

• Warns SPC/DoO in case of issues that might have to be communicated to the donor/could easily be adjusted with HoP/center managers.

Reporting:

• Is aware of reporting deadlines and checks if all relevant data is available.

• Writes a report and sends it to the donor with DoO and SPC in cc, after final check by the senior project manager and approval by DoO (for final reports, by CEO).

• Communicate with donors regarding the project implementation in coordination with SPC.

Administrative and Networking Tasks:

• May liaise with stakeholders and participate in expert and partner meetings, conferences, and other external events on behalf of the DoO, including cluster meetings when relevant to the project.

• Supports DoO in maintaining relationships with project partners in Iraq and Syria and engages in networking activities with potential partners on behalf of DoO.

• Shares information about project activities with the PR department to ensure proper media coverage (reports, statistics, pictures, videos, statements, interviews, etc.) in coordination with the Senior Project Manager and DoO.

REQUIREMENTS

1. Fluent in Arabic and English.

2. Completed a bachelor's degree or higher, with the proven ability to independently develop and compose (scientific) text.

3. Flexible and strategic mindset and good communication skills.

4. Experience of at least three years in project coordination or implementation of an asset.

5. Ability to work as part of a team and on own initiative.

6. Willingness to work occasionally variable hours and readiness for business trips.

7. Advanced familiarity with Microsoft Office tools (especially MS Word and Excel), online tools, and email communication.

 PERKS AND BENEFITS

1. Participation in professional training and seminars;

2. Working in an international and dedicated team;

3. Paid holidays (24 days for a full-time position) plus 15 statutory holidays. Additional paid holidays, especially on the occasion of religious festivals, may be agreed upon;

4. Voluntary pension scheme with employer contributions.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit, in English:

• cover letter outlining your motivation to work with Jiyan in this particular position

• CV detailing your previous work experience

via this form: https://form.jotform.com/262352663036455 

Please note that applications that do not meet the requirements or that are incomplete will not be considered.

 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

The Jiyan Foundation for Human Rights is an equal-opportunity employer, and we particularly encourage women to apply for this position.