Search for Common Ground Program Manager

Job Posting: Program Manager, Cross-Regional Team, Global Programs

About Search:

Search for Common Ground (Search) is an international non-profit organization that promotes the peaceful transformation of conflict. With headquarters in Washington, DC and Brussels, Belgium, Search’s mission is to transform how individuals, organizations, and governments deal with conflict—moving away from destructive approaches and towards cooperative solutions. With more than 700 staff worldwide, Search implements projects in more than 30 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, and North America.

Position Summary

Search is seeking an experienced Program Manager for the cross-regional programs team and the portfolio of projects that the team manages. The cross-regional team is a global department, with colleagues based in the US, Europe, Africa, and Asia. The cross-regional team supports implementation of projects in a range of countries and in different thematic areas, working with country teams as well as global departments. 

The position requires a manager with extensive experience in grants management; program management, quality and project design; staff supervision and development. The manager must be a proactive communicator comfortable building teams and supervising staff remotely and cross-culturally. The manager should have experience in international conflict transformation and peacebuilding, and be prepared to contribute to program design, implementation (both delivery and quality), and reflection and learning. They should be fluent in English and proficient in French given the program’s portfolio.

The manager will have 3-5 direct reports, with staff based in countries outside of Nigeria.  They will report to the Senior Director, Program Effectiveness, who is based in Washington, DC

• Grant management oversight
• Supervise the general portfolio of cross-regional projects, monitoring progress on project planning, activity implementation, reporting, contract compliance, and close-out. 
• Ensure appropriate use of Search’s grant management processes, policies and procedures by cross-regional team and the projects they support. 
• Monitor burn rates, spending risks, and related issues.
• Provide technical support and coaching to cross-regional team on grant management.
• Ensure subawards are managed according to Search and donor policies.

• Supervision (including quality oversight, feedback, and coaching) and professional development of 3-5 direct reports.
• Capacity building, coaching, and professional development support to direct reports and other colleagues on the cross-regional team and in the programs the team supports.
• Coordinating interim coverage, new assignments, and salary coverage, in collaboration with Cross-Regional Finance Manager.

• Coordinate revenue forecasts across the portfolio.
• Contribute data to health & sustainability index and other initiatives that require one voice for the cross-regional team.
• Participate in Grants & Program Community of Practice, working groups, etc.
• Represent Search and strengthen relationships with partners, donors, local and international organizations as well as government authorities, as needed.

• Contribute to the program design of new cross-regional and/or thematic projects, with a particular eye on the operational design (functionality, coordination, and budgeting, especially for cross-regional involvement).

• Work with team they supervise to draw out learnings and stories from project portfolio to share with Global Communications, Marketing, and other departments..
• Contribute to organizational learning, impact report, etc.

• A Bachelor's Degree in a related area required, while a Masters in Conflict Resolution, International Relations, Project Management or related field would be an added benefit. 

• At least 9 years of experience in grant and project management, preferably with US and European donors (USAID, US State, European Commission, Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, etc)
• At least two years experience in conflict resolution or peacebuilding programming
• At least two years experience as a supervisor
• Demonstrated cross-cultural experience

• Must be fluent in English (spoken and written), and professionally proficient in French;
• Knowledge of and exposure to a wide range of peace, conflict transformation, governance, and development issues;
• Ability to review, analyze and interpret financial reports, budget versus actuals, financial projections and procurement documentation;
• Good interpersonal and networking skills, as well as the ability to conduct professional working relationships virtually;
• Competent computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite) and other softwares
• Detail-oriented with ability to meet deadlines, both prescribed and self-imposed
• Willingness and desire to learn while demonstrating self-initiative
• Ability to adapt to new cultures and work in diverse environments
• Demonstrated ability to foster a culture of respect and inclusion.
• Flexible in working with different time zones (colleagues stretch across the globe)

Deadline for submission of applications: January 3, 2025. 

To apply, interested candidates should send the following items to our employment portal here:current resumecover letter