Project Director

DAI is seeking highly qualified candidates for the following position:

Project Director

Project: Technology for Youth and Jobs- TechStart

Expected start: February 2024

Level of effort: Full-time

Location: Ramallah, Palestine

Duration: 1 Year, With the Possibility of Extensions to the End of the Project in 2028

Background

Palestine Technology for Youth and Jobs Project- TechStart is an eight-year, USD $30 million project for the benefit of the Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology (MTIT) of the Palestinian Authority, funded by the World Bank (WB), the European Union, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, and the Government of the Kingdom of Netherlands, and implemented by DAI Global UK as the Project Implementation Agency (PIA).

It is designed to assist the Palestinian IT ecosystem to upgrade firm capabilities and spur employment growth. TechStart will build the capacity of Palestinian Tech firms, strengthen demand from international buyers and investors, and stimulate the absorption of high-tech knowledge in the ecosystem.

The project has four components:

• Component 1 will strengthen the capabilities of firms and their workforces, addressing the capability shortfalls, information asymmetries, and other factors that dissuade firms from investing in capacity-building activities on their own. It targets firms and individuals that require upskilling to meet the need of buyers who expect suppliers to meet global standards.
• Component 2 will support the entry of new, complementary actors into the IT ecosystem, supporting the private sector to build the technology and business infrastructure that IT service companies rely on to compete, including finance.
• Component 3 will stimulate demand through international market linkages and will encourage foreign direct investment in the West Bank& Gaza. 
• Component 4 will cover project management and monitoring as well as technical assistance to the MTIT.

Key Functions and Responsibilities

Project Management& Operations

• Lead the implementation of all project activities towards the achievement of desired TechStart results using a data-driven and proactive approach that ensures the potential of the project is fully realized.
• Implement the project activities in accordance with the Trust Fund Grant Agreements, the Implementation Agreement, the Project Operations Manual and agreed upon processes and procedures.
• Prepare, implement, and adjust as needed a detailed implementation plan and ensure coordination of efforts in implementing TechStart project as necessary.
• Prepare/ Coordinate the preparation of/ and consolidate the work plans, budgets, and results reporting for all components of the project.
• Coordinate the preparation and monitoring of, and reporting on, the execution of the overall procurement plan of the project for the procurement of goods, consulting and non-consulting services consistent with the World Bank Procurement Regulations and the specific provisions of the Grant Agreement.
• Ensure proper knowledge transfer and capacity building to relevant departments within the Ministry of Telecom and Information Technology (MTIT).
• Maintain oversight of programme budget and an in-depth understanding of the Implementation Agreement between DAI and the MTIT and maintain final accountability for project expenses and activities.
• Ensure that the project team is using the management information system in place (TAMIS) and other MIS systems as necessary, and that due diligence and audit trails are clearly maintained.
• In collaboration with DAI UK’s office and the Finance manager, continuously enhance the system of checks and balances to minimise any potential for abuse, fraud, or mismanagement.
• Ensure the continuous availability of appropriate independent technical expertise for the evaluation of applications for project support.

Relationship Development& Management

• Actively cultivate new, and strengthen existing, linkages and relationships among national, regional, and international project stakeholders. For local stakeholders, this includes, but is not limited to (i) IT industry associations (ii) other donor funded projects (iii) IT ecosystem actors, (iv) IT sector firms, and (v) institutions of higher and continuing technical education. For regional and international stakeholders, this includes but is not limited to (i) government representatives and delegations, (ii) potential multi-national companies that might consider investing in the Palestinian IT services sector, (iii) potential international firms that might consider establishing IT training or HR service provider firms in the Palestinian territories.

Reporting& Stakeholder Coordination

• Ensure unified coordination of all project resources and components through proactive management and problem solving as necessary.
• Coordinate the preparation of high-quality project deliverables (including supervision of service providers engaged on the project), including all key monthly, quarterly, and annual project reports, and work proactively to submit these on time.
• Act as the principal in-country liaison with the World Bank, project donor partners, including the European Union, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, and the Government of the Kingdom of Netherlands, the MTIT, and other stakeholders, including the Project Steering Committee and the Technical Advisory Committee.
• Be available to meet with the World Bank and MTIT on a regular basis and be available for any ad-hoc meetings or phone calls.
• Maintain dialogue with MTIT and the World Bank on all aspects of the implementation of project components, including Project Review meetings at the time of the World Bank Supervision Missions.
• Adopt a highly responsive and proactive approach to collaboration with the World Bank to ensure close coordination, well informed and timely decision making, and continuous improvement of project implementation.
• Organise quarterly meetings with key actors across all project components to assess progress, identify implementation constraints, and recommend remedial actions.

Staff Development& Management

• Maintain oversight of the independent Project Implementation Agency office based in Ramallah and the additional office in Gaza to fulfil the Scope of Work of this assignment.
• Ensure that programme goals and vision are clearly understood by all team members.
• Manage the performance of, and provide regular support to, direct reports, ensuring accountability and adherence to agreed-upon KPIs and project deliverables.
• Create an energizing, productive, and supportive working environment, by providing astute, capable, and adaptive leadership at all times.
• Nurture and maintain team spirit and a collegial working environment that reflects DAI’s core principals of integrity, responsibility, excellence and global citizenship.
• Develop individualized plans for training of staff skills and competencies to ensure they are able to complete their assigned tasks with a high level of quality and reliability. 
• Ensure that the team (in Ramallah and in Gaza) complies with DAI ethics, safeguarding and security policies and procedures; and act as an example to team members to follow and discuss ethics issues openly.
• Coordinate with DAI Palestine to ensure full compliance with corporate requirements.

Jobs.ps, Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Qualifications and Requirements

Education

• Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Technology, Economics, Business Management, or International Development is highly desirable.

Management Experience

• At least ten years of leadership experience, ideally in managing donor-funded programs within the technology sector, inclusive of grant-making aspects.

Sector-Specific Expertise

• Experience in and/ or understanding of the technology sector, with a focus on its development and progression, would be an advantage.

Program Design and Implementation

• Strong experience in designing, managing, and implementing development programs, including the development of Monitoring& Evaluation (M&E) frameworks.

Collaborative Impact

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with government entities, private sector, civil society, and donors, particularly in developing or unstable contexts to drive impactful results.

Language Proficiency

• Fluency in both English and Arabic.

Required Management Skills

• Exceptional Leadership: Demonstrated ability to inspire, motivate, and develop high-performing teams, with a focus on achieving strong results and fostering a collaborative environment.
• Innovative and Energetic Approach: Proven record of creative problem-solving, high energy, and commitment to going above and beyond to meet project goals.
• Diplomacy and Judgement: Strong diplomacy skills paired with the ability to balance divergent interests using sound judgment and discretion.
• Proactive Stakeholder Engagement: Skilled at proactively responding to stakeholder and client demands in a constructive manner, prioritizing project outcomes without compromising relationships.
• Superior Communication Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, particularly in negotiation and presentation, coupled with the capacity to develop clear, cohesive analyses and reports.
• Relationship Building and Executive Engagement: Outstanding track record in establishing and nurturing executive-level relationships and fostering beneficial partnerships across various stakeholder groups.
• Adaptability in Complex Environments: Demonstrated experience and resilience in navigating politically sensitive and volatile contexts, maintaining focus and adaptability under challenging circumstances.

Reporting and Support

The post holder will be line managed by DAI Head Office in the UK and with support from the DAI Palestine Country Director who will ensure TechStart benefits from DAI’s relationships, receives technical backstopping support, and quality assurance from in-house experts.

To Apply:  If you would like to be part of a dynamic project team and are interested in submitting your CV for consideration, please apply through the following link:

Palestine TechStart - Project Director (formsite.com)

Individual position postings including job description and qualifications sought can be viewed at the link provided. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for additional information.

All applications must be received no later than Thursday Feb 08, 2024.

About DAI: DAI is a global development company with corporate offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, EU, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Palestine and project operations worldwide. We tackle fundamental social and economic development problems caused by inefficient markets, ineffective governance, and instability. DAI works on the frontlines of global development. We are committed to shaping a more livable world.

DAI is an equal opportunity/ affirmative action employer with a commitment to diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.