Job purpose

The Assistant Project Manager supports the Projects Manager with the delivery of a portfolio of projects for the MEE region, in particular – but not exclusively – Syria and Lebanon. This involves project and resource management including logistics, overseeing contractual procedure/compliance, the organisation of training programmes/duty trips, generating project or programme ideas, writing proposals and building and maintaining donor relations. The Assistant Project Manager will use both English and Arabic on a daily basis (spoken and written).

Main Duties

• To liaise with project beneficiaries in the Middle East in Arabic.

• To ensure THE COMPANY'S internal project management systems and processes are complied with;

• To effectively manage resources and processes in support of project delivery;

• To provide backstopping support for the London based project team, as directed by the Projects Manager;

• To liaise with the THE COMPANY'S finance and BBC legal department to ensure that all new business complies with BBC and THE COMPANY 'Srules and regulations;

• To undertake contractual arrangements with project consultants, suppliers, advisors and trainers;

• With the Projects Managers, and in close consultation with the Regional Director, to manage the security, health and safety of project staff, and of any other person who may be affected by activities under his/her control in the region; to ensure that BBC safety rules and all relevant legal requirements are complied with;

• To set up and manage processes and reporting procedures for all Projects in line with donor requirements and the company’s policies and procedures;.

• Under the supervision of the Projects Manager, and in liaison with country teams, to draft project proposals and reports, and to prepare documentation for the company Legal prior to signature;

• To contribute to the further development of Media Action’s activities and presence in the given region, including our on-going Country Planning Process;

• To represent where appropriate and necessary the company inside and outside;

• To ensure visibility for projects, both internally and externally;

• To provide support to project staff, both in the UK and abroad, who are contracted to work for the company;

• To collaborate with other company's departments;

• To arrange and facilitate duty/training trips, as and when necessary, and ensure logistical support.

The position requires travel at short notice (and at times for extended periods of time) potentially to hostile environments (subject to security conditions).

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Essential

• Fluent in English and Arabic (spoken and written).

• Good organisational skills and the ability to prioritise workload, work speedily and under pressure, and react positively at short notice and use time and resources efficiently while working to an agreed strategy.

• Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of the varying needs and interests of audiences in the Middle East, in particular in Syria and Lebanon.

• Developed understanding of quality programme-making and the use of media for development.

• Sound editorial judgement and understanding of core BBC values of impartiality, independence and accuracy.

• Demonstrable experience of working in the Middle East.

• Demonstrable interest working in Syria and Lebanon.

• Demonstrable interest in media for development.

• Experience and understanding of international development and media issues Good interpersonal skills and proven ability to negotiate tactfully and effectively.

• Good communication skills, the ability to deal confidently and effectively with staff at all levels, as well as external contacts, both in person and on the telephone.

COMPETENCIES

The following competencies (behaviours and characteristics) have been identified as key to success in the job. Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate these competencies.

 Editorial Judgement – demonstrates balanced and objective judgement based on a thorough understanding of BBC editorial guidelines, target audience, programme and department objectives. Makes the right editorial decisions, taking account of conflicting views where necessary.

 Creative Thinking – able to transform creative ideas into practical reality. Can look at existing situations and problems in novel ways and come up with creative solutions.

 Planning and organisation – able to think ahead in order to establish and efficient and appropriate course of action for self and others. Prioritises and plans activities taking into account all the relevant issues and factors such as deadlines, staffing and resources.

 Communication – able to get one’s message understood clearly by adopting a range of styles, tools and techniques appropriate to the audience and the nature of the information.

 Influencing and persuading – able to present sound and well reasoned arguments to convince others.

 Team working – able to help build and maintain effective working relationships, working co-operatively with others to be part of a team.

 Resilience – manages personal effectiveness by managing emotions in the face of pressure, set backs or when dealing with provocative situations. Demonstrates an approach to work that is characterised by commitment, motivation and energy.

 Flexibility – adapts and works effectively with a variety of situations, individuals or groups. Able to understand and appreciate different and opposing perspectives on an issue, to adapt an approach as the requirements of a situation change, and to change or easily accept changes in one’s own organisation or job requirements.