At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage impactful donor-funded programmes in governance and peacebuilding across the Middle East.
- Company: GIST Research, a global leader in high-impact solutions for complex environments.
- Benefits: Flexible working, international exposure, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity to travel and work in politically sensitive environments.
- Why this job: Join a specialist team tackling global challenges in fragile settings.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in project management with experience in international development and donor-funded programmes.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: UK, Remote with travel to the Middle East (around 10% of time on project sites)
Contract: Part time or full time
About GIST Research
GIST is a global research, advisory, and programme delivery firm operating in complex and high-risk environments across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. We work with governments, international organisations, and NGOs to design and deliver practical, high-impact solutions. Our teams combine strong analytical expertise with on the ground access in hard-to-reach areas, enabling us to respond effectively to local challenges. Our work spans conflict analysis, institutional strengthening, and innovative approaches to aid delivery in fragile settings. We prioritise long-term partnerships and local knowledge, working closely with trusted experts to deliver sustainable results. GIST is known for its independence, integrity, and ability to turn insight into action.
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced Project Manager with a background in international development, governance, or stabilisation programming to manage delivery of complex, donor-funded programmes across the Middle East (mainly Iraq, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon), including fragile and conflict-affected settings (FCAS). This is not a generalist PM role. You will bring hands-on experience managing donor-funded programmes, including financial oversight and technical reporting, and be comfortable operating in politically sensitive and operationally complex environments.
About You – Essential Experience
- Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in project management within:
- International development
- Governance, peacebuilding, security or stabilisation programmes
- Proven experience managing programmes funded by bilateral or multilateral donors, such as: FCDO, EU, UN agencies, World Bank, US Government
- Direct experience managing financial and technical reporting to donors
- Experience working in or supporting programmes in fragile and conflict-affected settings (FCAS)
- Strong management skills across the project lifecycle, including:
- Deployment planning
- Team coordination and management
- Budget management
- Risk management
- Stakeholder coordination
- Monitoring, Reporting, Evaluation, and Learning
- Experience contributing to business development through expansion of existing projects and development of proposals for new opportunities
- Willingness and ability to travel to project locations, including higher-risk environments
Desirable Experience
- Regional experience in the Middle East
- Experience working with research, monitoring & evaluation, or evidence-based programmes
- Knowledge of governance, stabilisation, or security sector programming
Key Responsibilities
- Manage end-to-end delivery of donor-funded programmes
- Lead financial tracking, forecasting, and reporting in line with donor requirements
- Oversee technical reporting and deliverables to clients and partners
- Coordinate with in-country teams, partners, and stakeholders
- Ensure compliance with donor regulations and internal processes
- Support programme adaptation in complex and evolving contexts
- Contributing to project expansion and portfolio growth
Why Join Us
- Work on impactful programmes in governance, peace and stabilisation
- Contribute to delivery in high-priority global contexts
- Join a specialist organisation operating at the intersection of research, policy and implementation
- Flexible and internationally focused working environment
Before You Apply
This role is best suited to candidates who already have direct experience in donor-funded international development programmes. Applications from candidates without this background (e.g. IT, construction, or corporate PM roles) are unlikely to be successful.
Project Manager – International Governance, Peace & Stabilisation Programmes employer: The Little HR Department
GIST Research is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work on impactful governance and stabilisation programmes in high-priority global contexts. With a flexible, internationally focused working environment and a commitment to employee growth, GIST fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, empowering its team members to make a meaningful difference in fragile settings. The chance to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to sustainable results makes GIST a rewarding place for professionals dedicated to international development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager – International Governance, Peace & Stabilisation Programmes
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We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager – International Governance, Peace & Stabilisation Programmes
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Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of The Little HR Department. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Project Manager – International Governance, Peace & Stabilisation Programmes, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Little HR Department
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of The Little HR Department. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
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Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
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