Program Manager

Job Title: Program Manager

Reports to: Executive Director

Job Location: Karuna Center headquarters is in Western Massachusetts, MA, USA but it is a fully remote organization; selected candidates will work from home with preference for US Eastern time zone.

Application Deadline: Apply by Sept. 23 for priority consideration. Process will remain open until position is filled, with an anticipated start date in mid to late October.

About Karuna Center for Peacebuilding

Karuna Center bridges divides to build sustainable peace in areas at risk for violent conflict. We design and implement multi-year programs, lead peacebuilding trainings, and provide conflict analysis to national and multilateral organizations. Through collaborations with local partners, we build the capacity of communities and societies to interrupt cycles of conflict, recognize shared needs, and prevent the spread of violent extremism. Since Karuna Center’s founding in 1994, our programs have directly engaged a wide range of stakeholders—from grassroots communities to the halls of parliament. We have led training programs or multi-year projects in more than 35 conflict-affected countries. Learn more about Karuna Center at www.karunacenter.org.

The Opportunity

Karuna Center is pleased to announce a position opening for a Program Manager, which is a full time (40h/week) staff position that plays a leading role in the overall management and design of our programs both internationally and domestically.

Please note this position is contingent upon anticipated grant funding expected to be confirmed by October 2024. Full-time employment will be subject to the finalization of that funding; for that reason there may be adjustments to the start date and position hours, which we will communicate promptly to applicants.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Working closely with the Senior Program Manager, the primary responsibilities are: overseeing and managing projects, with significant emphasis on managing the finances within projects; helping to develop new projects and relationships; and collaborating with and guiding host country personnel. Each of the following activities may occur episodically. All work is undertaken collaboratively with other members of Karuna Center-US staff, Karuna Center teams in project countries, and host country partner organizations.

Program Development:

• Collaborate with Karuna staff partners to develop new international & domestic programs
• Research funding opportunities to support new programs
• Co-lead writing narrative proposals and budgets for funding applications
• Maintain tracking system for funding opportunities and proposal submissions

Program Technical Management:

• Oversee program implementation, logistics, and progress monitoring with the program team and host country partners
• Prepare program reports and respond to funder requests for information or adjustments
• Support monitoring and evaluation efforts and maintain relevant databases and calendars
• Maintain regular communication with in-country staff and partners, ensuring information is shared as necessary with all relevant parties
• Produce written summaries and project updates for a range of audiences, including project team members, partners, Karuna Center’s Board of Directors, and fundraising appeals
• Monitor the country and regional contexts of existing programs

Program Financial Management:

• Develop and manage project budgets in collaboration with partners and Karuna’s Financial Director
• Monitor and manage partner financial reports, program expenditures, and budget change requests, guiding them through funder approval processes
• Serve as the primary contact for host country partners regarding project financial reporting

Operations:

• Contribute to strategic planning, public outreach and events, development efforts, Board meetings, and other core operations
• Draft program-related policies, procedures, and checklists
• Select, supervise, and work collaboratively with program interns to achieve assigned tasks

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in peacebuilding, international development, humanitarian assistance, conflict transformation or related field; Masters preferred
• 3+ years relevant experience in program management, including budgeting, basic monitoring and evaluation, and time spent in host countries
• Strong proposal-writing experience
• Fluency in spoken and written English; proficiency in French is highly desirable. Previous experience working in West Africa is an asset.
• Experience managing grants from USAID, Department of State, United Nations, domestic agencies, foundations and/or other governments desirable
• Proactive, positive, and team-oriented work ethic
• Ability to anticipate project needs, plan accordingly, and remain adaptable
• Capable of managing projects independently while seeking guidance when necessary
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask and meet deadlines
• Attention to detail with the ability to connect to the broader picture.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Zoom and other relevant platforms
• Commitment to Karuna Center’s mission and ability to reflect its values through a collaborative approach with colleagues worldwide, and respect for diversity in culture, work styles, language, and technology/infrastructure access.

Working Conditions:

• Work performed in an office environment with considerable time using a computer for project related communication, reporting, and data entry
• May include domestic and international travel to project sites (10% or less)
• Full-time professional position with some flexibility needed to collaborate effectively with partners across world time zones.
• Generous vacation and benefits, and collaborative, informal office culture.

Anticipated salary range: $65,000-72,000 for a full-time (40 h/week) position.

Application Instructions:

To be considered, send a cover letter, CV, and one writing sample as a single PDF file to info@karunacenter.org. Please indicate in the body of the email whether you are interested in applying for a part-time program manager position, a full-time program manager position, or both.

Please note that a final offer will be made contingent upon two successful reference checks.

This is currently being advertised as either a full- or part-time position while grant funding is finalized. We will keep applicants updated as these details are finalized in order to maintain transparency about the expected role.

Karuna Center for Peacebuilding is an equal opportunity employer and we are highly interested in creating a welcoming environment for a diverse staff. We encourage anyone, regardless of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression, to apply.