Administrative Officer, Higher Education – MENA region

SPARK develops higher education and entrepreneurship, so that young ambitious people are empowered to lead their post-conflict society into prosperity.

SPARK is a dynamic and growing not-for-profit development organization with 80 staff members that helps young entrepreneurs to start or grow their own businesses. SPARK is achieving its mission by organizing business plan competitions, business skills training, SME coaching and mentoring, business incubation, SME financing, intensive higher vocational summer courses, curriculum development and quality assurance at universities and higher vocational education institutions.

SPARK is currently looking to fill the position of:

Administrative Officer, Higher Education - MENA region

The Administrative Officer (AO) will be assigned to work under supervision of the Programme Manager on implementation of the large structural programme addressing educational needs of Syrian youth in Turkey and Syria. AO will be based in Gaziantep.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Under supervision of the Programme Manager, ensure smooth progress of administrative and logistical matters linked to the project;
• Ensure financial and administrative management of SPARK office in Gaziantep (50%);
• In consultation with the Programme Manager, maintain relations with the cooperation partners (including Turkish authorities);
• Provide organizational and logistical support for other missions and ongoing activities in the region;
• Other key administrative tasks.

Requirements and Skills:

• Educational background or relevant experience in Middle Eastern studies, Higher Education, International development or a related field;
• Practical experience in a prior comparable position is an advantage;
• Thorough knowledge of the political and economic situation in the MENA region;
• Good knowledge of legal and regulatory framework in Turkey;
• Proven organizational skills and the ability to work independently;
• Accurate, structured and precise;
• Flexible and responsible;
• Fluent English and Turkish (essential) and knowledge of Arabic (asset);
• Strong writing and reporting skills;
• Good communication and social skills and the ability to work in a multicultural setting.

SPARK Offers:

• Remuneration according to the experience;
• International and dynamic working experience;
• Training opportunities;
• Full-time for 12 months (3 months probation period)

To apply:

If you are interested, please send your letter of motivation and your CV (in English) tovacancy@spark-online.org with Reference: Administrative officer - MENA.For questions, please contact Karen Blanken at: +31 (0)20 753 0311