Project Manager – International Governance, Peace & Stabilisation Programmes
Location: UK, Remote with travel to the Middle East (around 10% of time on project sites)
Contract: Part time or full time, permanent or freelance
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
To be considered, you must demonstrate:
- Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in project management within:
o International development
o Governance, peacebuilding, security or stabilisation programmes
- Proven experience managing programmes funded by bilateral or multilateral donors, such as:
o 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:
o Deployment planning
o Team coordination and management
o Budget management
o Risk management
o Stakeholder coordination
o 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.