Witness Center for Citizen Rights and Social Development-SHAHID:

Witness Center is seeking a qualified Project officer to work on (Creating Vocational Jobs Opportunities for Youth in Nablus- Empower Lane) project in Nablus.  

Witness Center “Shahid” is a Palestinian registered non-governmental organization based in Nablus, established in 2014. The organization works to address the needs and perceptions of youth, women, and marginalized communities. Its mission is to create a Palestinian society rooted in human rights values while fostering an environment that empowers marginalized groups, particularly women, youth, and people with disabilities. The center is committed to providing employment opportunities for youth, activating their social, cultural, and technological roles, and contributing to sustainable community development.

About: (Creating Vocational Jobs Opportunities for Youth in Nablus- Empower Lane) Project

Recognizing the urgent need to support youth potential amid challenging circumstances, including widespread economic instability, The project seeks to empower unemployed youth and marginalized groups through targeted interventions. This effort is part of Immediate Crisis Response Program, implemented by MSI in partnership with the Witness Center-SHAHID as the regional partner in the Nablus Governorate.

The Creating Vocational Job Opportunities for Youth in Nablus – Empower Lane project focuses on providing short-term employment and vocational training for 120 unemployed youth aged 18-29 from Nablus City, refugee camps, and surrounding villages, areas deeply impacted by economic challenges and conflict. Participants will undergo 10 weeks of practical job placements with local businesses in high-demand vocational sectors such as mobile phone repair, upholstery, car maintenance, graphic design, and more. These placements will be complemented by refresher training sessions and closely coordinated with key stakeholders, including the Nablus Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Palestinian Businessmen’s Forum, ensuring the program's relevance to market demands and its sustainability. 

This initiative tackles the critical issue of youth unemployment in conflict-affected regions by equipping participants with in-demand skills, providing temporary income, and fostering economic resilience. By strengthening local businesses and showcasing the positive role of youth in the community, the project bridges immediate economic relief with long-term recovery and development, empowering young individuals to play a pivotal role in rebuilding their communities.

Overview:

Witness Center is seeking a Project Officer for a full-time, six-month project based in Nablus Governorate aimed at improving the economic situation of unemployed youth by providing them with meaningful vocational training and short-term employment opportunities. The Project Officer will work closely with the Executive Director/Program Manager, team members, and local partners to ensure the efficient implementation of project activities. The role involves programmatic and administrative support, procurement coordination, reporting, and maintaining strong relations with stakeholders to achieve project objectives.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Assist the Executive Director/Program Manager in planning and setting up project activities, including engagement with partners and stakeholders.
• Organize and support training sessions, workshops, and field visits to ensure smooth project execution.
• Monitor daily project activities and provide support for effective implementation.
• Prepare and review procurement documentation, including contract tracking and purchase requests, in coordination with the finance and procurement teams.
• Support local partners in planning and executing program activities and addressing any implementation challenges.
• Collect, analyze, and compile project data for reporting purposes, ensuring accurate and timely submission to senior management and donors.
• Prepare regular progress reports and success stories, translating documents between English and Arabic as needed.
• Facilitate stakeholder field visits and maintain strong relationships with local partners, including private businesses, educational institutions, and community-based organizations.
• Ensure compliance with MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) procedures, overseeing data collection, entry, and analysis in line with donor requirements.
• Promote effective communication, visibility, and knowledge-sharing among team members and external audiences.
• Motivate, support, and inspire the project team to achieve objectives.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Executive Director/Program Manager. 

Accountability:

Reports Directly To: Program Manager/Executive Director

Works Directly With: Program Manager/Executive Director, local partners, finance and procurement teams, and Witness Center staff.

This role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a vital project aimed at empowering youth, enhancing their vocational skills, and improving their economic prospects in a challenging environment.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE Minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience in youth development projects or youth-related initiatives. Experience with USAID-funded youth projects or similar development programs. Bachelor’s degree in English Literature, Translation, Business Administration, Information Management, Development Studies, or related fields; Master’s degree is a plus. Experience working in the West Bank, with established networks among organizations and civil society actors focused on youth development in Palestine. Demonstrated understanding of gender inclusion principles, human rights, and equitable youth engagement strategies. Strong interpersonal, communication, presentation, teamwork, and analytical skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Arabic, with the ability to engage diverse audiences, including NGOs, businesses, government entities, media, and the general public. Proven ability to think creatively and develop innovative solutions. Experience in curriculum planning, project design, project management, and capacity building. Positive, professional attitude with the ability to work effectively within a team setting. Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage deadlines, prioritize tasks, multitask, and maintain attention to detail under pressure. Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and related software tools.