Head of Palestine

Vacancy numbers 1 

Location Ramallah, Palestine  

Start date April 2025 

About us  

Adam Smith International is a global advisory company that works locally to transform lives by making economies stronger, societies safer, and governments more effective. We work on behalf of governments, foundations and companies that share our ambition to take on the big challenges facing the world. They come to us to develop strategies and to design, deliver and evaluate programmes that, in turn, stimulate growth, stability and good governance.  

For nearly three decades in almost 100 countries, we have been working in partnership with governments, the private sector and civil society in countries at all stages of development. 

Our core team of staff and technical experts, in multiple offices around the world, ensures the quality of delivery and high ethical standards that we and our clients require. We bring together a global network of specialist experts, who contribute their experience and know-how, where and when it is needed. 

Company-wide, both our pipeline of business opportunities and portfolio of programmes are growing. We want to recruit high calibre candidates to support the continued growth and delivery of our global portfolio against the quality and high ethical standards that we and our clients require. This is an exciting time to join Adam Smith International and become part of a team of bright, dynamic and committed people, determined to transform lives for the better.  

We are committed to corporate integrity and a triple bottom line of social, environmental and financial performance. ASI is a registered B Corp and one of the highest-ranking B Corps in the UK on its measure of positive social and environmental impact. 

About the role 

We are looking for an organised and ambitious Head of Palestine to join our growing regional team. The successful candidate will split their time between programme delivery and oversight, and business development, working collaboratively with other Project Directors, Project Managers, Team Leaders and our Business Services team. They would be expected to play a leading role in winning and then delivering new work in Palestine to further grow and diversify our portfolio of projects. The right candidate will be highly driven, have an interest in complex political problems, and the ability to maintain relationships, manage people and spot opportunities.  

Key tasks and responsibilities will include but not be limited to: 

• Overseeing ASI’s portfolio of programmes in Palestine, identifying common delivery challenges and resolving issues by working with our delivery teams and support services. 

• Defining strategic priorities in Palestine and contribute to identifying priorities in the wider region.  

• Overseeing the start-up and implementation of projects as a project director or senior project manager to assure quality, impact and donor satisfaction.  

• Identifying key strategic risks and supporting teams to mitigate or escalate as appropriate.  

• Directing and writing major and mid-sized bids or strategic opportunities.  

• Managing a team of project managers and operational staff to enable their professional development, deliver projects and win new work.  

• Maintaining strong networks and understanding of the sector, clients and partners in Palestine.  

About you 

You will have the following skills and experience:  

• Minimum of 10 years professional experience, with at least 5 years in the development sector.  

• Extensive experience as a project director or senior project manager overseeing largescale development programming.  

• Experience working with FCDO, EU and/or USAID.  

• Experience leading business development activities for FCDO, EU and/or USAID. 

• Ability to communicate with impact, verbally and in writing. 

• A good level of numeracy (e.g. ability to use Excel at an intermediate level). 

• Exceptional organisation skills.  

• Desirable – technical expertise in stabilisation or key governance thematic areas (centre of government reform, public financial management, local governance reform)  

• Desirable – experience working in Palestine.  

• Desirable – good command of Arabic. 

What We Offer You 

Our people are at the heart of our strategy and our decisions. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, a dynamic and friendly team environment, the opportunity to support a highly successful portfolio of programmes, and support to develop your skills and progress in your career. 

The diversity of our workforce makes ASI a great place to work, more creative and resourceful, and underpins strong partnerships. We keep a sharp focus on diversity and inclusion, including through our Equality Action Plan and our Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and through leadership from our Executive Team and oversight by our Board.

We recognise the importance of your life outside of work. We are proud to support flexible working arrangements and commit to make a success of flexible working arrangements wherever possible. We’ve built a culture to reflect our values, full of likeminded professionals who are smart, passionate and great at what they do.

Deadline for applications is 17 February 2025.  

ASI is committed to continually improving the diversity of our workforce through the attraction, retention and development of a diverse range of talented people. We want people to be comfortable bringing their whole self to work and recognise that inclusion brings further opportunities for innovation and creativity.