Job Summary
The Program Coordinator will play a leading role in implementing the Sana’a Center’s programs and activities in Aden and other governorates. The coordinator will engage with national and local stakeholders in Aden and other governorates, including civil society organizations, government bodies, local authorities, implementing partners, and community actors, to strengthen the Center’s relationships and facilitate its work. Alongside this liaison function, the Program Coordinator oversees field-level activities, ensures their quality and effective delivery, and provides logistical support for meetings and workshops.
The role also involves leading field operations and ensuring that all activities are implemented on time, within budget, and in accordance with the Center’s professional standards.
The Program Coordinator is also expected to proactively address access constraints and help identify practical solutions within a complex and changing operating environment.
Key Responsibilities
Coordination
- Develop, maintain, and strengthen working relationships with government bodies, donors, implementing partners, local authorities, community contacts, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Liaise with stakeholders in Aden and other governorates, while planning, coordinating, and overseeing field activities, including meetings, workshops, convenings, and related events, in accordance with approved workplans and budgets.
- Represent the Center in field-level coordination meetings and forums with partners, authorities, and other stakeholders, as delegated.
- Strengthen partnerships and access across governorates by facilitating introductions, meetings, and follow-up to support the Center’s activities and objectives.
- Coordinate logistics for field missions, including travel, venues, clearances, and support for visiting staff, consultants, and partners.
Monitoring, Reporting & Quality Assurance
- Maintain the field-activity components of the program’s Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) framework and proactively contribute to its refinement.
- Prepare regular updates and activity reports for the Co-Executive Director for Partnerships.
- Support timely and accurate donor and internal reporting by providing field-verified data, case examples, and documentation.
Team Support
- Provide day-to-day guidance and troubleshooting support to team members and enumerators/facilitators, as applicable.
- Coordinate arrangements for meetings, workshops, and convenings from planning through on-the-ground delivery, in accordance with donor requirements, the Center’s internal policies, and applicable safety and security protocols.
Aden Office Management
- Oversee the day-to-day management and operations of the Aden office in coordination with relevant departments.
Other Duties
- Perform other duties and tasks as assigned by the supervisor.
Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as development studies, political science, social sciences, business administration, or a related discipline; a Master’s degree is an asset.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in program/project coordination, operations, or M&E, ideally within an NGO, think tank, research institution, or donor-funded project.
- Demonstrated experience working in Yemen or comparable fragile or conflict-affected contexts, with a strong understanding of the local political, social, and security landscape.
- Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple activities simultaneously and meet deadlines under pressure.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including community members, local authorities, and international partners.
- Fluency in Arabic is required, along with strong professional working proficiency in English.
- Willingness and ability to travel regularly and, where security conditions allow, to areas outside major urban centers.
- High level of integrity, discretion, and sound judgment when working in politically sensitive environments.
Working Conditions
This position is based in Aden and requires regular domestic travel and flexibility to respond to a dynamic operating environment. The Program Coordinator will coordinate closely and regularly with colleagues working remotely across Yemen and abroad, using standard remote-collaboration tools.
Position Details
- Reports to: Co-Executive Director for Policy and Partnerships
- Contract type: Full-time, fixed-term (renewable, subject to funding and performance)
- Duration: 8 months, including a probationary period of 3 months.
- Location: Aden, with possible domestic travel.
- Starting date: 1 October 2026
How to Apply:
Interested candidates are kindly requested to apply online.
Only complete applications submitted in English will be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, political affiliation, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or age.
Application Deadline: September 15, 2026
About Sana’a Center
The Sana’a Center for Strategic Studies is an independent Yemeni think tank that generates knowledge and contributes to shaping policy on Yemen and the wider region. Established in 2014, the Center has established its credibility through its independence, rigorous analysis, and ability to engage constructively across political divides. Its team is highly mobile and multilingual, with the main office in Yemen and staff working from locations across Yemen, the Middle East, and international capitals.
The Center’s work covers political, economic, social, and environmental sectors in Yemen and is delivered through research, community engagement, convenings, and technical advisory services in both Arabic and English. To maintain the quality and reach of its field-based programming, the Center is seeking a Coordinator to oversee activities on the ground, strengthen and expand relationships with national and local authorities, community actors, and partners, and coordinate the day-to-day implementation of field activities across governorates.