Project Manager (M/F)

Job Description

Missions

Working alongside the principal investigators of two archaeological and geoarchaeological projects based in an oasis in north-western Saudi Arabia, the Project Manager will assist them in coordinating both projects. The postholder will help ensure that the projects run smoothly and in accordance with the terms of the research contracts. The role includes the administrative and financial management of both projects, together with support for scientific coordination, logistical organisation, the maintenance of good relations with local stakeholders, and field surveys, coring campaigns and archaeological, geoarchaeological and palaeoenvironmental test excavations.

Activity

Administrative and financial coordination and management of the projects:
- Liaise between the two principal investigators, the funding bodies and the local authorities.
- Establish effective communication channels and working relationships with the various project stakeholders, keep them informed of project progress, and ensure that the required deadlines for deliverables are met.
- Develop a project management plan and the tools required to monitor and manage the projects.
- Monitor the budgets and propose adjustments where necessary.
- Organise the administrative and logistical aspects of field missions, both from France and in Saudi Arabia, including visa applications, staff transport, the import and export of field equipment, the export of samples, and coordination with local partners.
- Help resolve any project management difficulties and maintain good relations with the authorities and local communities.
- Coordinate and participate in public engagement and science communication activities in Saudi Arabia, conducted in Arabic.

Scientific coordination:
- Support the principal investigators with the coordination of both projects, the monitoring of work schedules, and the drafting, editing and layout of activity reports.
- Contribute to data management, including databases, and to the publication, editing and dissemination of the results.

Your Profil

Skills

- Master's degree in archaeology; a PhD would be an advantage.
- Proficiency in office software, including word processing and spreadsheets, computer-aided design or drawing (CAD), and databases; experience with publishing software and GIS is desirable.
- Excellent spoken and written French and English, at C1 level or above; a very good command of Arabic is required.
- Rigour, strong organisational skills, autonomy and responsiveness; ability to work in an international environment involving frequent travel to Saudi Arabia.
- Previous experience managing archaeological projects is desirable.

Your Work Environment

The Khaybar Oasis, located in north-western Saudi Arabia, has been preserved for millennia and has a long history of human occupation from prehistory to the present day. Two projects are being conducted in this region:

(1) The TUPAK project, directed by Bruno Depreux (CNRS, UMR 5133 Archéorient), is funded by the French Agency for AlUla Development (AFALULA), in partnership with the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU, Saudi Arabia). The project aims to undertake a diachronic study of the landscapes, palaeoenvironments and human-environment interactions of the Khaybar Oasis and its wider region.

(2) The DREH project, directed by Rémy Crassard (CNRS, UMR 5133 Archéorient), is funded by AFALULA in partnership with RCU. The project focuses on Al-Maṭḥana, a major Arabian Neolithic site covering approximately half a hectare. The site provides a regional reference point for understanding societal and environmental developments during the early Holocene.

The position will be based in Lyon's 7th arrondissement at the Archéorient research laboratory, UMR 5133 (CNRS and Lumière Lyon 2 University). It will also involve travel to Paris, the Archéorient branch at Jalès, and Saudi Arabia. The Project Manager will participate in all field missions, contributing to their organisation and financial management, as well as to scientific field operations.

Full-time fixed-term contract, divided equally between the TUPAK project (50%) and the DREH project (50%), for one year, renewable. Remote working is possible two days per week. Salary will depend on experience and will be based on the CNRS Research Engineer pay scale.

Constraints and risks

Risks associated with archaeological fieldwork in the Middle East, including uneven terrain; driving-related risks when operating a light vehicle; and risks associated with high-temperature working conditions.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

between 3 175€ et 4 864€ gross per month, depending on experience

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

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