Program Manager

Program Management: Responsible for the effective and efficient management of all Cash Projects in order to ensure that the objectives are fully reached and implemented and in full alignment with RI’s policies and procedures.  This task entails, but is not limited to: Develop clear project mobilization and work plans with specific timeframes and ensure they are properly communicated with the Country Director and team members in order to provide needed guidance. The job holder should ensure that work plans are updated on a monthly basis. Provide continuous progress reports to the Country Director on a monthly basis while highlighting risk areas which might affect deadlines or quality of tasks, and provide needed solutions to ensure effective and efficient program supervision and implementation. Ensure timely drafting and follow up to finalize Quarterly Reports to the donor on a quarterly basis; Liaise directly with UNHCR BA Sector, Lebanon Cash Consortium Lead (LCC) and UNHCR Communication Focal Point for technical inquiries related to projects; Ensure quality control of the Cash for Education pilot and the program in partnership with the LCC (Project in line with objectives and indicators set in addition to accurate management of spenddown plans and budget allocations) Ensure quality control of overall programs’ implementation by meeting on a monthly basis with the M&E team and directly addressing quality issues identified in the field through M&E and other team members.  Efforts in this regard should be documented on a monthly basis and reported to the Country Director. Ensure satisfactory management of project budgets that fall within the purview of this position.  This includes any existing sub-grant agreements in partnership with local and international organization. This will require a monthly meeting with the in-country head of Finance to go over the BVA and update spend-down plan on a monthly basis.  Updated spend down plans are expected within 10 working days of the BVA release and are ultimately the responsibility of the in-country head of Finance, but it is required of the Program Managers to ensure availability to meet with the in-country head of Finance to facilitate this. Serve as the primary point of contact with regards to troubleshooting on day-to-day implementation and management matters relating to program implementation.  This means empowering and supporting staff to make decisions within their level, taking leadership to resolve issues at the program management level, and collaborating with Country Director for resolution of issues at a higher level or if assistance is requested; Oversee and ensure quality implementation and coordination with the sub-grantee BBC Media Action (BBCMA) involved in the program’s implementation; proper task delegation should be done in order to ensure and effective and efficient task completion. Oversee and ensure quality implementation and coordination with the sub grantees (Local Partners with RI under the communication component) Supervise the deliverables of the Program Coordinators who will lead the day-to-day management and implementation of the project; These plans should be utilized by the PM as a reference for following up on the progress of tasks and deliverables. Continuous meetings should be conducted to ensure that the progress is in alignment with the plans developed. Oversee Program Coordinators’ management in developing and implementing mobilization and work plans, providing support and advice as required; Ensure Program Coordinators’ timely and comprehensive reporting per the agreed schedule. In case of any delays or reporting quality issues from the Program Coordinator, the job holder will be expected to provide constructive feedback in order to improve the quality of the reports (if time allows) or in case of time constraints, the PM might be requested to do these reports personally and will be ultimately responsible for ensuring RI meets any donor-related deadlines originating at the Country Level; Remain the primary focal point with MOSA, unless designated to another staff member in writing based on evolutions within the project; Ensure that the Program Coordinators are liaising directly with UNHCR BA Sector lead for technical inquiries related to this project. Ensure that the Program Coordinators are properly following up on the quality control of the overall programs’ implementation by meeting on a monthly basis with the M&E team and directly addressing quality issues identified in the field through M&E and other team members.  Efforts in this regard should be documented on a monthly basis by the Program Coordinators and under the supervision of the PM. Ensure that the Program Coordinators are serving as the primary point of contact with regards to troubleshooting on day-to-day implementation and management matters relating to program implementation; Ensure that the Program Coordinators are closely following up on the implementation of their deliverables and tasks as listed in their ToR.   Employee Management: Identify and ensure the presence of effective and efficient communication tools to secure the right flow of information and updates within the Program team members which might be related but not limited to leading weekly team meetings with Program staff.  Closely follow up on recruitment of staff within projects in cooperation with HR. Manage the staff of the Cash projects, including but not limited to: employee relations, task delegation, capacity building, teamwork and collaboration, completion of performance evaluations in a comprehensive and timely manner for all staff; and leaves’ management. Issues faced in any of the above mentioned tasks should be reported to the HR Manager and all decisions taken should be in alignment with RI’s policies and procedures.   Internal and External Coordination, Representation and Visibility:                   Participate actively in Inter-Departmental Meetings on a bi-weekly basis as scheduled, coming prepared to the meeting to maximize usefulness for project implementation Serve as the primary point of contact with regards to RI’s Cash Assistance programming in Lebanon; representing RI in external meetings including Basic Assistance Working Group (BAWG), inter-sectoral meetings and other external meetings that may arise.  Regular attendance and participation in BAWG meetings is required.Other external meetings (inter-sectoral and inter-agency etc.._ are dependable on their benefits for the program.  In case of a scheduling conflict a designee (If available) must attend on behalf of job holder. Working with the M&E and Program Teams to ensure monitoring, evaluating and documenting progress of programs’ implementation against indicators on a monthly basis, allowing for course control as necessary.   Liaise with the Communications Focal Point (CFP) in the country office for particular achievements/success stories.  The stories can be drafted by the CFP or a member of the Program Team to update website and/or share with donor quarterly. Ensure compliance to RI and Donor regulations as it applies to the projects within job-holders purview, and work closely with other departments to facilitate, advice and otherwise engage on this. Actively participate in development of Country Strategy on an annual basis (or semi-annual if requested) for all strategic areas related to cash assistance programming; leading the drafting of the relevant sections in this regard and participation in the country-level strategy meeting is required. Participate actively in Country-level Senior Management Team meetings as scheduled. Meet on a bi-weekly basis with Regional Program Manager and Regional Program Officer based in Washington, DC to discuss program implementation, grant management and program quality issues. Esure positive field visits from the donor, government, or other important external stakeholders, including ensuring a well-organized visit and responsiveness to any questions. Participate with Country Director in donor meetings - for current and potential donors as relevant; ensuring preparedness and correct engagement for such meetings. Maintain effective communication with donors and other organizations operating in Cash Assistance programs in Lebanon, for coordination and sharing information   Program Development: Lead drafting and associated research for all concept notes and proposals (including budget) related to Cash Assistance programming in Lebanon. This will be accomplished in coordination with relevant team members including but not limited to: Program Team, Reporting and Communications Coordinator, in-country Finance, M&E, Country Director.   Perform other duties as required.