Area Manager (Bekaa Valley)

OXFAM PURPOSE: To work with others to find lasting solutions to poverty and    suffering TEAM PURPOSE:  To implement an integrated humanitarian, development and policy intervention in line with Oxfam’s country strategy for Lebanon as relevant to the Bekaa valley area, including protection & governance; cash safety net/social protection and economic development/livelihoods; WASH/water governance with a strong focus on partnership and gender JOB PURPOSE:  To operationalise Oxfam’s vision for Lebanon as relevant to Bekaa, leading regional integration in the Bekaa valley both of sectors and of humanitarian and development work, ensuring programme quality, community participation, good partnership relations and coordination. REPORTING LINES: Post holder reports to: Country Director, Lebanon Staff reporting to this post: Overall up to 30 employees; direct line management of at least 5 programme and support staff   BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY:   $3-5 million annually DIMENSIONS: Key strategic input at regional level and leadership of practical delivery Representation in coordination meetings and critical external relationships (eg municipalities and governance structures, humanitarian stakeholders, interagency coordination) Impact and influence is mostly within their own team but sometimes also in other parts of their department and/or external public. Help shape local level objectives in a specific team. Often working as part of a management team within a larger program unit. Providing specialist advice or specific skills to team. Plans/objectives contribute to departmental/broader program strategy and can involve collaboration with other departments, particularly technical and policy advisors functions. Management tasks are complex and non-routine within a specialised unit/function. Requires the ability to analyse and communicate complex information to a wide audience. Decision-making requires significant levels of judgement based on technical and management experience, generally actively supported within line management or the programme team. Role is variable with well-defined targets and/or minimum standards and is both proactive and reactive. To play active role in lobby and advocacy on issues related to programmes through personal contacts and co-ordination of allies. To support fundraising efforts through proposal development and produce clear and quality reports (financial and narrative) that demonstrates good accountability. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Strategic leadership 30% Overall responsible for the development and management of appropriate programme design and delivery for the Bekaa area in line with agreed standards, Lebanon country strategy and Oxfam regional MENA framework Lead local partner identification processes, ensuring strong and effective partnerships for programmes and policy work including local influencing Strong external representation in relevant regional fora Maintain an analysis of the context and use this to inform interventions, adjusting strategic direction and informing national strategic decisions accordingly Deliver demonstrable impact through direct programme action and advocacy action based on programme experience and outcomes in order to bring about policy and practice changes relating to strategy Proactively ensure that Oxfam develops and maintains a positive profile which reflects its values and agreed advocacy messages and programming portfolio Represent and develop good relationships with official authorities and other agencies (particularly the different ministries, municipality, water authority and directorates), ensuring that there is effective communications about programme impact with stakeholders within and outside Oxfam Act as a proactive member of the Lebanon Country Management Team; collaborating with other departments and ensuring learning is shared across teams Identify and implement any mutually agreed capacity development plans with partners agencies/CBOs as relevant   Programme Management 25% To lead programme implementation for Oxfam in the Bekaa valley area, both directly and with local partners as relevant Ensure a high quality, multi-sectoral approach, aiming at reaching agreed technical standards with support from relevant technical programme and policy functions, with a strong focus on quality and accountability Overall responsible for monitoring the context/situation – adapting/developing plans for assessments, expansion of activities, etc To report regularly to the Country management team with agreed indicators against the overall objectives and to ensure that key information is circulated appropriately Ensuring that effective feedback/complaints mechanisms are in place Proactively ensure that gender equity, conflict sensitivity and protection issues are taken into account in all aspects of Oxfam’s work across all sectors. Keep informed of relevant programme issues (MENA strategy, technical programming guidelines etc.) and to contribute to wider programme and humanitarian policy learning. Work together with the relevant technical advisors & programme coordinators to ensure a holistic and integrated approach to the programme. When required, facilitate and act as a focal point for media/donor/programme visits   People & Operational Management 25% To recruit and line manage staff as required in accordance with Oxfam’s Performance Management process; to proactively plan staff development for Bekaa teams Directly line manage Bekaa support capacity in logistics, HR & administration, as overall manager for the effective functioning of the Zahle office Work closely with programme support departments in Beirut, ensuring financial, logistical and human resources are deployed effectively Support the implementation of effective local level influencing  in the Bekaa Strengthen roll out of, and familiarity with, Oxfam core internal guidelines and procedures within the Bekaa team Lead the team to develop contingency plans in high risk identified areas Ensure ways of working further builds and empowers local capacities, building relations proactively with local civil society organisations and Govt authorities To support partner organizations and CBOs in developing and delivering projects within agreed parameters where appropriate   Risk management 20% Ensure that our programme is cost effective, efficient and complies with all organisational standards of management and accountability; Ensure that budgets/projections are drawn up for all activities, and that costs are kept within budgets, providing a monthly financial projection Responsible for monitoring the budget, flagging up anomalies of spend to the Country management and carrying out quarterly analysis of trends in financial spend Vs projection Support Funding Coordinator and programme teams to develop new funding sources, leading on proposals/concept notes for Bekaa region when necessary Ensure that programme systems (logistics, HR and financial systems) are in place, regularly monitored and adhered to. Ensure that Oxfam meets all contractual obligations and achieves high quality proposal and donor reporting on time To manage security in the programme area (Bekaa valley) region, reporting to the Country Director on security issues. This includes ensuring that SoPs are updated in liaison with the Security Officer, security information is shared and analyzed and that Oxfam organisational policy is met with regard to security management; Take measures to limit risks to the programme     SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES A proven record of effective and complex management in both a humanitarian response and in development including managing budgets, staff and funding of the programme. This includes excellent people management skills, with a good understanding of team development and proven financial management skills. First degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline (preferably economics, politics, sociology, humanities) or substantial experience. Proven ability to work creatively, innovatively and effectively with limited direct supervision Prior experience of working with local NGOs/partners – able to confidentially support partner relationship/development Proven experience of managing restricted donor contracts Excellent organizational, problem-solving and negotiation skills. The ability to remain calm whilst deal with conflicting priorities/work under pressure is essential. The ability to take the initiative and work independently as well work as a team player – supporting other departments is essential Representation & advocacy skills – ability to influence others. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and spoken English, Arabic will be an asset) and the ability to write clear, concise reports. Proven evidence of leadership skills including challenging, motivating and developing a team through periods of change. Ability to work with others to develop vision into strategy and communicating and influencing this to a wider audience. Commitment to Oxfam’s overall aims and policies and experience of promoting gender equity and diversity and the interests of marginalised people in all aspects of Oxfam’s work