Humanitarian Project Manager

  OXFAM PURPOSE: To work with others to find lasting solutions to poverty and suffering   JOB PURPOSE: To provide overall leadership and management of the ECHO supported project “Integrated protection and WASH response for Syria crisis affected population in Lebanon”.    BACKGROUND:   The Humanitarian Project Manager position is a senior leadership role within the Oxfam Lebanon Country programme. The position will be based in Zahle, Bekka, with regular travel to programme sites Tripoli and Beirut. Reporting directly to the Zahle Area Manager, with matrix management to Oxfam Italia HQ. This is a position that will coordinate and work with thematic programme coordinators, namely WASH, MEAL, and Protection Coordinators. The jobholder will lead the programmatic, management and partnership aspects of ECHO’s supported “Integrated protection and WASH response for Syria crisis affected population in Lebanon”. In this regard, he/she will oversee effective management and relationships with partners, manage the project throughout the project cycle, including budget management (including expenditure planning and expenditure monitoring), lead in preparing and developing high quality programme plans, including MEAL and procurement plans, progress and donor reports, ensure appropriate monitoring and project quality, and enhance project internal and external learning and representation. The Jobholder will also provide managerial support to project technical staff (WASH and Protection) that is responsible for technical aspects of project implementation.     DIMENSIONS: Manage the staff with specialist technical disciplines in water and sanitation, Protection and MEAL, while at the same time liaising with the technical Coordinators/Managers based in Beirut and the WASH and Protection teams in Zahle. Ensure that the project takes gender and age issues into account; Lead the successful implementation, planning, monitoring, and reporting of ECHO’s “Integrated protection and WASH response for Syria crisis affected population in Lebanon” activities in the focus areas of the Bekaa and Palestinian camps in Tripoli; Ensure a constant and constructive relationship with the ECHO experts in the field; Build and maintain effective relationships with implementing partners and stakeholders in support of the project in the focus areas, including ECHO experts in the field Ensure the physical welfare, well-being, and professional development of staff directly assigned to the project at field office; Serve as the Project Budget Holder and oversee effective financial management of the programme’s grant/s and activities with the support of admin and logistics teams; Ensure effective relations are maintained with the implementing partner organisations and with relevant Oxfam’s colleagues based outside of Zahle, particularly in the Tripoli and Beirut Offices.   KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: To work closely with the Bekaa Area Manager, programme team and support departments to implement the project in line with the objectives laid out in the donor approved Proposal; Develop and implement the project in collaboration with other Oxfam colleagues (WASH, Protection, MEAL, policy, media) and local implementing partners; Recruitment of staff, and management of all project staff in line with Oxfam policies, ensuring that they have the necessary induction, training and support as required; Ensuring narrative reporting and financial accounting meet Oxfam and donor’s requirements; Plan and monitor the budget and ensure funds are spent within the time frame acceptable to Oxfam and the donor and ensuring rules and regulations of Oxfam are adhered to; Ensure that donor contractual requirements are fulfilled, including by partners, with particular reference to the General and Technical conditions of the Grant Agreement with ECHO and any other ECHO guidelines and standard that may apply to the implementation of the project, such as the donor visibility guidelines, throughout the entire project period; To report regularly, verbally and in writing to the Head of programmes, and to Area Manager and Technical Coordinators on regular basis on programme progress; To lead in preparing mid-term and final reports for the donor in collaboration with programme teams, technical Coordinators, senior management team in Lebanon and partners; Support and promote project strengthening activities e.g. project quality meetings, learning events and partnership reviews; Work with project staff to develop and implement progressive but realistic performance and development plans; Provide necessary and timely feedback to all staff being directly managed; ensure direct reports follow the same process for performance management of their direct reports and champion effective and regular coaching of staff; Create a supervisory environment focused on achievement of results and embodiment of Oxfam’s values-based behaviours, in which constructive feedback is welcomed and appropriately provided and a team environment prevails; In coordination with technical Coordinators, build the capacity of staff in key project management principles, tools and approaches and ensure that these new skills are utilized on the job; Ensure the development of high-performing national program staff to assume greater levels of responsibility; Assist staff to maintain healthy relationships with government institutions and cooperating organizations through regular contacts, visits and fulfilment of project requirements; Assist in strengthening local relationships, including with the local partners, peer INGOs, the UN and civil authorities; Facilitate effective working relations with colleagues around communications, policy and advocacy issues and concerns, ensuring evidence-based programmatic input into policy and media messaging.   SKILLS AND COMPETENCE: A minimum of 5 years progressively responsible experience in a similar role – specifically in managing humanitarian programmes funded by different donors. Recent experience in managing ECHO-funded projects and knowledge of the ECHO FPA 2014 is compulsory. Sound knowledge of humanitarian standards and codes and experience in managing humanitarian WASH, protection and/or EFSL programmes. Good knowledge of developing and implementing monitoring systems to track the effectiveness of programmes and an ability to build cooperative, professional relationships with donors, partners and peer organisations. Substantial, demonstrable experience of emergency and development work, and an understanding of relevant issues, particularly in the Middle East. Management skills & experience, including line management, management of other resources, evidence of capacity to support others. A proven record of effective management in an insecure environment is an asset. Commitment to equal opportunity and gender policies. Demonstrated experience in integrating gender and diversity issues into programmes. Evidence of project cycle management experience, including strategic planning, budgeting, reporting, monitoring & evaluation. Experience in building the capacity of the team internally and of external stakeholders. Experience in working and jointly implement projects involving local organisations as implementing partners Knowledge and understanding of Oxfam’s WaSH, protection and EFSL programmes in emergencies and willingness to be part of, and closely work with a wider Oxfam programme family including policy, advocacy and media teams. Diplomacy, tact and negotiating skills. Ability and willingness to travel extensively often in an insecure environment. Good interpersonal, influencing and communication skills Proven team leadership and ability to work independently as required. Sensitivity to cultural differences, and the ability to work in a wide variety of cultural contexts. Good written and spoken English is essential. A good working knowledge of Arabic would be desirable. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications is required Confident in dealing with wide range of INGOs and partner agencies and representation skills Sympathy with the aims and Objectives of Oxfam. Commitment to humanitarian principles and action.