Senior Advisor Strategy & M&e

Reports to:                     Country Representative Lebanon   Works closely with:       Programme Manager, Programme Coordinators, HQ Desk Officer   Line Management:        No staff report to this post   Background   Solidar Suisse has been actively responding to the Syrian Crisis since 2012, assisting thousands of displaced Syrian and vulnerable Lebanese families with humanitarian assistance. Since 2013 Solidar Suisse delivers its assistance through its own team (21 staff) based in Nabatieh, South Lebanon. The response is funded mainly through two donors, Swiss Solidarity and UNHCR. Solidar Suisse’ Strategic Framework 2014-15 for Lebanon contained two strategic objectives, i.e. 1) meeting the basic needs of Syrian refugees in Southern Lebanon, and 2) enhancing social stability in the hosting communities in Southern Lebanon. Under the first objective, Solidar delivers emergency aid to Syrian refugees in the areas of Basic Assistance, Shelter, and WASH. In the field of Basic Assistance, Solidar covers survival needs of most vulnerable households across multiple sectors through Unconditional Cash Assistance (UCA). In the field of Shelter/WASH, Solidar increase access to adequate shelter space and WASH through the refurbishment of unfinished buildings. In order to mitigate negative impacts on host communities, vulnerable Lebanese households are systematically included as beneficiaries. Contributing to the second objective, Community Support Projects (CSP) are used as a mean to improve essential community infrastructure and public services in affected municipalities, thereby also contributing to the mitigation of tensions. Currently, a strategic review is ongoing in order to develop the new Strategic Framework 2016-2018. Within the new framework, Solidar Suisse is currently exploring options to improve the resilience of vulnerable persons of concern and strengthening their capacity to earn an income.   Purpose of the position The Senior Advisor Strategy & M&E will support the Country Team to further develop the Strategic Framework of the Country Program, and, conceptualize and plan new projects and actions focusing on ‘livelihood and skills development’. In the field of M&E, he/she is responsible to ensure that a sound operational M&E framework is in place for the Country Program. In addition, the Senior Advisor Strategy & M&E provides high-level technical and strategic assistance to the senior management team across a range of organizational fields.   Main responsibilities   Strategy and Programme Development -     Analyse prospective strategies to engage in livelihood programming within the scope of the Syrian crisis, in account of given policy restrictions and the operational space -     In collaboration with the Country Team, elaborate feasible and promising programming strategies for actions / projects which have a direct impact on beneficiaries on local level; -     Translate agreed programming strategies into feasible project designs. Provide advice on the operational structure required for its implementation; -     Write draft project proposals and concept notes.   Monitoring & Evaluation -     Ensure that an operational M&E framework is in place for all projects, based on project documents, donor and coordination requirements; -     Mentor and support the Programme Manager, Project Coordinators, and Data Management Officers in project monitoring activities; -     In collaboration with the Country Team, lead the drafting of the management response to the launched Country Programme Evaluation, and implementation of the respective action plan.   Management Process -     Review the operational management structure and processes; flag serious issues and that affect programme implementation across the management line and engage in proactive identification of practical solutions; -     Review and ensure quality control of key documents, with adherence to agreed strategies, plans and processes, implementation of agreed decisions; -     Provide high-level technical and strategic assistance to the senior management team across a range of organizational contexts;   The position holder may perform any other related duties requested by the Country Representative.   Requirements -     A University degree in any relevant field; -     At least 8 years of professional experience in senior positions within INGOs, managing and developing humanitarian assistance or development programs; -     Professional experience in the fields of livelihood programming, particularly skills development and income generation activities and working with displaced populations; -     Knowledge of the humanitarian context in Lebanon -     Sound knowledge on PCM and relevant instruments; -     Demonstrated experience in design / implementation of M&E systems and procedures;  -     Strong analytical and strategic planning skills; -     Proficient English writing skills; arabic skills would be an asset; -     Ability to work independently and as part of a team;