Ldf Mena Director

World Learning seeks a MENA Director for the US Department of State-funded Leaders for Democracy Fellowship Program (LDF) to be based in Beirut, Lebanon.  Duration: 2 years.  World Learning is an 80-year-old global non-profit organization with operations in 77 countries.  Through its award-winning international education programs – The Experiment in International Living, the SIT Graduate Institute, SIT Study Abroad and the International Honors Program (IHP) – World Learning fosters global citizenship by connecting over 3,000 young ambassadors annually across cultural differences and social barriers.  Through its International Development & Exchange Programs, World Learning practices what it teaches, undertaking community-driven international development, training, and exchange projects in sixteen countries.  To apply please visit our website www.worldlearning.org and click on the employment tab to submit your application. If you do not see this position listed, please “search all.” Only finalist candidates will be contacted. No telephone inquiries please.  Thank you. Title:                      LDF MENA Director Reports To:         LDF Program Manager Location:              Beirut, Lebanon             Background:       Over two years the LDF program will transform the lives of 100 emerging leaders in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Through both US and Lebanon-based fellowships that combine five-weeks of academic learning with a nine week practicum, Fellows will gain the knowledge and skills needed to be positive change agents in their communities. LDF creates opportunities to sustain and build on this learning through a dynamic alumni network that is informed by comprehensive stakeholder assessments and continued interaction with the existing LDF alumni community. Summary:           Under the supervision of the Washington, DC-based LDF Program Manager, the LDF MENA Director will be responsible for coordinating and assisting with project start up, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and closeout in fulfillment of all contract requirements.  LDF works with professionals ages 25 – 40 from 16 countries in the Middle East and North Africa as current and past participants of the LDF Program. The primary purpose of this position is to support LDF by managing the administration of all MENA exchange and alumni activities. The position will require excellent interpersonal, cross-cultural and research skills, as well as adherence to DOS rules, regulations and procedures and utilization of training resources in the Lebanon and MENA region. S/he must have an understanding of the nature of performance-based training. The LDF MENA Director will be expected to fulfill program implementation while also fulfilling management role.       Job Responsibilities Assist the DC-based Program Manager and  Senior Program Officer in establishing, modifying, and implementing policies and procedures for the program; Develop tools for tracking, monitoring and evaluating participant and program activities and results; Manage submissions for all reports, ensuring quality control and responsiveness to the donor; Conduct administrative and exit briefings, counsel participants on technical training issues and moderate program sessions and manage crisis situations; Help in development and implement professional development seminars and programming; Lead in conducting the alumni needs assessments and the development and administration of alumni programming; Lead hiring, onboarding and management of project staff; Supervise logistical arrangements for all program activities as required; Responsible for monitoring and evaluating  program design, implementation and results; Identify and hire technical specialists/consultants for short-term technical assistance as needed; Provide support and oversight in program communications and media strategy; Oversee M&E activities related to data collection, entry, processing, and verification; Contribute to, review or develop contract and ad-hoc reports and deliverables in a timely manner; Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Manager Serve as program’s primary liaison in the MENA region and represent World Learning’s LDF program to external and internal audiences and stakeholders; Conduct program and budget negotiations and financial tracking to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness; Coordinate with Lebanese partner organizations in the design of program content and activities and monitor performance of exchange partner and fellowship organizations to ensure implementation of a successful program;   Qualifications: Master’s degree in related field preferred or equivalent/relevant experience; Program development and management skills to include ability to conduct needs assessment, research, develop and evaluate program content and plans; Ability to multi-task and initiate policies and procedures to meet changing program demands Demonstrated supervisory experience and ability to lead and manage program staff; Strong computer and internet proficiency (word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentations and web-based tools); Demonstrated accuracy and excellent attention to detail and organizational ability; Strong analytic skills, strategic thinking, and problem-solving ability; Strong cross-cultural and communications skills, including written and oral communication in English; Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically with stakeholders; Professional experience using social media platforms and databases; Past experience with exchange participant placement and monitoring and program monitoring and evaluation and report writing/editing; Data analysis and budgeting skills; MENA region work experience and/or deep understanding of development issues in the region Capacity to manage large complex programs in a multi-cultural environment; Experience implementing Department of State development or exchange programs in Lebanon preferred and prior knowledge and experience with DOS reporting processes and requirements, or other donor-funded international exchange or development programs preferred.