Emergency Cash Officer (Mount Lebanon)

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and is at work in over 40 countries.  In response to the influx of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, the IRC provides income and livelihoods support to vulnerable Syrian refugees and host communities, through its Economic Recovery and Development Program. The objective of the program is to assist vulnerable households in the most affected areas of the Akkar and Mount Lebanon in meeting their essential needs and increasing their self-reliance; this is expected to ultimately lessen the use of negative coping strategies for survival. Interventions include unconditional cash assistance, financial management training, cash for work, access to training and business development opportunities, legal and job counseling, and job referrals through a livelihoods center. Additional market assessments and other research are conducted under this program. The main target groups are acutely vulnerable registered and unregistered Syrian refugees and Lebanese households. The ERD program will develop synergies with the other programs implemented by the IRC in Lebanon, particularly working closely with the Protection sector to mainstream protection principles into livelihoods approaches and expand program offerings.  The ERD program will also seek synergies with the Women’s Protection and Empowerment and Children Protection sectors. Job Overview/Summary: The Emergency Cash Officer will be responsible for assessing referred cases against relevant criteria, responsibly disbursing cash assistance, conducting referrals and/or coordinating provision of required additional services, and completing follow up.  The Case Worker will be supervised by the Protection Manager (Livelihoods) to ensure effective case management (where required).  It is anticipated that the active caseload will not exceed 30 cases, with a relatively small proportion of those requiring comprehensive protection case management.  Major Responsibilities: Major responsibilities of the Emergency Cash Officer (not exhaustive) are listed below: 1. Management of Cash Assistance Cases Receive referrals regarding individuals and families (including carers) who have experienced a sudden financial shock and are detected during registration, outreach and other activities. Conduct household visits and center-based interviews to assess the needs of referred individuals and families, and assess their eligibility for emergency cash assistance. Provide information to individuals and families about their rights and entitlements, including what services are available (including beyond the scope of services provided by IRC), and support access through quality referrals. When indicated, support beneficiary families through provision of comprehensive case management: Work with identified individuals and families to develop and implement an action plan in accordance with their needs, capacities and goals. Offer individuals and families choices and options, including seeking out alternatives when the needed services are not available, and actively involve individuals and/or families in decision making that will affect them. Assess risk and support individuals and families to understand risks relevant to their situation. Link individuals and families with support networks, and other community-based resources, as appropriate. Directly support the coordination of provision of services by other specialized service providers in accordance with the needs of individuals and families.  Ensure appropriate monitoring, review and follow up of the services provided to cases. Ensure complete and updated documentation related to each individual case. Determine if and when it is appropriate to discontinue follow up to individuals and families (case closure). Be accountable to individuals, families and communities for the services they provide. 2. Data management and reporting Manage, file and store data, ensuring the confidentiality of the information collected and the services provided. Prepare and submit weekly and monthly work plans in a timely manner. Support the implementation of M&E tools and report on problems in the implementation of the program. Participate in weekly reporting and planning meetings to ensure adherence to standards of care, quality case management and reporting requirements. 3. Coordination and representation Contribute to the maintenance of an up-to-date service mapping of the service providers operating in the area and take proactive steps to remain informed about the available services. Receive cases referred from other agencies. Provide feedback of actions taken to other agencies, when necessary and appropriate in light of confidentiality requirements. Lobby on behalf of individuals and families to access services and support individuals and families to effectively represent their views, needs and capacities in all meetings affecting them. Key Working Relationships: Position Reports to:  Protection Manager Job Requirements: Work Experience: At least 2 years of experience in counseling. Experience working with refugee population preferred. Demonstrated Skills and Competencies: Ability to maintain confidentiality, respect, non-discrimination and safety of beneficiaries at all times. Good communication skills. Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills, creativity and flexibility. Ability to work autonomously, take initiative and responsibly escalate issues. Strong team spirit, comfortable in a multi-cultural environment. Flexibility in working overtime when needed and ability to handle pressure well. Good computer skills (Microsoft Word and Excel). Language Skills:  Fluency in Arabic required, ability to communicate and write clearly in English strongly preferred. Working Environment:   Travel and other requirements: staff will be based in Mount Lebanon with some travel required between the field office and the main IRC office in Beirut.