Food Security And Livelihoods Assistant - Qobayyat

ROLE PURPOSE:  Since the outbreak of violence in Syria in the spring of 2011, the number of Syrians crossing to Lebanon continues to increase. The influx of Syrians has created labour competition, decreasing daily wages and reducing the number of days work each household is able to access. This has resulted in less purchasing power for both Syrians and Lebanese families. Additionally, rent, food and some non-food prices have increased as a result of border closures. The combination of decreased income and increased cost of essential expenditure is causing many households to engage in negative coping strategies, such as sending children to work, depleting assets and savings, and taking debt. While delivering humanitarian assistance programs to address these needs, Save the Children is also focused on supporting the local economy. Border closures have interrupted the supply of Syrian goods, but alternative trade routes have been identified and Lebanese equivalents are available. As markets continue to function and traders struggle with decreased purchasing power in communities, Save the Children is using cash (conditional, unconditional, cash-for-work) as a mechanism for assistance.  In addition, Save the Children is developing a longer-term strategy, which includes supporting livelihoods. Cash-for-work, vocational trainings and small business development are all activities to be implemented. Save the Children is scaling up its emergency response in Food Security in Qoubayat and seeks assistants to ensure smooth implementation of activities.   KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY: Programme Implementation: Contribute to the registration and verification of beneficiaries by collecting appropriate data Conduct trainings and sensitization and awareness sessions for beneficiaries and other stakeholders Conduct household interviews and focus group discussions to collect information, as needed Act as a liaison between communities and the Save the Children office; maintain good relationships with beneficiaries and local leaders/authorities; and report any identified issues to the FSL Officer Act as the focal point for Cash for Work and/or Community Improvement activities in specific municipalities and Informal Settlements and ensure transparency and accountability from community and committee leaders: assist committees with the identification of community activities and the writing of proposals and budgets; conduct regular monitoring to ensure beneficiary participation and transparency Participate in the distribution of beneficiary ID and ATM cards and in-kind items to pre-identified beneficiaries Coordinates with Save the Children’s other sectors (education, child protection, health/nutrition and shelter) to ensure integrated and efficient programming, including ensuring the cross-referral of beneficiaries Contribute to weekly and monthly planning and submit regular reports to Officer   Programme Monitoring: Contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of activities by collecting appropriate data from selected beneficiaries, using pre-made questionnaires Collect market data from local shops and suppliers Conduct awareness sessions on Save the Children’s Feedback Mechanism System, and encourage its use Contribute to data entry, as needed Comply with Save the Children policies and practice with respect to child protection, code of conduct, health and safety, equal opportunities and other relevant policies and procedures.   SKILLS AND BEHAVIOURS (our Values in Practice) Accountability: Holds self accountable for making decisions, managing resources efficiently, achieving and role modelling Save the Children values Holds the team and partners accountable to deliver on their responsibilities - giving them the freedom to deliver in the best way they see fit, providing the necessary development to improve performance and applying appropriate consequences when results are not achieved Ambition: Sets ambitious and challenging goals for themselves (and their team), takes responsibility for their own personal development and encourages others to do the same Widely shares their personal vision for Save the Children, engages and motivates others Future orientated, thinks strategically Collaboration: Builds and maintains effective relationships, with their team, colleagues, members and external partners and supporters Values diversity, sees it as a source of competitive strength Approachable, good listener, easy to talk to Creativity: Develops and encourages new and innovative solutions Willing to take disciplined risks Integrity: Honest, encourages openness and transparency   QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE Degree in Economics, Finance, International Relations, Development studies or similar field Minimum 1 year of experience in development programs, preferably working in food security & livelihoods, and with experience with distributions Experience in field work and community mobilization Experience in conducting training and sensitization sessions for communities and beneficiaries Fluency in written and spoken Arabic and English Computer skills (especially Excel) Strength in interpersonal, communication and presentation skills Flexibility and willingness to change work practices and hours, and capability to work in insecure environment  Available to travel in country   Recommended knowledge and experience: Cash transfer programming NGO experience Familiarity with refugee communities in country of operation Familiarity with the Qobayat region   APPLICATION PROCESS  Please note that the closing date for applications is: December 2, 2014                    The selection committee will review all applications as they are received. All applicants must meet the minimum requirements described above, and those unable to meet these requirements will not be considered. No further information will be given over the phone.   Please note: due to the critical nature of this recruitment, applications will be reviewed as they are received and successful candidates contacted on an on-going basis.  Internal Applicants are given priority in the recruitment process.   STARTING DATE: Immediate.  We’re looking for people who can start as soon as possible or within the next few weeks.   Each application package should include the following: •           Job title for the role you are applying for in subject header of the email •           Cover letter with the applicant’s current contact information •           CV (including detailed work experience, education/degrees)  –  3pages maximum •           Professional References (minimum of three, with complete contact information) •           Kindly do not send supporting certificates and documents at this stage •           Letter and CV should be saved into one Word or PDF document and sent to Lebanonhrq@savethechildren.org   Applications not including all of the above information will not be reviewed. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.