Works And Contracts Manager - Beirut

  BackgroundThe Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a humanitarian, non-governmental and nonprofit organization, founded in 1956, that works in more than 30 countries around the world. DRC has been operating in Lebanon since 2004, working with Palestinian and Iraqi refugees, as well as Lebanese communities affected by the war in 2006. DRC is committed to basic humanitarian principles; including impartiality and neutrality, and offers the highest standards of accountability to the people it serves. DRC Lebanon has been assisting the Syrian displaced, fleeing Syria into northern Lebanon, since May 2011, and the Bekaa valley since February 2012. This assistance has come through the provision of food and non-food items, various outreach activities and rehabilitation of collective shelters. DRC is inviting local candidates to apply for the position of Partner Accountant, to support its activities in Lebanon. Job Purpose  The Works & Contracts Manager is responsible for drafting, reviewing, negotiating and finalising all commercial contracts between DRC and DRC’s suppliers in Lebanon. This includes both procurement contracts – works, services and goods – and building lease contracts. The Works & Contracts Manager manages contracting procedures and terms to maximise programme efficiency and minimise financial and operational risk, by providing expert legal advice on all commercial contracts within a programme budget currently expected to be around $70 million for the next 12 months. Key accountabilities Support the implementation of procurement procedures and policies through the following specifics: Capacity Building and Management Plan and manage the capacity building of the Logistics & Procurement staff throughout the country on works and contracts issues and ways of working. Assist in building the capacity of staff working in DRC Shelter department and other relevant programme staff on policies and procedures. Design and implement systems to improve the way that DRC contracts are drawn up and managed, including systems for the preparation of contracts; the filing and tracking of contracts; and contract closure and conflict resolution. Support field staff remotely with timely communication and coordination. Contracts Continuously review and update DRC’s standard contracts and adjust contractual terms to ensure compliance with all applicable Lebanese laws, best practice, efficiency and control of risk to DRC and DRC’s values. Review and prepare necessary amendments to contracts provided by suppliers. Draft commercial contracts for use with suppliers who do not provide a contract draft. Conduct contract negotiations with landlords and other contractors, to reach mutually agreeable terms within a short timeframe. Advise DRC management in the event of any arbitration or dispute on best practices and procedures. Working Contacts External – Suppliers and service providers, UN, NGOs.   Internal – Copenhagen legal advisors, Beirut and field Logistics & Procurement staff, Heads of Office, Programme Managers and Coordinators, Finance and Administration department. Person Specification Essential Law degree, preferably specialising in Contracts and Tort law At least 2 years experience working with contracts or practicing contract law Experience of building and developing the capacity of staff through the use of training Excellent interpersonal and team skills Proven experience of contract negotiation Fluency in written and spoken Arabic and English Desirable Master’s Degree in Contracts and Tort law or other relevant area Experience working in the humanitarian sector Experience working with construction contracting and shelter programmes