Area Manager

The Area Manager is responsible for all field-based program implementation and operations in the area assigned.  S/he will oversee regional field-based teams by supporting and guiding their work to meet key program deliverables.  This will involve advising and troubleshooting on program and operations issues, as well as coaching staff and local partners to build their capacity. This position requires close interaction with Mercy Corps senior leadership to ensure field activities are effective and efficient, with a strong operational focus related to management, project implementation, budgeting and reporting. The Area Manager will build key relationships to enable Mercy Corps to work in the area assigned, as well as advise on strategy and program development related to new project design and proposal writing.   ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:   Program Management Review and participate in finalizing program work plans that are drafted by Sector Program Managers and/or Project Managers at the beginning of program implementation. Supervise field staff and guide implementation of program activities based on agreed work plans to achieve quality deliverables, supporting them with problem-solving and trouble-shooting as needed. Regularly visit project sites and local partners to track program progress as indicated in agreed work plans and report difficulties or challenges to the Field Activities Manager. Coach and build the capacity of field-based staff and ensure that they have the resources to undertake their responsibilities. Support local partner and other relevant actor in capacity building and development to enable them to meet program deliverables. Support program-start up, including the participation in hiring of new staff and introduction of programming to target communities and grassroots leadership and local authorities. Provide oversight and coordinate of Sector Program Managers and/or Project Managers field visits to access programming, enabling them to provide technical guidance and direction to activities and complete necessary reporting. Work with all new field staff on enforcing orientation and overview about Mercy Corps, working to ensure all field staff are clearly, collectively communicating Mercy Corps’ mission statement, program objectives, and humanitarian objectivity. Communicate to the Field Activities Manager all program related challenges faced in implementing programs, as well as program success for communications and advocacy purposes. Attend bi-weekly staff, program coordination, and other ad hoc meetings inBeirutand other locations in the country as needed to share interests and concerns related to program implementation.   Program Operations Coordinate closely with theBeirutoffice and its relevant operations and administrative staff to facilitate logistics, administration, human resources and transport needs of the program. Mange field office procedures to comply with Mercy Corps operations and administrative policies. Track political security developments closely in the assigned area and consults with Mercy Corps security focal point to advice on field staff movement and other related precautions. Arrange for the receipt, handling and storage of commodities and check the quality to ensure compliance with commodity specifications. Support and guide logistical arrangements including transportation of staff and goods to support programming.   Strategy and Program Development Represent Mercy Corps at the field level especially at United Nations and NGO coordination meetings, events, and workshops related to operational coordination and build strong relationships with key government, organizational, and international actors to enable program implementation and development to strategically position Mercy Corps as responsive partner with on-the-ground presence. With the support of Sector Program Managers and/or Project Managers, identify key humanitarian gaps and obtain necessary information to enable Mercy Corps to respond to needs and build future humanitarian programming. Advise Mercy Corps to inform its humanitarian and development strategy regionally. Contribute to program development by sharing ideas and reviewing concept notes, proposals, and other related documents. Participate in the design and implementation of assessments and other information collection exercises to inform future programming.