Roving Operations Manager

Save the Children is the leading independent organization creating lasting change in the lives of children in need around the world. Save the Children has been operating in Lebanon since 1999 and is recognized for its commitment to accountability, innovation and collaboration.  Save the Children currently implements programs in Child Protection, Education, CRC, Health and Nutrition, Food Security & Livelihood, Shelter, and Emergency Response throughout Lebanon.   Save the Children is seeking qualified candidates to fulfill the following positions, for its Lebanon Country Office, 12 months contract in the following locations Beirut, Tripoli, Akkar and Bekaa: ROLE PURPOSE This position will oversee the operational elements of the overall emergency response in all field locations (areas) by mentoring and advising the Field managers.  He/she will oversee on-going needs assessments and ensure programs are implemented in all field offices/areas. He/she will share responsibility for implementation of the emergency response program with the Director of Programme Operations.  This position is responsible for identifying operational needs and resources, areas for the capacity building of  staff and elaborating operational implementation plans for the field offices/areas  in line with Save the Children national and global priorities. She/he will represent Save the Children, together with the Field Managers – in all relevant coordination meeting that are taking place in the field areas and in work of clusters/ other coordination bodies / mechanisms. KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY: Programme Support: Overall management of operational functions of the emergency response and co-ordination of all key day to day activities in field locations/areas in line with the response strategy. Supporting the Field Managers in emergency operational management including proper planning Assume overall management of the emergency response in the absence of the Director of Programme Operations Ensure that operational activities are planned and carried out in line with Save the Children Emergency Benchmarks on scale and scope. This include the development of an implementation plan for each field/area office Lead, support and motivate team members, ensuring that team members have clear objectives and receive meaningful feedback on their performance. Oversee on-going emergency multi-sectoral integrated assessments. Oversee logistics management: effective functioning of logistics systems to procure, store and distribute stock, supplies and services for the timely delivery of project objectives at national level.  Coordinate with Logistic Coordinator and Field Managers to ensure that programme supply strategies are in place. Work with Field Managers, PDQ Director and Director of Programme Operations to oversee institutionalisation of project M&E systems to ensure timely and effective delivery of projects activities and outputs as well as appropriate accountability to donors, communities and children., with support of the Director of Programme Operations Ensures that Director of Programme Operations is well informed on issues related to emergency response and emergency risk management pertaining to all areas of operations. Ensure that operational objectives and activities are agreed upon within the context of Save the Children values, aims and objectives. Ensure that regular meetings with all Field Managers and Program coordinators are held (weekly) in all field locations, with focused agenda and problem solving approach applied. Contribute  ideas/ agenda elements and participate in general Field managers meeting which takes place in Beirut HQ (at the moment weekly, but it might change in bi-weekly pending the complexity of the emergency response)  - chaired by Director of Programme Operations Contribute to the production of high quality, analytical reports, sitreps, and assist collection, analysis and dissemination of relevant information and data. Oversee compliance of operational activities with Save the Children national and global policies and procedures and with relevant donor regulations and agreements, SPHERE guidelines and the NGO code of conduct. As delegated, represent Save the Children’s emergency response to local authorities, donors and members of the humanitarian community and in coordination mechanisms, such as Clusters. Assist budget holders (Field Manager or Programme advisors, as holders of the operational elements of the respective budgets)  - in meeting operational needs and other delegated functions, ensuring that field locations adhere to financial guidelines and related administrative procedures. Comply with all relevant Save the Children policies and procedures with respect to child rights and safeguarding, health and safety, equal opportunities and other relevant policies. Ensure strong accountability to beneficiaries Assist Director of Programme Operations with ensuring operational staffing needs (both national and international) for emergency programmes are met. This will include leading on staffing structure, recruitment, and performance management. To ensure that the minimum standards of humanitarian relief are maintained in accordance with the Sphere Charter and Red Cross Code of Conduct. Coordinate with SC members and HQ teams to ensure that operational backstopping support is in place.   Capacity Building: Oversee the delivery of capacity building plans to develop the requisite operational competencies in operational staff. Coach and mentor operational surge capacity staff and national level counterparts and link in to wider organisational talent development mechanisms.    Representation & Advocacy & Organisational Learning: Represent Save the Children’s emergency response at Coordination meeting in the field offices, alongside Field Managers. Help shape broader sector strategies through influence of and leadership within coordination forums, ensuring the specific needs of children are being addressed   General Demonstrate leadership in relation to 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. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE Essential Extensive experience of working within a senior management role within a complex country programme in an emergency response or fragile state Previous experience of managing programme teams in large-scale emergency response is essential, MA / MSc level in a relevant subject or equivalent field experience Previous experience of managing a large multi-sector, multi-national team (50-100 staff) Previous experience of programme management across multiple locations Experience of managing multi-donor, multi-site programmes (including ECHO, DFID and OFDA) Security management experience across a large programme. Demonstrated ability to set up  operational management systems in a large complex programme In depth knowledge and experience of logistics systems and requirements in a multi field office, multi programme setting Experience of supporting M&E and beneficiary accountability systems in large complex programmes Proven ability of mentoring and coaching Experience of senior level representation Experience of developing and negotiating successful partnerships with institutional donors Ability to write clear and well-argued assessment and project reports Excellent communication skills, fluency in English Proven ability to influence change at an operational and strategic level Politically and culturally sensitive with qualities of patience, tact and diplomacy A high level of written and spoken English The capacity and willingness to be extremely flexible and accommodating in difficult and sometimes insecure working circumstances. Commitment to the aims and principles of SC. In particular, a good understanding of the SC   mandate and child focus and an ability to ensure this continues to underpin our support Experience of international media representation and advocacy Desirable                                                                                                      Fluent in French,  Arabic Knowledge of Middle East Region   APPLICATION PROCESS   Please note that the closing date for applications is : For Internal applicants (Save the Children Staff) on March 7th. For External applicants on March 12th.   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 Lebanon.vacancies@savethechildren.org   Applications not including all of the above information will not be reviewed. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.   We need to keep children safe so our selection process reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.  All applicants will also be subject to Save the Children’s usual Child Safeguarding Policy and reference checking process.