WASH Project Coordinator (Kindly do not send email to lb-recruitment@mercycorps.org)

Mercy Corps has been present in the Middle East since the 1980s and currently works in Yemen, Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq.  Working in Lebanon since 1993, Mercy Corps is committed to generating positive opportunities for women, men, boys and girls from Lebanese, Syrian, and Palestinian communities, with a strong focus on engaging youth.  Mercy Corps exists to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping build secure, productive and just communities. We do this through:

• Addressing the humanitarian and protection needs resulting from crisis situations for the most vulnerable communities
• Enabling local communities, civil society and government to better prevent and respond to conflict, address needs and deliver sustainable development solutions
• Promoting economic growth and catalysing economic opportunities for vulnerable, under-employed groups in Lebanon

Our programs focus on four sectors:  Economic Opportunities, Governance and Social Stability, Youth and Protection, and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH). The Mercy Corps Lebanon team consists of over 160 staff working across six offices throughout Mount Lebanon, South Lebanon, Tripoli and the Bekaa.

Mercy Corps has received funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to investigate innovative on-site sanitation treatment options in informal tented settlements in Lebanon.  We plan to test two communal treatment systems and one household level treatment system between October 2018- June 2019.  Under the current cycle, 2 international tenders were conducted, one for household level options and one for communal treatment options. Three successful bidders were chosen to implement the following:

• 10 household level latrines will be installed which will rely on a specialized bacterial culture to break down waste into a liquid fertilizer
• A communal treatment system that will use anaerobic baffled reactors with a constructed wetland and drying bed to treat on site;
• A communal system using a contained activated sludge process.

The selected technologies are currently being vetted by the Ministry of Energy and Water, and will move ahead as approvals are obtained.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

 overseeilotse installation and ensuring the smooth runningstry of Energy and Water, and will move ahead as approvals are obtaiThe Project Coordinator will be responsible for the oversight of the project, overseeing the installation and ensuring the smooth running of the pilots.  S/he is responsible for ensuring effective planning and monitoring of project activities to meet project objectives, ensuring the quality of all project deliverables.   Clear communication and coordination with chosen partners as well as the Mercy Corps WASH Sector Manager is fundamental to successful piloting.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Implementation of Project Activities:

• Ensure the project has a workplan, with roles and responsibilities clearly defined, and that this is used to check progress against targets in regular program meetings with partners and WASH Sector Manager
• Manage all service providers and consultants related to the program activities and ensure logistical support is provided, as well as ensuring that they meet the deliverables as set in their Scope of Work. 
• Provide oversight of importation and installation process in the case of household level units.
• Carry out regular field visits to follow smooth operation of pilot system and highlight any technical issues.
• Work with our three selected partners to overcome technical challenges as they occur.
• Ensure landowner, beneficiary and Ministry or Water Establishment requests or complaints are resolved.

Monitoring and Evidence-based Decision Making:

• Input into the development of MEL tools to measure the achievements and impact of the project, as well as to highlight any issues in the implementation
• Ensure monitoring of all program activities to enable MC and partners to assess both progress against activities and achievement of program objectives
• Ensure data from monitoring activities is integrated into team meetings, and data is used to inform decision making on the program

Reporting, Documentation, and Financial Management:

• Write narrative reports to meet donor and internal requirements; and ensure financial reports are accurate
• Participate in BVA meetings, and provide updated budget projections on a monthly basis
• Ensure the project follows Program Management Minimum Standards, and has appropriate documentation of activities

Communication and Visibility:

• Ensure the program has appropriate visibility for the donor and for Mercy Corps, and contribute to the development of communications materials for this project.
• Ensure a communication plan is developed for the program, and work closely with the communication and media coordinator to develop appropriate communication materials
• Highlight opportunities for gathering success stories from the field;
• Ensure 3Assama3 community accountability and feedback mechanism is known to all beneficiaries, and that posters, flyers and business cards are distributed and visible to enable beneficiaries to provide feedback on activities being implemented.

Representation:

• Coordinate closely with local authorities and make sure all relevant stakeholders are kept informed of program activities and progress
• Represent Mercy Corps at local coordination meetings
• Stay informed of sanitation related discussions happening in the Bekaa valley and informing Mercy Corps colleagues of issues that may affect programming
• Identify opportunities for coordination and maintain regular engagement with stakeholders

Other

• Ensure all activities are gender sensitive and follow Mercy Corps’ Gender Equity Policy
• Apply Do No Harm standards to ensure activities do not have detrimental effects on vulnerable communities
• Participate in internal office coordination and planning meetings and workshops
• Carry out other tasks as deemed necessary by the WASH Sector lead and director of programs

Organizational Learning 

As part of Mercy Corps’ agency-wide Organizational Learning Initiative, all team members are responsible for spending 5% of their work time in formal and/or non-formal professional learning activities. 

Do This

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:  None

ACCOUNTABILITY

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO:  WASH Sector Lead

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH:  WASH team in the Beqaa, Operations, Finance, MEL departments.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience required: 1-2 years experience in WASH and/or technical engineering position.
• Education degree: Degree in Civil, Mechanical, or related engineering discipline, masters preferable
• Field of education: Humanitarian background and work experience is valuable.
• Previous experience working on WASH response in IS within Lebanon. 
• Maintains strong understanding of Lebanon’s municipality and national-level structures, including issues related to Water and Sanitation.
• Holds strong relationships and connections to international and national entities working on Water and Sanitation issues. 
• Must have excellent written and verbal English and Arabic Skills, including be able to write reports. 
• Must be computer-literate, particularly in programs such as Word and Excel. 
• Strong organizational skills required, as is the ability to work independently and take initiative. 
• Must be willing to travel throughout Bekaa. 

SUCCESS FACTORS:

The successful Project Coordinator will combine knowledge of administrative, executive and financial work flow related to project implementation. Multi-tasking, prioritizing, problem solving and simultaneous attention to detail and strategic vision are essential. Demonstrated flexibility and creativity in planning and problem solving is essential. The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations.