Institutional Development Team Lead, Lebanon Water Sanitation and Conservation (WSC)

Project Background: 

The Water Sanitation and Conservation (WSC) Project’s purpose is the enhanced conservation and protection of Lebanon’s water resources through achieving three objectives: 1) capacity of wastewater (WW) and sanitation management expanded; 2) efficiency of public water utilities to manage water resources increased; and 3) citizens’ water stewardship enhanced. The availability of usable water resources in Lebanon—a strategic priority country to the U.S. Government’s Global Water Strategy—is at risk, jeopardizing the well-being of citizens and the social compact between the Government of Lebanon (GOL) and its people. In achieving WSC’s three objectives, USAID also hopes to gain fuller municipal and community integration—women and youth included—and a more substantial private sector role in Lebanon’s water sector, as well as greater sustainability of water sector enhancements. 

Position Description:  

The Institutional Development Team Lead will be the lead on issues related to financial planning, strategic planning, and institutional development for the four Water Establishments (WEs) and the Litani River Authority (LRA) in support of Lebanon’s water sector. S/He will lead WSC’s activities to improve the effectiveness of public water utilities and oversee training and capacity development of WEs staff. S/he will coordinate the overall WSC approach to strengthening the effectiveness of the five water utilities, ensuring that the activities implemented by the Institutional Development Team are developed in alignment with other activities under WSC. This position reports to the Deputy Chief of Party.

Key Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Lead WSC’s efforts to provide institutional and capacity development to Lebanon’s Water Establishments (WEs) and Litani River Authority (LRA)
• Work with each WE and LRA to assess needs and develop tailored interventions to build on achievements under LWP to integrate, standardize, and sustain institutional capacity
• Provide management assistance and advice to the Directors General of the WE and their staff in the areas of finance, accounting, performance monitoring, customer relations, billing, human resources management, capacity building, and related areas of water utility management systems
• Coordinate and consolidate Institutional Development Team activities and contribute to the preparation of contractually required reports to USAID
• Regularly monitor and report on deliverables related to Institutional Development Team
• Provide senior oversight of activities, including ensuring appropriate design, procedurally correct development, sound implementation, active monitoring and evaluation, and timely closing
• Provide data needed by Monitoring and Evaluation Team for the calculation of WSC targets set by USAID
• Secure close links with the WSC Communication Team to make sure that Institutional Development activities are highlighted and included in communication tools, success stories, and progress reports
• Ensure proper coordination with other Donors active in the water sector to make sure WSC complements and brings added value to other donors’ interventions
• Lead the design of targeted institutional development interventions under WSC based on findings generated through consultations with WEs, LRA, and Donors
• Ensure close follow up and management of subcontractors and consultants working under the institutional development team
• Coordinate with subcontractors on service delivery
• Coordinate project activities with other WSC Team Leads
• Supervise other staff members on the institutional development team
• Work on building a real team spirit among subordinates and enhance cooperation with other teams under WSC
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: 

• Ten years of experience in developing and/or implementing public sector strategies and action plans
• Experience in institutional reform, business planning, and change management
• Experience working in complex and dynamic work environments in Lebanon
• Prior experience working on USAID-funded projects; knowledge of USAID policies, strategies, and regulations is an asset
• Experience working in the water sector and understanding the dynamics of the Water Establishments and the Ministry of Energy and Water
• Self-starter and independent, capable of following guidance and transforming it into actions
• Excellent interpersonal relationships with national and international staff in a multicultural environment and with multidisciplinary teams
• Thorough understanding of the local governance space in Lebanon
• Knowledge and experience in participatory techniques, teambuilding, coaching, effective communication, and writing skills
• Ability to analyze the socio-economic and political context of Lebanon
• Experience preparing well-researched reports
• Proficiency in MS Office
• Excellent writing, speaking, and reading skills in English

About DAI 

DAI is a global development company with corporate offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, EU, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Palestine and project operations worldwide. We tackle fundamental social and economic development problems caused by inefficient markets, ineffective governance, and instability. DAI works on the frontlines of global development. Transforming ideas into action—action into impact. We are committed to shaping a more livable world. 

DAI and its employees are committed to confronting racism and holding ourselves accountable for positive change within the company and in the communities, cultures, and countries in which we live and work.  DAI is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner. 

DAI upholds the highest ethical standards. We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All of our positions are therefore subject to stringent vetting and reference checks.