Programme Officer

Who we are

The Diakonia International Humanitarian Law Centre is an independent expert group that provides rapid and in-depth advice on the laws of war to ensure the protection of persons in conflict zones worldwide. Through our progressive and inclusive approach, we aspire to secure the strongest possible protection for every person affected by armed conflict.

Our legal experts share knowledge about and promote international law relevant for situations of armed conflict through research, advocacy, and training with a view to maximizing humanitarian protection. Our rapid and in-depth analyses enable the humanitarian sector to respond to urgent needs and improve the inclusive understanding and application of international law. 

The Centre is part of the Swedish development organisation Diakonia and has regional teams based in Bamako, Beirut, Geneva, and Jerusalem, which cover conflicts in the Middle East, West Africa, and emerging crises worldwide. 

The Syria Regional Desk

The Syria Regional Desk works with humanitarian actors and organisations in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, to enhance humanitarian protection and generate greater respect for international humanitarian law in Syria.

Purpose of the position

Diakonia International Humanitarian Law Centre is looking for a Programme Officer who will report to Manager, Syria Regional Desk. As a part of the organisation’s commitment to promoting respect for international humanitarian law, the Programme Officer will play a vital role in grant management, monitoring and evaluation, as well as to support the team by in administrative and communication activities[AC1] . Join us in our impactful and change-driven work for more protection in conflict settings. 

Main responsibilities 

• Work under the supervision of the Senior Legal Expert/Manager to engage in grant management, planning, contribute to reporting, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Collaborate with the IHL Resource Desk team, Admin and Procurement Officer, and Finance Officer for project handling, training and workshop management, coordination of activities, and procurement in different countries in the region.
• Analyse, track, and supervise program/project/activity progress against set objectives and indicators.
• Develop and monitor work plans and update implementation plans.
• Assist the IHLRD team members in preparing, implementing, and reporting on activities, targets, and plans by developing and managing activity tracking tools and conducting regular activity planning and review sessions/discussions.
• Draft grant concept notes, proposals, action plans, result matrices, and other context-related analytical studies (e.g., risk analysis and mitigation plans, stakeholder mapping, etc.) as well as application memos.

Strategic partnership responsibilities 

• Participate and engage in stakeholder analysis.
• Conduct assessments of selected strategic partners' capacity and needs related to IHL, in collaboration with Legal Advisers.
• Support the programme by maintaining communication and responding to requests from external partners and relevant stakeholders across the region.

Planning, Monitoring, Reporting, and Evaluation Responsibilities

• Coordinate with the Senior Legal Expert/Manager and the IHL Resource Desk staff in developing and drafting an annual action plan and updated results matrix, including budgetary coordination with the Finance Officer.
• Refine and develop the IHL Resource Desk's M&E (Monitoring and Evaluation) framework and process in line with the Diakonia PMEL (Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning) Handbook and in close collaboration with the Secretariat and the Global Programme Adviser.
• Review programme financial reports, in coordination with the Finance team.
• Assist in preparing narrative reports for donors, Head Office, Regional Office, and other relevant stakeholders, including result analysis, narrative descriptions, and graphic presentations.

Administrative and Programme support

• Support and provide coordination of IHLRD activities across the region.
• Manage training and workshops, including communication strategies and coordination of translation and graphic design work.
• Lead the procurement processes related to IHL Resource Desk activities under the guidance and support of the Admin and Procurement Officer.
• Manage and support logistical arrangements related to IHL Resource Desk activities and events on the regional level.
• Prepare and follow up on IHL-related payment processes and support expense projections to ensure adequate cash flow.
• Manage the project handling system (Fix IT), including the creation of milestones, uploading of all required documentation, etc.
• Perform other related tasks and assist the Senior Legal Expert/IHL Resource Desk Manager and IHL Resource Desk team as needed and requested.

Others

• Participate in internal Diakonia processes, including working to strengthen accountability and mainstream gender in the organization and contributing to a more equal society through gender-conscious behaviour, role modelling, and openness to capacity development.

Qualifications

• University degree in social science, business, political science, international law, or a related field.
• Five years of work experience with an International Non-Governmental Organization.
• Experience in Administration and Finance.
• PMEL background and experience.
• Excellent spoken and written Arabic and English skills.
• Excellent computer skills.
• Strong communication skills and proven ability to work in a team.
• Good planning and problem-solving skills, ability to meet deadlines.

Location: Beirut, Lebanon Country Office

Duration: Full-time position (37.5 hours per week), fixed-term contract until December 31, 2024 with the possibility of extension.

Other conditions: Working hours are a combination of office and remote hours, as agreed upon with the manager. For this position there is a possibility to travel.