Lab Manager

Akkar Network for Development -AND- “Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Lebanese and Syrian underprivileged youth in Akkar” Terms of Reference     Position Lab Manager Project Overview Akkar Network for Development (AND) has been working in Akkar for more than 5 years with women, youth and local authorities to promote the well-being of the community. In addition to other interventions in the area, AND is currently working on youth empowerment and inclusion in the public sphere, especially in the most deprived areas of Akkar by relying mainly on extra-curricular activities, initiating youth dialogue with local authorities, along with skills building. In partnership with UNICEF, AND is planning to establish the innovation labs in Akkar to support Akkar youth, combining creativity, innovation, learning, mentorship, and exposure to new technology. The trainings of the innovation labs shall help youth broaden their horizons, develop their entrepreneurial skills, and potentially, open up new opportunities, thus improving their livelihoods. Areas of Responsibility: Lab Manager The lab manager will be in charge of the overall management of the innovation lab and of facilitating all trainings and projects activities. Thus, ensuring a smooth and efficient implementation of all project activities including establishing the schedule, supporting all activities, conducting field outreach, reordering supplies, and maintaining security standards… The main tasks to be completed by the lab manager are as follows. Act as primary point of contact of AND management team in the area. Manage all lab needs in terms of scheduling outreach activities, peer speakers’ sessions, trainings, mentorship sessions, logistical needs, stationery, transportation, refreshments, along with any other office/management related needs…. Respond to all incoming requests pertaining to the project, either from AND, the donor, and/or the project partners Provide an efficient outreach to the local authorities and relevant stakeholders in the area Understand and respect the socio-political situation in the area along with any local custom and/or sensitivity Provide needed support for trainers and project partners’ teams Establish a monthly schedule, allowing for the different training sessions to take place in optimal conditions along with other project’s activities Actively participate to the outreach activities to be conducted by the Field Officers, and supervise these activities Ensure continuous and rigorous maintenance of the lab equipment Ensure cleanliness in all lab sections Provide response to all logistical needs of trainees  Closely monitor timelines and hold team members accountable to ensure achievement of milestones on schedule. Provide guidance and mentorship to team members. Establish best practice project management processes for the Lab. Effectively lead team meetings and presentations to key internal and external stakeholders, when requested. Support the strategic and operational efforts of AND, project partners, and the donor.  Ensure proper documentation, organization and tracking of all material and dates related to project for easy access, retrieval, audit, publications and presentations. Contribute to design and execution of a communication strategy Represent the team at business venues, meeting, conferences, interactions with external and internal stakeholders. Provide weekly progress reports Ensure monthly youth recruitment to the labs Conduct youth assessments and interviews when needed Consolidate data and submit to lab manager Write success stories and weekly updates Advise on selection and enrolment of qualified youth Actively support in the mentorship component, through identification of mentors and mentees, team creation, facilitation of mentorship sessions. The lab manager is required to possess the following skills Capacity to work in a multidisciplinary and multicultural team Ability to adapt or change priorities according to the changing situation within a mission or the organization itself; Well organized;  Hard worker; Able to manage stress and pressure; Demonstrated capacity to work independently, organize work, meet deadlines, maintain composure, prioritize work under pressure, coordinate multiple tasks and maintain attention to details Field locations in Akkar Governate; Dreib EL Aala (Wadi Khaled + Akroum+Mashta Hammoud) & Jurd El Kayteah areas Level of Effort The Lab Manager shall have the following number of month allocated for this task: Task LOE Lab Manager 5 months TOTAL 5 months   Reporting The lab manager shall report to the Project Manager.