Project Manager

Position: Project Manager

Duty Station: Lebanon- Al Shouf Cedar Society -Park House

Project Location: Shouf, West Beqaa, Rachaya

Executing Agency: Al Shouf Cedar Society (ACS).

Duration: 12 months, renewable subject to performance

Contract: Full-time

Overview: To address pressing environmental and climate resilience challenges in the Upper Litani Basin and the Shouf-West Beqaa-Mount Hermon corridor, the following two complementary projects have been designed and will be implemented over a four-year period:

• The Restoring Ecosystem Connectivity for Biodiversity and Sustainable Livelihoods in the Litani Watershed Project (ECONNECT), financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD), with the aim of restoring ecological connectivity and improving ecosystem services for sustainable livelihoods in the Upper Litani Basin through mosaic-landscape restoration and sustainable agriculture and aquaculture.
• The Climate Change Resilience and Ecosystem Connectivity (CC-REC) Project, financed by the Adaptation Fund (AF) and implemented by (IFAD), with the aim of restoring climate-smart landscapes and supporting resilient livelihoods in the Shouf-West Beqaa-Mount Hermon corridor through the adoption of nature-based solutions

The recruited project team will be part of ACS, which is the Executing Entity of both projects. The Executing Entity will be responsible for the day-to-day management and execution of project activities, including operational oversight of implementation, timely reporting, overall administration, fiduciary responsibilities, procurement, and monitoring and evaluation.

Purpose of the Assignment
The Project Manager will be responsible for the overall management, coordination, and implementation of both projects, ensuring compliance with IFAD regulations, government procedures, and approved project documents.

Job Description:
Develop and monitor project schedules and systematically follow up with project staff to ensure timely completion of each project phase; oversee the day-to-day implementation, management, administration, and technical supervision of the project.

Specific duties:

• Leading the overall implementation of the ECONNECT and CC-REC Projects in line with Projects Documents, Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWPB), and GEF/AF/IFAD operational guidelines.
• Coordinating participatory preparation and annual revision of the AWPB, consolidating inputs from partners and ensuring budget alignment with results frameworks.
• Maintaining and monitoring project plans, project schedules, work hours, budgets and expenditures.
• Ensuring that implementation tasks and responsibilities are carried out on time, within budget, and in accordance with the basic principles of good governance.
• Supervise procurement planning and ensure compliance with IFAD/AF/GEF regulations
• Acting as the reference person for the project to ACS, IFAD, MoE, MoA, and other stakeholders
• Acting Secretary of the Steering Committee.
• Organizing, attending, and participating in stakeholder meetings
• Documenting and following up on important actions and decisions from meetings.
• Preparing necessary presentation materials for meetings.
• Ensuring project deadlines are met.
• Determining and anticipating necessary project changes.
• Undertaking and delegating project tasks as required.
• Developing project strategies.
• Assessing project risks and issues and provide solutions where applicable.
• Ensuring that each project staff has the tools to meet project milestones.
• Assisting in documenting project phases and creating summary reports for ACS, IFAD, MoE, and the Steering Committee.
• Working with field personnel to handle project issues as they arise.
• In the context of a streamlined PMU and joint implementation, the PM may, where appropriate and based on qualifications, contribute directly to selected environmental and ecosystem restoration activities, in line with IFAD requirement.

Qualifications and relevant experience required:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Agriculture, Environmental Management, Natural Resource Management, Development Studies, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in planning, coordination, and management of environmental or rural-development projects, preferably financed by GEF, AF, IFAD, or similar international partners.
• Strong understanding of GEF, AF, IFAD or related development agencies operational, financial, and procurement procedures.

• Excellent writing skills in English and Arabic.
• Knowledge of file management, transcription, and other administrative procedures.
• Computer literacy, including knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, basic software applications, and familiarity with the internet and email communications.
• Strong sense of personal integrity.
• Expertise in managing or coordinating climate change adaptation or environmental or agricultural projects in rural landscapes.
• Knowledge in natural resources management, policy development, climate-proof business & markets, good agriculture practices, aquaculture is a plus
• Attention to detail.

Duration of Assignment

The assignment will be for a period of 12 months, renewable based on satisfactory performance and project requirements, with a start date no later than March 2026.

Reporting and coordination
The Project Manager reports directly to Al- Shouf Cedar Society management and works in close coordination with the IFAD Country Office and relevant government entities.

Supervises the Project core team (M&E Officer, Procurement Officer, Finance Officers) and hired specialists and consultants.

Maintains regular communication with IFAD, GEF, AF, Project steering committee and other development partners to ensure synergies and information sharing.

Performance Evaluation
Performance will be evaluated annually based on achievement of agreed targets, quality of management, compliance with IFAD standards, and overall project performance.