Informal Settlements Programme Manager

Job Purpose The role of the Informal Settlements Programme Manager is to provide management and technical oversight of Concern’s multi-sectoral programme in informal settlements in Akkar Governorate including installation of water tanks, water quality monitoring, site improvement, effluent disposal, latrines and septic tanks installation, solid waste management, hygiene promotion, vector control, operation and maintenance of water supply and sanitation services, distribution of weatherproofing kits, collective site management, case identification and subsequent referral for service provision. The Informal Settlements Programme Manager will work under the supervision of the Programmes Director. S/he will directly supervise a multi-sectoral team with technical expertise in water supply, sanitation, site improvement, shelter, water quality, community mobilization and protection. S/he will also ensure close collaboration with municipalities, counterparts in national and international agencies working in informal settlements, local authorities and representatives of targeted communities.    Roles and responsibilities Programme Planning, Management and Development: ·         Provide technical and management oversight and supervision of the multi-sectoral programme in informal settlements ·         Ensure that all programme targets are reached in accordance with agreed programme objectives, as per contracts with donors, in line with the overall programme approach and ensure integration with other programme activities. Ensure that all resources (technical, financial, HR) are in place to implement the programme in accordance with the work plans and realistic timeframes and milestones agreed with contractor and donors Oversee and carry out assessments of informal settlements for the implementation of planned multi-sectoral activities as per agreed proposals. Oversee the design of the water supply, sanitation and site improvement works, following best international and humanitarian best practice and in line with Concern, donor and local authority policies and guidelines. Prepare technical documents such as tenders, BOQs, procurement and oversee material and equipment purchases and delivery as necessary ensuring that Concerns’ and donors’ policies and procedures are applied and followed. Ensure that all necessary permits and permission from local authorities and landowners are in place in advance and through the water supply, sanitation and site improvement works. Ensure the preparation of detailed implementation work plans and provide the necessary guidance and support to the team to achieve timely and quality implementation of activities. Manage the implementation of an M&E system to monitor progress and capture impact of projects and to make necessary adjustments to work plans if necessary in a timely manner. Carry out regular field visits to inspect works and organize regular project review sessions through participatory methodologies involving beneficiaries and other stakeholders in the areas of intervention, with the aim of establishing and/or verifying emerging needs, gaps and priorities, and communicate these to the Programmes Director as part of a continuous programme review and improvement process. Contribute to the preparation of multi-sectoral budgets, funding concepts and proposals in informal settlements through analysis of field data and actual costs incurred on activity implementation. Coordinate rapid needs assessments in informal settlements following new refugee influx, evictions or extreme weather conditions Monitor case identification within target populations and subsequent referral for service provision (health, education, legal assistance, livelihoods, WASH, etc.). Ensure the distribution of distribution of longer-lasting weatherproofing kits and the provision of emergency cash to vulnerable groups. Encourage community mobilization and social behavior change approach with target populations during household visits or focus groups in informal settlements. Build the capacities of target populations to use and maintain collective site facilities before handing over responsibilities (basic repair, maintenance, waste management, hygiene advices) to collective site management committees. Sensitize target populations to key public health risks to prevent the deterioration in hygienic conditions in informal settlements.   Procurement and Budget Management:  Prepare procurement plans against approved work plans and ensure timely initiation of procurement requests in line with Concern guidelines and procedures. Ensure that Concern and donor policies are followed in the selection of contractors and that the tender decisions are well documented. Ensure all contractors’ performance is evaluated and evaluations formally documented. Approve budgeted expenditure in line with Concern’s thresholds and donor financial guidelines, ensuring that requested expenses match approved procurement plans ·         Monitor programme budgets and management accounts, flagging over/under expenditure and recommending corrective measures in a timely manner to ensure that relevant activities are being implemented in accordance with agreed budgets and timeframes. Prepare monthly budget forecasts with reference to the overall programme annual budget forecast and submit to the Country Financial Controller (CFC) on time.  Ensure proper contracting, field level oversight, works certification and payment preparation processes for contractors and other service providers engaged to execute water supply, sanitation and site improvement works in informal settlements. Monitor warehouse material stocks and dispatches (including contingency stock) to avoid idle stocking, and to ensure that deliveries are done and utilized in compliance with Concern procedures.   Human Resources Management: ·         Oversee staff under his/her responsibility in the day to day management of the implementation of the multi-sectoral programme in informal settlements Lead and manage staff, contributing to their capacity building and career development. Provide technical support and on-going on-the-job training and coaching to staff Ensure efficient team deployment through a system of up-to-date job descriptions developed in line with Concern organizational structure. Regularly review and recommend staffing structure reviews to the Programmes Director.  Ensure that all staff is aware of and comply with Concern’s policies and procedures Monitor and review performance of staff line managed through Concern’s Performance Development Reviews system (PDR’s) and hold staff accountable for meeting the success criteria Identify staff training needs and recommend on-job or other capacity building measures in close consultation with the Programmes Director, the WASH technical advisor and the HR department. Proper planning of staff leaves and absences   Coordination and Representation: Represent Concern Lebanon at local, regional and national level in regards to collective site management related meetings with donors and other relevant actors as necessary. Ensure good coordination of the collective site management activities with all relevant stakeholders, including NGOs, UN agencies, donors, the municipalities and land owners, to ensure that works are implemented as planned and agreed within Concern and with donors. Accountability: Participate in the design and implementation of accountability and quality initiatives ensuring that they are integrated into the programmes Adhere to and promote Concern’s Programme Participant Protection Policy and Code of Conduct (P4 and CoC) Undertake other related duties as may reasonably be assigned by the Country Director and the Programmes Director     PERSON SPECIFICATION   ESSENTIAL   1. Education & Qualifications Required: MSc in Development Studies, BSc in Civil Engineering or any related Engineering field. 2. Experience Required: Minimum 3 years of experience in emergency response Thorough technical knowledge of water supply, sanitation and site improvements works Solid experience with collective site management, community mobilization, hygiene promotion, and participatory planning. Capacity building experience, including identification of training needs and training experience Proven ability in report writing, research and documentation. Experience in Monitoring and Evaluation techniques and a good grasp of project cycle management. Experience of collaboratively working with local authorities, partners, NGOs Thorough understanding of budgetary, HR and procurement processes   3. Special Skills, Aptitude or Personality Requirements: Ability to organize and prioritize workload, using initiative when appropriate Good team player, flexible and capable of working with a multinational country team, politically and culturally sensitive Very good representation and communication skills Ability to cope with stress, work under pressure often to strict deadlines Flexibility, adaptability, sense of humour, and patience Ability to motivate and develop skills of others Ability to assess problems and recommend solutions Fluent in English and able to write reports in English Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel Empathy with the way Concern operates and respect of the target groups