Partnerships Team Leader – North of Lebanon

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement rotes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfilment of the wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956, and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced.

All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

Operating since 2004 in Lebanon, DRC has addressed the needs and rights of vulnerable populations, working initially with Palestinian refugees (since 2004), Iraqi refugees (2007-2010), Lebanese IDPs (during the 2006 conflict), migrant domestic workers (since 2009) and, since 2011, responding to the Syrian refugee crisis.

DRC Lebanon is currently delivering programming in protection, housing, infrastructure, basic assistance, livelihoods, and community development interventions. This myriad programming seeks to address the immediate needs of displaced populations and concurrently support vulnerable host populations. DRC has five offices spread throughout Lebanon in, Beirut, the Bekaa, Saida, Tripoli and Qobayat.

About the job

The Partnerships Team Leader (TL) will be responsible for supporting DRC’s overall strategic vision for partnerships in Lebanon.  This will be accomplished by ensuring regular partner mapping at area level, collaborating with DRC partners to achieve high quality programming, and effectively manage sub-grants, provide due diligence with partners to build strong, sustainable long-term strategic partnerships for DRC in Akkar and T5.

Responsibilities:

The Partnerships TL will lead the DRC North Lebanon partnerships team and manage the day to day operations of the North Lebanon partnerships portfolio, as well as taking an active role in the development and creation of national partnership tools, processes and strategic direction.The Partnerships TL will supervise the Capacity Building Officers (CBOs), both technical and operational CBOs, and will report to the Area Manager (AM). He/she is expected to work closely with DRC’s Partnership Coordinator and the team of technical advisors, as well as linking closely with the partnerships team in the north of Lebanon.

 Management of Partners Relationship and Partnership Portfolio

• Based on DRC national partnership procedures, carry out mapping process for active local organizations to explore new partnerships opportunities in the north region. And coordinate the vetting process to achieve a transparent selection process of partners.
• Lead the capacity building need assessments (CBNA) of partner organizations, highlighting areas in need of support. Lead the assessments’ evaluation process and coordinate the selection committee meetings in close collaboration with theAM , Partnership Coordinator, and relevant sector managers.
• Based on the CBNA findings, develop and ensure Capacity Building Plans (CBPs) are tailored and responsive to the organizational needs and aligned with DRC partnership strategy.
• Monitor and supervise the quality of the CB activities provided to each partner and collect learning indicators for each training subject (this includes pre-post –tests analysis, attendance records, participants’ feedback, facilitator report)
• Monitoring partners’ learning progress and the application of the transferred knowledge, hence, identify and report challenges and achievements. And maintain clear partnerships archiving system.
• Lead the post-capacity building assessment of DRC partners when the CBP is completed and report findings and analysis for both DRC and concerned partner.
• Explore new learning opportunities for DRC staff and partners.
• Oversee DRC communication and cooperation with all partners in the North of Lebanon.
• In close coordination with partners, lead the preparation and finalization of the Sub Grantee Agreements (SGA) and its annexes.
• Work closely with partners and DRC focal points in developing, monitoring and updating the internal Project Management Tool (PMT), related partners’ reports and supporting documents.
• Identify specific risk factors associated to the sub-grant, and propose recommendation and appropriate measures to mitigate and manage those risks.
• In coordination with the partner and DRC relevant departments (mainly Finance), develop a budget forecast aligned with program requirements and allocated funds.
• To work at all times to build a close, effective partnership where partners are respected, listened to.
• Prepare and coordinate kick-off meetings for each grant with the corresponding partners.

Staff management

• Day to day management and supervision of partnership team in the North of Lebanon to ensure that staff implement and respect DRC national partnership strategy, processes, and tools in all their aspects. And promote coordination among the partnership and other departments.

Reporting , Grants and Representation

• Manage DRC partnerships portfolio in the North Lebanon region.
• Coordination and follow up closely with the partners to ensure that all financial and programmatic reporting requirements are completed in a timely manner as agreed in the SGA and as per DRC requirements.
• Support partners’ focal points, CBOs and Finance department in the verification and validation process of partner’s financial and programmatic reports.
• Contribute to the preparation of grants proposals as requested by the Program Manager (PM) and Partnership Coordinator.
• In coordination with the AMand PartnershipCoorindator, represent DRC before relevant donors and partners when required.

Monitoring & Evaluation

• In coordination with DRC MEAL department and sector managers, to regularly follow up on partners’ achievements of targets and reporting according to DRC and donors’ requirements.

Accountability

• Ensure that the overall partnership process is compliant with DRC accountability principles.
• With the support of DRC MEAL team, supervise DRC’s partner’s accountability system and provide feedback on the required aspects of each partnership.
• Conduct and analyze partners’ satisfaction surveys and provide final internal report to the PartnershipCoordinator , and AM at the end of each grant.

About you

At least 3 years of experience in the humanitarian sector, of which one year minimum should include working through a partnerships modality. University degree or higher education in law, Social work, Business Administration, Project Management or gender studies, or another related field.

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Moreover, we also expect the following:

Required

• At least 3 years of experience in the humanitarian sector, of which one year minimum should include working through a partnerships modality.
• Experience in capacity building or partnership portfolio management
• At least 1 year of previous managerial experience: managing a small team from different background
•  Previous experience in grant management (program and budget)
• 2 years valid driving license is mandatory as you may be requested to drive the organization’s vehicle
• Understanding of best practices and strategies in partnership programming, and preferrably in protection and livelihoods
• Proven experience in stakeholder management and adequate understanding of the North Lebanon context.
• Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills, representation, negotiation, and diplomacy skills.
• Highly flexible in style with the ability to produce creative and pragmatic solutions to complex problems
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, effective in representation and liaison with external parties.
• Adequate computer literacy (including Excel)

Desirable

• Familiarity with partnership process, and adequate knowledge on legal and financial risks associated with partnership modalities.

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies: 

Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process. 

Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback. 

Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation. 

Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly. 

Demonstrating integrity: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

Contract length:6 months (renewable based on performance and funding)

Band/Level:G

Duty Station: North

Start date: ASAP

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates; please refer to drc.ngo under Vacancies. For questions regarding the vacancy please contact karim.mikati@drc.ngo