Project Officer - Cash Program

In Lebanon, HelpAge International (HAI) work started in 2013 through inclusion of older people in humanitarian response and then expanded in 2014 and 2015 to focus on primary healthcare and psychosocial support services to older Syrian refugees as well as to vulnerable older members of the host communities. HAI has been working on the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases and providing psychosocial support to older people since 2016, responded to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and contributed to support homebound older people and their family members in response to the Beirut Port blast in 2020 and 2021.

In May 2021, HAI started a two-year project “Community-based health and protection intervention for the most at-risk Syrian refugees and host community members, in particular older people and people with disabilities, in Jordan and Lebanon”. The project will provide humanitarian assistance to address critical gaps in healthcare and protection services for the most vulnerable groups while contributing to building crisis resilience among Syrian refugees and host communities living in urban areas of Jordan and Lebanon.

The project’s health and protection activities will be implemented by partners in Jordan and Lebanon. HAI will be responsible for the overall project and grant management and will ensure cross learning between the two country programs; will also lead on advocacy and training events focusing on capacity-building of implementing partners in the fields of inclusion and protection of older people and people with disabilities in humanitarian programs.

As part of this project, HAI in Lebanon will work in partnership with IDRAAC to provide mental health services and cash assistance to vulnerable older people in Beirut and Mount Lebanon.

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Cash distributions:

• Coordinate with the relevant UN clusters mainly Protection and Basic Assistance sectors and the national Cash Task Force to identify and adopt the recommended cash distribution modality.
• Coordinate with our implementing partner to identify beneficiaries.
• Prioritize vulnerable cases during distribution and provide needed support; Refer protection cases, when identified, to the protection team or to other services based on identified needs.
• Identify potential Cash Distribution Agencies (banks or money transfer agencies) and contribute to their selection process.
• Adhere to standard operating procedures for registration and cash distributions through the Cash Distribution Agency.
• Work with partners to ensure clear communication with affected communities regarding targeting criteria, entitlements, how to access assistance and give feedback.
• Collect beneficiary data and modify as per the HelpAge selection criteria, add to beneficiary database and profiles.
• Prepare and share beneficiary list and registration form and share it with the Cash Distribution Agencies.
• Coordinate and monitor the Cash Distribution Agencies in processing timely disbursements.
• Ensure beneficiaries are respected and cared for during distribution activities.
• Establish and maintain effective cash program reporting, monitoring and evaluation systems for both internal and external use; ensure filing adheres to internal protocols and is regularly maintained.
• Attend relevant cluster meetings.
• Deal with complaints or issues related to Cash/voucher distribution.
• Participate in various post distribution monitoring surveys.
• Monitor and evaluate ongoing distributions and cash/voucher activities and report on unmet needs and gaps.
• Report on unmet needs and gaps in Cash distributions to the Project Coordinator.
• Carry out the daily / weekly / monthly work plan as directed by the Project Coordinator.
• Participate in assessments, selection and training to volunteers and distribution workers.
• Manage conflicts when they arise and suggest possible solutions.

Safeguarding

• Apply preventive measures from potential harm and abuse by our staff, operations, and programs to anyone that encounters our work.
• Report all safeguarding incidents seen, heard about, or suspected, using our internal reporting mechanism.
• Comply with all safeguarding framework policies and practices.
• Complete mandatory training courses relating to our safeguarding policy framework and comply with HR vetting procedures.

Others

• Conduct duties in accordance with HelpAge Program Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Conduct duties in accordance with HelpAge Code of Conduct.
• Any other duties as may be assigned by the line manager.

Person Specifications

Technical/ Job Related

• A minimum 3 years experience in related jobs, preferable in INGO.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, economics, or social sciences.
• Ability to work effectively independently as well as a part of a team.
• Able to use judgement to prioritize work.
• Ability to focus on details.

Others

• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Good interpersonal skills, courteous and accommodating.
• Excellent skills in computer packages and the internet.
• Good analytical, admin/finance skills.
• Ability to speak and write fluently in Arabic and English.

Behavioral Competencies

• Results Orientation towards own and team’s role in line with organizational priorities, decisiveness, passion and drive for high quality work.
• Working with others, in a team environment, receiving and providing feedback, contributing to the team’s success, and managing conflicts if it occurs.
• Leading Others by defining organizational and team’s vision, supporting development of team members.
• Self-Management, by demonstrating Integrity and credibility, leading by example, committed, knowledgeable and confident on the job functions and superior communication skills.