Project Manager

IOCC is seeking a highly experienced and dynamic Project Manager to lead the implementation of the 2025-2026 World Food Programme (WFP)-funded School Meals Programme and Emergency Nutrition Support activities. This program covers in-school snacks, cold meals from school kitchens, take-home rations, and nutrition-related emergency preparedness and response interventions, including community kitchens and fortified date bar distribution.

The Project Manager will oversee multiple modalities through both direct implementation and coordination with various stakeholders, including WFP, Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE), school staff, suppliers, and community actors. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in procurement, logistics, and operational oversight, along with a solid understanding of food safety regulations.  This role also requires establishing and maintaining efficient field-level operational structures while ensuring compliance, stakeholder engagement and coordination, and high implementation standards, with cross-cutting attention to protection, inclusion, and safeguarding principles throughout all activities.

Responsibilities and Essential Functions

A. Project Management and Implementation

Lead the overall implementation of the WFP-funded School Meals Programme and Emergency Nutrition Support activities, including in-school snacks, cold meals, community kitchens, date bar distribution, and take-home rations (if activated).

Develop, update, and oversee a detailed project implementation plan, ensuring alignment with the approved proposal, timeline, and budget.

Ensure daily project operations meet donor requirements, IOCC policies, and national standards, with strong coordination across field teams and departments.

Lead the establishment and improvement of internal systems and structures to ensure operational efficiency and accountability at both central and field levels.

Monitor and evaluate all project activities, ensuring outcomes are met and challenges are proactively addressed and escalated when needed.

B. Procurement, Logistics, and Food Safety

Oversee all procurement processes in collaboration with the procurement department and project coordinators, including the preparation of bids and tender books in line with WFP and IOCC rules.

Lead logistics planning to ensure timely availability, distribution, and storage of food and non-food items (including perishables, raw ingredients, detergents, and packaging materials).

Supervise quality control, warehouse and school storage conditions, pest control, and commodity handling according to WFP’s food safety and hygiene protocols.

Ensure traceability systems and HACCP-compliant food safety mechanisms are in place across all operational sites.

Monitor commodity movement using WFP-approved systems (e.g., SMeTS, MODA) and manage leftover and inventory records.

C. Kitchen and Field Operations Oversight

Manage the recruitment, onboarding, and supervision of school kitchen teams, ensuring compliance with MEHE and WFP criteria.

Oversee the daily operations of school and community kitchens, ensuring safe preparation, packaging, and delivery of meals to students.

Ensure kitchen teams receive adequate training in food safety, hygiene, kitchen management, and life skills, in coordination with WFP and MEHE.

Facilitate the rehabilitation and upgrading of school kitchens and the installation or maintenance of solar systems in collaboration with WFP’s engineering unit.

D. Emergency Preparedness and Response

Coordinate the setup and monitoring of emergency response kitchens, including hot meals preparation, delivery, and shelter-based distribution.

Supervise emergency monitoring teams (third-party and distribution monitors) as needed, ensuring accurate reporting and issue escalation to WFP.

Manage the distribution of fortified date bars to Makani and non-formal education centers, ensuring coordination with UNICEF partners, safety awareness, and regular monitoring.

E. Capacity Building, Protection, and Inclusion

Organize and facilitate capacity-strengthening workshops for school staff, caregivers, and educators on school meal operations, nutrition education, and cross-cutting protection themes (PSEA, child protection, disability inclusion, and GBV).

Promote protection, gender equality, and disability inclusion across all activities, in alignment with MEHE practices and WFP’s Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) framework.

Ensure all activities are conducted in accordance with the “do no harm” principle and uphold the dignity and safety of beneficiaries.

F. Coordination, Reporting, and Compliance

Serve as the key focal point with WFP, MEHE, and relevant stakeholders for implementation, coordination, and problem-solving.

Liaise regularly with IOCC internal departments (Finance, HR, M&E, Logistics, etc.) to ensure project integration and operational support.

Ensure financial compliance and review all required documentation with the finance department, ensuring expenditure remains within budget.

Prepare and submit timely weekly, monthly, and final narrative and financial reports, with data disaggregated by sex, age, and disability.

Maintain complete, accurate, and up-to-date project records and files, including documentation of procurement, trainings, distribution, and compliance audits.

G. Team Leadership and Development

Manage and support the project team, providing supervision, technical guidance, and performance feedback.

Facilitate regular team meetings, ensure strong internal communication, and cultivate a collaborative, problem-solving work environment.

Identify staff training needs and facilitate or coordinate learning opportunities as necessary.

H. Resource Mobilization and Other Duties

Contribute to the development of concept notes and funding proposals, including budgeting, when new opportunities arise.

Perform other duties as assigned by the Country Representative or senior management.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and abilities

Strong project management and team leadership skills.

Excellent communication, coordination, and negotiation skills with internal and external stakeholders.

Proven ability to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and manage competing priorities.

In-depth knowledge of food safety, hygiene regulations, and quality control.

Strong analytical, reporting, and digital tracking system skills.

Familiarity with child protection, gender, and disability inclusion standards.

Fluency in written and spoken Arabic and English (French is a plus).

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital project tracking systems.

Capacity and willingness to travel to the field.

Dynamic personality.

Diplomacy, confidence and ability to support and train staff.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Nutrition, Food Safety, International Affairs, or any related field.

Master’s degree is a strong asset.

Experience

Minimum 4 years of progressive project management experience, preferably in food security, school feeding, or emergency response.

Proven experience in managing large-scale procurement and logistics operations.

Prior experience working with WFP and government stakeholders (especially MEHE) is highly desirable.

Experience in supervising field teams, kitchens, and vendor contracts.

Working Conditions

Stationed in the Beirut office with frequent visits to the field.

The candidate should have a driving license and a car.