Program Manager

General Description   International Relief and Development, Inc. (IRD) is an international charitable, non-for-profit, non-governmental organization that collaborates with local and international partners to design and implement humanitarian relief and development aid programs. IRD’s mission is to reduce the suffering of the world’s most vulnerable groups and provide tools and resources needed to increase their self-sufficiency. IRD was founded in 1998 and has grown over the past decade into an organization that is operating in more than 30 countries in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.   IRD has been present in Lebanon since 2006, and the first activities included assistance to poor rural households in southern Lebanon adversely affected by the July War. Today, IRD implements projects funded by BPRM and UNHCR bringing benefits to Syrian and Iraqi refugees, as well as Lebanese host communities. IRD has three offices in Lebanon: Beirut, Tripoli and Akkar.   In March 2013, IRD joined the UNHCR’s pool of Implementing Partners in Lebanon providing legal assistance and protection to Syrian refugees, as well as community support projects benefiting both Syrian refugees and Lebanese host communities. Within the Protection and Support for Syrian Refugees and Lebanese Host Communities project’s scope IRD provides legal assistance and renewal of residency permits to Syrian refugees in the Tripoli and Akkar areas. To support UNHCR’s information dissemination and public outreach campaign, IRD deliveres awareness sessions to Syrian refugees on legal issues and refugees’ rights, with particular attention to migratory status, birth registration, housing and land property rights, and prevention of sexual and gender-based violence. In addition, IRD also held awareness session on legal issues hosted by other International NGO’s.   Main Responsibilities   Under the supervision of the Director of Operations / Country Director, and in coordination with the Director of Finance and Administration, the Program Manger is responsible for overall management of the Project, assuring sound and timely program operations in compliancewithUNHCR and IRD policies and procedures. The specific duties include:   Managing the project activity cycle i.e. planning and design, work plan development, implementation and monitoring of the project activities, while assuring  compliancewiththe Project objectives, as well as UNHCR and IRD policies and procedures; Manage and supervise the work of  Legal Officer and Field Coordinators; guide them in terms of projects identification and development, as well as monitoring; Coordinate IRD’s programmatic activities with the local stakeholders, UNHCR and other partners; as well as other agencies and partners supporting protection services in North Lebanon within the context of the Syrian crisis; Identify opportunity sectors and programmatic areas that address the protection needs of Syrian refugees; Coordinate the programmatic, administrative and finance elements in a manner that assures a structured, organized, and efficient implementation of the Project; Oversee regular program staff meetings to allow for ongoing information exchange and the evaluation of program interventions; Make regular field visits to monitor the quality of activities throughout the project; develop and facilitate proper use of field monitoring tools; Ensure effective implementation of the work plan throughout the life of the program.  Ensure that the program objectives and indicators are carried out according to UNHCR requirements in coordination with the IRD Regional and HQ offices; Provide weekly updates, biweekly, monthly and quarterly reports to UNHCR, as well as monthly reports to IRD/HQ; Coordinate public information issues and promotion of the Project results; Represent IRD and the Project at conferences and forums related to public health in Lebanon, as well as all health meetings and workshops; Monitor and support the staff development and training program recommended by the Director of Operations/Country Director and IRD HQ; Other duties assigned by the Director of Operations/Country Director.      Qualifications    University degree; preferable in law, social sciences, international affairs or related field. Excellent computer skills. Excellent written and spoken English and Arabic language skills. At least 5 years of experience with non-governmental or international organizations; knowledge of UNHCR, USAID, and other development agencies programs and regulations. Excellent planning, judgment and management skills. Excellent interpersonal skills, including patience, willingness to listen to others and respect the opinions and ideas of colleagues. The ability to work independently and as a member of a team. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, stressful environment.  Must be flexible, willing to work long hours and travel often.