Area Manager

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY: The Area Manager is responsible for all field-based program implementation and operations in the area assigned.  S/he will oversee regional field-based teams by supporting and guiding their work to meet key program deliverables.  This will involve advising and troubleshooting on program and operations issues, as well as coaching staff and local partners to build their capacity.  This position requires close interaction with Mercy Corps senior leadership to ensure field activities are effective and efficient, with a strong operational focus related to management, project implementation, budgeting and reporting.  The Area Manager will build key relationships to enable Mercy Corps to work in the area assigned, as well as advise on strategy and program development related to new project design and proposal writing.    ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Program Management Review and participate in finalizing program work plans that are drafted by Sector Program Managers and/or Project Managers at the beginning of program implementation. Supervise field staff and guide implementation of program activities based on agreed work plans to achieve quality deliverables, supporting them with problem-solving and trouble-shooting as needed. Regularly visit project sites and local partners to track program progress as indicated in agreed work plans and report difficulties or challenges to the Field Activities Manager. Coach and build the capacity of field-based staff and ensure that they have the resources to undertake their responsibilities. Support local partner and other relevant actor in capacity building and development to enable them to meet program deliverables. Support program-start up, including the participation in hiring of new staff and introduction of programming to target communities and grassroots leadership and local authorities. Provide oversight and coordinate of Sector Program Managers and/or Project Managers field visits to access programming, enabling them to provide technical guidance and direction to activities and complete necessary reporting. Work with all new field staff on enforcing orientation and overview about Mercy Corps, working to ensure all field staff are clearly, collectively communicating Mercy Corps’ mission statement, program objectives, and humanitarian objectivity. Communicate to the Field Activities Manager all program related challenges faced in implementing programs, as well as program success for communications and advocacy purposes. Attend bi-weekly staff, program coordination, and other ad hoc meetings inBeirutand other locations in the country as needed to share interests and concerns related to program implementation.   Program Operations Coordinate closely with theBeirutoffice and its relevant operations and administrative staff to facilitate logistics, administration, human resources and transport needs of the program. Mange field office procedures to comply with Mercy Corps operations and administrative policies. Track political security developments closely in the assigned area and consults with Mercy Corps security focal point to advice on field staff movement and other related precautions. Arrange for the receipt, handling and storage of commodities and check the quality to ensure compliance with commodity specifications. Support and guide logistical arrangements including transportation of staff and goods to support programming.   Strategy and Program Development Represent Mercy Corps at the field level especially at United Nations and NGO coordination meetings, events, and workshops related to operational coordination and build strong relationships with key government, organizational, and international actors to enable program implementation and development to strategically position Mercy Corps as responsive partner with on-the-ground presence. With the support of Sector Program Managers and/or Project Managers, identify key humanitarian gaps and obtain necessary information to enable Mercy Corps to respond to needs and build future humanitarian programming. Advise Mercy Corps to inform its humanitarian and development strategy regionally. Contribute to program development by sharing ideas and reviewing concept notes, proposals, and other related documents. Participate in the design and implementation of assessments and other information collection exercises to inform future programming.   Other Understand and follow Mercy Corps’ Program Management Minimum Standards to ensure all project planning and documentation are completed in timely manner. Ensure all interventions adhere to Mercy Corps’ Gender Equity Policy. Apply Do No Harm approaches throughout all aspects of programming and operations, building staff capacity to do the same. Participate in internal office coordination and planning meetings and workshops. Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission. Other assigned tasks, as necessary. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: Field-based program staff for all projects REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Field Activities Manager WORKS WITH: Director of Programs, Sector Program Managers, Project Managers, Finance Manager, Operations Director   KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE: BA/S or equivalent in social science, management, international development or other relevant field Five to ten years of experience in a management position Strong understanding of emergency response and humanitarian aid Excellent management and communication skills with good understanding of relevant cross-cultural issues; Positive, respectful attitude and collaborative approach to problem solving Demonstrated attention to detail; ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently as well as cooperatively with team members Written and oral communication skills in English, including report development and writing Significant knowledge and understanding of the current political, economic, cultural and historical context ofLebanonand Syrian crisis Prior experience working in field-based locations required.   SUCCESS FACTORS: A successful Area Manager will combine exceptional management skills and experience to build and run effective field-based teams. S/he will have an outstanding ability to implement and manage emergency and development-related activities within the current and future programme structure of Mercy Corps inLebanon. S/he will also have proven experience with cross-cultural teams.  S/he will have the ability to build staff capacity through strong mentoring skills. Multi-tasking and prioritizing are essential.  Demonstrated flexibility and creativity in planning and problem solving are essential in a complex security and political environment likeLebanon. The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations.