Bprm Program Manager

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY Mercy Corps exists to alleviate suffering, poverty, and oppression by helping people build secure, productive, and just communities. Mercy Corps has been present in the Middle East since the 1980s and currently has offices in Yemen, Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, Syria and Iraq. Working in Lebanon since 1993, Mercy Corps has run community development programs focused on promoting economic development and increased opportunity for disadvantaged communities, while responding to emergencies as they have emerged. In 2012, the program portfolio shifted in response to the massive refugee influx from Syria and Mercy Corps in Lebanon has solidified its emergency response programming while integrating longer-term development programming by focusing on key sectors: Protection, Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Governance and Conflict, and Livelihoods.    GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY The BPRM Program Manager will provide strategic direction, technical oversight and day-to-day management of Mercy Corps’ 12-month USDS/BPRM-funded program providing WASH and Protection Support to Syrian Refugees and Host Communities in Lebanon. The program aims to increase access to WASH and protection services and support for Syrian refugees and vulnerable Lebanese host communities in underserved urban and rural areas in South Lebanon, Mount Lebanon and Bekaa.   The Program Manager is responsible for the overall planning, implementation, and monitoring of the BPRM program. S/he is responsible for ensuring high quality program delivery according to the program’s, scope, timeline and budget. S/he will manage project staff and affiliates, ensure effective coordination with international, national and local partners, and oversee financial and project reporting. At the same time, the Program Manager will be responsible for donor coordination throughout the grant, as well as building a contributing to broader strategic vision to expand and scale Mercy Corps’ WASH and Protection portfolios in Lebanon.   ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Program Management Manage implementation of the BPRM program, including the work of partners and contractors, to facilitate key deliverables and achieve targets, including designing and managing overall community mobilization strategies, committee selection processes, capacity building, and identification of priorities; Conduct regular monitoring of program activities and program impact, per Mercy Corps Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) and in accordance with existing related guidelines (i.e. SPHERE and donor regulations); Collaborate with Operations Team to facilitate procurement of required equipment and services based on community-identified needs; Overview program budget and complete financial planning to inform programming including monthly projections and budget reviews; Write regular donor and organizational reports to highlight program successes and challenges.   Team Management Supervise teams to develop work plans focused on key outputs and outcomes; Ensure field teams complete tasks as assigned in a timely, professional way; Collaborate and guide local partners and consultancy firms on regular basis to inform planning and implementation of assessments and mapping reports, as well as to meet key deliverables;   Coordination and Representation Represent Mercy Corps at relevant coordination meetings in Beirut and in field locations to foster greater coordination and information sharing; Liaise with national and municipal-level officials to explain the objectives and parameters of the programs, as well as local NGOs and program partners, local religious leaders and other community members to ensure support for and acceptance of Mercy Corps; Develop and maintain working relationships and coordinate with relevant international and local agencies active emergency response and community development, including donors, other humanitarian organizations, local authorities and local partners;   Other Understand and follow Mercy Corps’ Program Management Minimum Standards (PM@MC) to ensure all project planning and documentation is completed in timely manner; Ensure all interventions adhere to Mercy Corps’ Gender Equity Policy and Do No Harm strategies; Participate in internal office coordination and planning meetings and workshops; Other assigned tasks, as necessary.   Organizational Learning  As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve - we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.   Accountability to Stakeholders Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to the international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.   SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: Project Managers, M&E Coordinator, GBV Technical Advisor, Assistant Program Officer.  ACCOUNTABILITY: REPORTS DIRECTLY TO:  Director of Programs   WORKS DIRECTLY WITH:  Program, Operations, Finance, and M&E Teams   KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE: BSc or Master’s Degree in international relations, social science and/or relevant field; Demonstrated expertise in participatory community-based programs, with at least 5-7 years of relevant and/or field-based experience including management experience; Strong leadership and effective communication skills. Good organizational and project management skills and the ability to anticipate program needs; Proven ability to work cooperatively with colleagues of other departments in a team environment, and to lead a diverse group of national and international staff; Understanding of participatory methodologies for project design, implementation and evaluation; Knowledge of humanitarian standards and codes, including SPHERE, HAP, etc.; Working understanding of procurement, administration and finance systems; Experience working in Middle East country, strong preference for previous experience in Lebanon; Fluent English essential; Arabic is an important asset.   SUCCESS FACTORS: A successful candidate will have the ability to work closely with a diverse team of individuals in a highly fluid work and security environment with a capacity to spark innovative approaches to programming and inspire groups to collaborate closely to implement high-quality programs. S/he will have proven experience working effectively and respectfully with host country government and other authorities, NGO, and CBO representatives, and will have effective verbal and written communication as well as multi-tasking, organizational, and prioritization skills. S/he will have demonstrated attention to detail while keeping a strategic view, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines, and work independently and cooperatively with team members, and will have an interest and ability to travel and work in insecure environments. Sensitivity to multi-cultural international development work and ability to train and facilitate dialogue among a diverse group of individuals with various skill sets and working styles are all critical, as is a commitment to working with community members to make concrete improvements to their livelihoods and living conditions. An ability to creatively problem-solve, to juggle multiple priorities under tight deadlines, and to calmly and diplomatically deal with unexpected and sudden events impacting program operations are also essential, as is patience, tenacity, and a good sense of humor.     LIVING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS This position is based in Beirut, Lebanon, a pleasant and cosmopolitan city on the Mediterranean, with frequent travel throughout Lebanon. The security situation is uncertain in Lebanon, with a possibility for rapid deterioration, particularly dependent on the Syrian conflict. Though currently secure in Beirut, all security guidelines and protocols must be closely followed at all times.   Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and Mercy Corps' policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.