Field Officer - North (Applications will only be accepted if submitted online, through the link provided)

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global organisation powered by the belief that a better world is possible.
In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions
into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.
Now, and for the future. Working in Lebanon since 1993, Mercy Corps is committed to generating positive opportunities for women, men, boys and girls from Lebanese, Syrian, and Palestinian communities, with a strong focus on engaging youth.

Mercy Corps exists to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping build secure, productive and just communities. We do this through:

• Addressing the humanitarian and protection needs resulting from crisis situations for the most vulnerable communities
• Enabling local communities, civil society and government to better prevent and respond to conflict, address needs and deliver sustainable development solutions
• Promoting economic growth and catalysing economic opportunities for vulnerable, under-employed groups in Lebanon

The Mercy Corps Lebanon team consists of over 150 staff working across five offices throughout Mount Lebanon, South Lebanon, Tripoli and the Bekaa Valley.

Programme Summary

With funding from the United Kingdom Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (UK CSSF), Mercy Corps launched and successfully implemented the programme Improved Networks, Training and Jobs (INTAJ) 3 in Lebanon (INTAJ 3), a one-year programme to refine and test interventions to improve stability and Solid Waste Management and Recycling (SWM/R) service delivery while reducing grievances and improving perceptions and trust between community members in Lebanon. The current programme, IJMAA, will build on learnings from INTAJ 3 and will aim to deliver a reduction in drivers of tension amongst and between Lebanese host communities, refugees and municipal authorities in Lebanon through fostering dialogue and peacebuilding mechanisms, and providing rapid stabilisation support, particularly in relation to waste management as well as other sources of tensions.

General Position Summary

Working under the direction of the Field Coordinator, the Field Officer will support in the implementation of project activities as stipulated in the work-plan and ensure quality deliverables at all levels. Moreover, she/he will be at the forefront of the engagement with municipalities, community members, stakeholders, and civil society actors to ensure building strong relationships.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Programme Implementation

• Support the team in planning and implementing programme activities to meet key deliverables based on timeline and scope agreed with the donor;
• Liaise with key stakeholders to build Mercy Corps’ acceptance within local communities to facilitate programme implementation, including informing the wider community actors about Mercy Corps’ programming;
• Provide day-to-day support and coordination, including administrative, financial and logistical support. Troubleshoot any administrative problems and report any challenges or bottlenecks to Field Coordinator;
• Support the Field Coordinator in organising meetings, workshops and trainings for Municipalities and Union of Municipalities and Community Councils, community engagement and awareness raising/information dissemination events;
• Build strong relationships and engage with local authorities and community stakeholders to build the programme’s acceptance to facilitate implementation of activities;
• Support the Field Coordinator in engaging with Union of Municipalities, Qaimaqam, stakeholders, and other regional government actors;
• Conduct field visits to ensure proper flow of work and smooth implementation;
• Confirm availability in the field upon delivery of goods/materials by suppliers;
• Contribute to monthly and quarterly reports and other ad hoc reports to meet donor and internal requirements;
• Prepare documentation of key steps in the programme management cycle throughout implementation;
• Participate in monitoring and evaluation system design and implementation for all aspects of the programme, including monitoring programme progress by developing and applying monitoring tools to inform reports to donors and key stakeholders;
• Support the Field Coordinator with all tasks related to procurement, finance, and human resources;
• Lead in filing and record keeping of programme activities;
• Implement Mercy Corps’ Gender Equity policy and apply Do No Harm approaches;
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardise its humanitarian mission;
• Other assigned tasks, as necessary.

Communication/Media

• Responsible for supporting in the implementation of the IJMAA communications strategy;
• Liaise with the Communications Officer on the communications strategy;
• Support in the identification of field stories and case studies from the field;
• Responsible for coordinating the work of potential communication consultants;

Other

• Ensure all activities are gender sensitive and follow Mercy Corps’ Gender Equity Policy;
• Apply Do No Harm standards to ensure activities do not have detrimental effects on vulnerable communities;
• Contribute to monthly reports and other ad hoc reports to meet donor and internal requirements;
• Participate in internal office coordination and planning meetings and workshops;
• Other assigned tasks, as necessary.

Accountability

• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardise its humanitarian mission.

Organisational Learning

As part of our commitment to organisational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organisations 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.

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Accountability

Reports Directly To: Field Coordinator - North

Works Directly With: Programs, Communication, Operations, and M&E Teams

Knowledge and Experience

• • BA/S or equivalent in social work, social sciences, human rights, or other relevant field preferred;
  • Experience working with communities and Municipalities is preferred;
  • Strong understanding of refugee issues in the current Lebanon context;
  • Excellent knowledge of local context in the North;
  • Written and oral communication skills in English preferred;
  • 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;
  • Good computer skills on MS Office programmes;
  • A clear understanding of ethics and donor compliance is essential.

Success Factors

The successful Project Officer will be able to multitask, prioritise, problem solve. S/he will have attention to detail and an ability to work independently. Demonstrated flexibility and creativity in planning and problem solving is essential in a complex security and political environment like Lebanon. 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.