Governance Adviser

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY: The conflict that began more than three years ago in Syria has resulted in a steady increase in Syrian refugees to Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Turkey. To date, more than one million refugees have fled to Lebanon, and the numbers continue to mount. All refugees who have entered Lebanon are staying with host families or in rented accommodation. As numbers rapidly increase, humanitarian conditions are deteriorating. The burden on host communities and the financial and emotional stress on refugees and their hosts is tremendous. Mercy Corps is responding to these needs by addressing humanitarian and longer-term development needs alike. A growing programmatic focus is on mitigating the emerging tensions between hosts and refugees, particularly over economic resources, by addressing both livelihood opportunities and conflict mitigation capacity. Mercy Corps will be working with communities in areas with significant tensions between Lebanese and Syrians. Mercy Corps will work with the municipality to select respected local leaders and provide them the skills to identify sources of common tensions and create plans to implement projects that will mitigate sources of tensions. Mercy Corps will then work with the municipality to select and implement projects. Furthermore, Mercy Corps will be helping municipalities to identify capacity gaps and working with them to address these gaps and thereby increase their ability to manage the refugee crisis. GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY: The Governance Adviser will work with the Project Manager and Project Officer in the engagement of local, regional and national government, formulating overall strategy, and then implementing the steps of the strategy. It will involve fulfilling specific deliverables outlined in the project plan, as well as strategically positioning the organization to expand the initiative. This will namely include building key relationships with the municipality, union of municipalities, Qaimaqam, regional technical units of the various ministries, specifically in Tripoli and Baalbek, and the ministries themselves in Beirut. S/he will also work with academic institutions, civil society and municipalities, coordinating with other Mercy Corps programmes to place youth in internships. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Program Implementation: Support the Project Manager in planning and implementing activities to meet key deliverables based on timeline and scope agreed with the donor; Work with the Project Manager and Project Officer to liaise with key stakeholders to build Mercy Corps acceptance within local and regional government to facilitate program implementation; Take the lead in building relations with key government agencies as direct by the Project Manager; Provide day-to-day coordination with municipality, union of municipalities, Qaimaqam, regional technical units of the various ministries, specifically in Tripoli and Baalbek, and the ministries themselves in Beirut in coordination with the Project Manager and Project Officer; Trouble shoot any administrative problems and report any challenges or bottlenecks to Program Manager; Coordinate the organizing of events between municipalities, donors and central government bodies; Participate in monitoring and evaluation system design and implementation for all aspects of the program, including monitoring  program progress by developing and applying monitoring tools to inform reports to donors and key stakeholders; Support the Program Manager to coordinate with humanitarian and development partners including United Nations, international and local NGOs, municipalities and other stakeholders; Support the identification of internships for AUB students, in coordination with Mercy Corps staff/consultant; Support implementation of community-based service projects with AUB students, in coordination with Mercy Corps staff/consultant; Work with senior management to update selected policies and procedures and conduct trainings for staff; Implement Mercy Corps’ Gender Equity policy and applies 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 jeopardize its humanitarian mission; Other assigned tasks, as necessary.  KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:  BA/S or equivalent in social and political sciences, history, human rights or other relevant field required; MA/S preferred; At least 8 years’ experience working with any of the following: Capacity building with local and national government Peacebuiding with local communities Strong understanding of government and governance issues in Lebanon; Excellent knowledge of local context in Tripoli Strong written communication skills in classical Arabic; 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; SUCCESS FACTORS: The successful Governance Adviser will combine experience in working with Lebanese government at all levels with a technical understanding of peacebuilding. S/he will have an outstanding ability to implement innovative programs within the current and future program structure of Mercy Corps in the country. Multi-tasking, prioritizing, problem solving and simultaneous attention to detail and working independently are essential. 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.