PARTNERSHIP COORDINATION ADVISOR (Applications will only be accepted if submitted online, through the URL link provided. (Kindly do not send emails to lb-recruitment@mercycorps.org))

Humanitarian actors are increasingly taking a partnership approach to interventions in the region. While coordination is now strong among partnership focused agencies, it is not led by one particular agency (no lead/co-lead) and this has emerged as a gap. Moreover, the need to ensure a more inclusive approach to coordination (in regards to local partners, and in some cases donors), donor messaging and advocacy efforts requires leadership.

In early 2016, a formal INGO/NGO coordination structure was created. This role oversees the coordination of the group and representation of the collective. The evolvements of this structure are to be agreed upon through the leadership and coordination of this role, alongside the Steering committee and member agencies.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The successful candidate will provide coordination services of all partnership based INGOs and local partners, not only one agency. S/he will act in their interest by sharing information, representing and advocating for populations affected by the conflict. The position will support day-to-day coordination, act as a focal point, and advise on a longer-term coordination evolvement. As such, the Partnership Coordination Advisor will work towards: ensuring greater coherence among INGOs and local partners, mapping needs and highlighting gaps, strengthening information sharing between INGOs, local partners and between INGO community and other Regional Coordination structures. The overall objective of this position is to seek ways to strengthen collaboration between INGOs and Local Partners, and provide a platform for advocacy and other issues affecting the response. This position aims to provide support on key issues such as capacity development, monitoring and emergency response.

The Partnership Coordination Advisor will help the current structure to evolve and respond to the change in the situation and the operational complexities of operating in the region. S/he will act as the main focal point for coordination between different response hubs and external actors regarding remote management. The successful candidate will work impartially with all active humanitarian partners.

The Partnership Coordination Advisor will be responsible for:

• Providing sufficient organizational and administrative support to the Partnership Coordination Group
• Coordinating members of the PCG (international and local) regarding all cross cutting issues discussed during coordination meetings such as capacity development, alternative procedures,  M&E, emergency response, duty of care, and advocacy;
• Ensure good communication among all members;
• Updating the Steering Committee on objectives and to be responsible to the nominated collective committee.
• Follow up all action points / decisions taken during coordination meetings

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Coordination & Reporting

• Provide appropriate and efficient coordination between humanitarian partners based in in the region;
• Encourage partners to work collectively, towards complementarity, coherence and harmonization of assistance delivery;
• Convene and facilitate regular coordination meetings and ensure that they are well-managed, action and results-oriented and documented, with decisions/action points clearly communicated to the partners;
• Establish/maintain appropriate coordination mechanisms between Lebanon and regional Response structures;
• Ensuring effective information sharing both within the INGO, local NGO partners and between these agencies and regional Response Clusters. Disseminate relevant materials, reports, documentations, meeting minutes etc. Ensure all the partners are informed about field level and regional level coordination meetings and events;
• Assess coordination/communication gaps and priorities, gather lessons learned/feedback from other regional Response coordination structures (regional or hub level, clusters, fora) and recommend the most effective coordination model;
• Engage review after 6 months to assess gaps and needs for the role;
• Strengthen existing protocols for coordination;
• Hold regular monthly information sharing and coordination meetings, including compilation of agendas, preparation and dissemination of background materials, and reports and documents;
• Facilitate information sharing between members and external stakeholders when required;
• Produce and disseminate feedback to the members following attendance to any required meeting, including on formal coordination bodies and bilateral meetings;
• Identify action points after each meeting and follow up with the concerned parties to ensure that action is taken;
• Provide mappings and any other relevant tools for enhancing information flow.

Administration/Facilitation:

• Responsible for updating and maintaining the e-mail addresses, mailing lists, telephone numbers and physical address of Partnerships Coordination Group members;
• Responsible for updating and maintaining all files and databases for the relevant activities;
• Respond in a timely manner to all internal queries received regarding the coordination group, activities, including induction for new members, or new staff of a member agency;
• Any other activities requested by members or the Steering Committee.

Representation

• In coordination/communication with all partners, attend regional level cluster/sector coordination meetings;
• Set up relevant mechanism of coordination with NGO members and external stakeholders (upon request);
• Network and conduct outreach to regional coordination structure representatives;
• Act as entry/focal point for any new INGO planning expansion for the area.

Preparedness and Capacity Building

• Where relevant, support coordinated contingency planning among INGOs;
• Promote and support training of humanitarian personnel and capacity development of partners, in coordination with INGOs capacity development teams;
• Advise on training opportunities;
• Support efforts to strengthen the capacity of the national/local partners and civil society, in coordination with relevant INGOs;
• Support harmonization of approaches in regards to capacity development of local partners, promoting this as a central component of our partnership relationship.

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: None

ACCOUNTABILITY:  All humanitarian partners, community stakeholders, donors

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Partnership Support Programs Director

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: INGOs, local organizations

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Bachelor degree or equivalent in related field; international relationship, economics, social science or related field preferred. Masters preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in humanitarian response including work experience within humanitarian context is essential, related to the middle east is preferred.
• Previous experience in coordination role, ideally in a similar size response context – highly preferred.
• Proven in depth of operational knowledge of Middle East is essential
• Understanding of the international humanitarian response architecture, including coordination mechanisms, humanitarian reform and action, and funding mechanisms.
• Proven experience in development and maintenance of multi-stakeholders networks and proactive coordination experience is essential
• Experience of chairing/facilitating meetings.
• Experience of partnership work, especially working with community based organizations.
• Previous experience working on capacity development initiatives is preferred.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of stakeholders and develop consensus and harmonized approaches.
• Ability to work productively in a pressurized environment and to maintain visibly high levels of morale in difficult circumstances.
• Fluent spoken and written English is required. Good command of Arabic is preferred. 

SUCCESS FACTORS:

The successful candidate will have the ability to network effectively and influence and inspire others. S/he will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, will be highly motivated and possess ability to work independently. Will have the ability to undertake strategic analysis and translate thinking into practice. S/He will work with sensitive issues in a multi-cultural environment and with virtual or/and dispersed teams and will have the ability to build confidence and to find creative and constructive solutions to difficult issues. The successful candidate will be build trust and alliances and will empower others. S/he should like traveling, possess a good dose of humor, must be fond of coordination and understand its critical role for the more efficient humanitarian response.