Project 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.    CONTEXT The Project Manager is responsible for the planning, implementation and monitoring of part of the Mercy Corps’ 12-month USDS/BPRM-funded project in Bekaa and Hermel-Baalbek governorates and contributes to meet the project objectives. The project aims to increase access to WASH, shelter, rapid income, and protection services and support for Syrian refugees and vulnerable Lebanese host communities in underserved urban and rural areas in the Governorates of Bekaa, Hermel-Baalbek, South Lebanon, and Nabatiyeh. GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY This position is a management position with supervisory and managerial role and will be responsible for leading, providing technical and managerial support to the project staff in the implementation of the different sub-components of BPRM project including WASH, Shelter, Cash for work and protection/SGBV in Bekaa, and Hermel-Baalbek governorates.. Reporting to the WASH/BPRM program manager and in close collaboration with the Area managers, s/he will oversee and ensure quality, effectiveness and efficiency in the implementation and monitoring of the project activities. S/he ensure that activities address the humanitarian gaps and needs of the targeted beneficiaries and the implementation adhere to the donor, Mercy Corps and all other applicable standards and procedures.   ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS   Coordinate and work with the program manager in the preparation of the detailed implementation, monitoring and spending plan of the project activities as well as developing targeted criteria Carry out introductory meetings and coordination with local government authorities and other relevant stakeholders. Identify specific municipalities for intervention in line with agreed selection criteria and facilitate the signing of assistance agreement or MoU with community or local authorities Manage the implementation of the WaSH and shelter activities including the rehabilitation/construction of water, sanitation infrastructures or shelter  solid waste management and hygiene promotion. Manage implementation of the C4W program activities in AoR, including community prioritization exercises, targeting vulnerable HHs with direct income, addressing communal infrastructural and other needs, and train community and municipalities on the C4W methodology; Manage implementation of Protection and SGBV program activities in AoR, including community mobilization, protection monitoring, active referral of needs with special focus on SGBV cases, engaging men and boys in SGBV-related activities, work on behavior change, training of MC and partner staff on mitigating risks of gender-based violence; Oversee the successful implementation of program activities, ensuring that teams are following work plans, that activities are on schedule, and that program deliverables are completed as promised.  Work together with all team members to ensure that the various aspects of the projects including WASH, shelter, cash for work and SGBV are integrated, and that they form part of a coherent response Identify priorities in term of assessments, designing and overseeing Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) and other surveys; When security permits, conduct field assessments, makes recommendations about the needs and vulnerabilities of the target populations in regard to water, sanitation and hygiene issues, and develop and implements feasible yet sound technical solutions; Conduct regular monitoring of project activities and project impact, per Mercy Corps Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning and in accordance with existing related guidelines; (HAP, SPHERE and donor regulations) Review the technical reports including bill of quantities, specification and tender documents of rehabilitation/ construction works. Contribute to and write monthly reports and other donor based reports or organizational based notes; Work closely with local partners (if any) and participate in partner assessment and selection; Assist in proposal / concept note development and report writing as necessary; Track and manage the project budget at field office level including preparation of monthly projection and review of BvAs. Ensure that communities are informed about our programs and what we do, are aware of their entitlements, are comfortable to give feedback and that feedback is used to improve the quality of our programs; Ensure that project activities and team effort is primarily seeking the best interest of refugees and other targeted communities.   Team Management Provide technical and managerial support to the project team; ensure that the project staff in subordinate staff has clear understanding of the objectives of the project; the project activities, timeline and budget limit; their specific role and responsibilities in achieving those objectives and their position/relation within the team. Involve in recruitment, training, and day to day manage the project staff Develop and implement a comprehensive staff and local partner training series to build team capacity in the area of WASH, C4W, Protection and M&E; Work with partners and Utilities to strengthen linkages with other actors to enhance organizational learning which directly impacts staff performance and productivity; Representation and Coordination Represent Mercy Corps at the Bekaa WaSH, Livelihoods and Protection/SGBV working groups as relevant. Liaise with local officials including the Local and the Regional Water Utility, Sanitation Utility, Health structures, local NGOs and project partners, local religious leaders and other community members to ensure support for and acceptance of Mercy Corps projects in AoR; Develop and maintain working relationships and coordinate with relevant international and local agencies active in the water and sanitation, livelihoods and Protection/SGBV sectors of an emergency response, including donors, other humanitarian and human rights organizations, local authorities and local partners, Represent Mercy Corps at local coordination meetings. Examine and pursue funding opportunities from donors and partners, in coordination with senior management (including developing and submitting concept papers, and proposals) Closely work with other sectors or project staff in Mercy to ensure better integration among different projects/programs Closely coordinate and work with operation team in timely procurement of the project goods or services;  HR in staff recruitment and staff performance management and with Finance Unit in budget projection, utilization and BvA review  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; 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.     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 Beneficiaries Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to 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: WaSH officers, WaSH engineers, GBV coordinator, C4W officer. ACCOUNTABILITY: For all project objectives, deliverables, activities and team in AoR Reports directly to:  BPRM/WASH Program Manager Works directly with:  BPRM Program Manager, Protection Program Manager, Field Coordinators, Field officers, Engineers, Hygiene promoters, MEL, finance, operations, administration, Program Development and Quality,     KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE BSc or Master’s Degree in civil other related engineering, social science and/or other relevant field of study and at least five years of demonstrated expertise in managing implementation of a projects such as WASH, Shelter, Cash for Work, and/or protection in humanitarian settings. Excellent knowledge of SGBV issues, including Gender and protection. Demonstrated expertise in emergency response program management in highly insecure environments. Commitment to local capacity building and the ability to engage local stakeholders in project design and implementation. Demonstrated capacity to collaborate closely with INGOs and national NGOs. Familiarity with international humanitarian operations, coordination structures, and the mandates of UN agencies, and other NGOs. Solid knowledge and application of established inter-agency standards and guidelines relevant to protection. Knowledge of Lebanon, in particular its displacement context and protection threats relevant to internal conflict preferred. Good understanding of the linkages and intersections between child protection and social welfare, justice, education and health, with ability to advise and implement strategies that promote coordination between sectors. Good organizational and project management skills and the ability to anticipate project 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. Excellent analytical skills with ability to identify problems and propose solutions Knowledge of humanitarian standards and codes, including SPHERE and HAP. Working understanding of procurement, administration and finance systems. Must be able to strategically manage and guide staff on program and office activities and security issues. Fluent English and Arabic essential. Must be willing to be based in Bekaa (Baalback or Zahle office) and to travel throughout Beqaa Valley, South Lebanon and Beirut.    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 ability to learn quickly, take initiative, and be accountable for results based on programmatic needs. 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. Knowledge of security standards, equipment, precautionary measures, communication protocols, SPHERE standards, protection and gender issues are essential. Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with curiosity about and sensitivity to new cultures, a desire and ability to learn and grow, both personally and professionally, and a great sense of humor.   LIVING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS This position is based in Bekaa, Lebanon. The security situation is uncertain in Lebanon, with a possibility for rapid deterioration, particularly dependent on the Syrian conflict.  Though currently secure in Lebanon, 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 customs and Mercy Corps' policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.