Shelter & Wash Project Manager

All Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)’s employees are expected to work in accordance with the organization’s core values: dedication, innovation, inclusivity and accountability. These attitudes and believes shall guide our actions and relationships.  Background NRC has been present in Lebanon since 2006 initially assisting Lebanese displaced persons and later Palestinian, Iraqi and Syrian refugees.  The programme started with Education and Shelter interventions and, since March 2012, NRC has also been conducting Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA) and Community Capacity Building (CCB) activities with Palestinian refugees and, more recently, with Syrian refugees. In 2014, NRC launched its WASH programme in three of its five geographic areas of intervention (Akkar, Tripoli, Tyr, Bekaa and Mount Lebanon). In response to the Syria crisis, NRC’s Shelter programme aims to improve the housing and living situation of refugees in Lebanon through the provision of cash grants for the rehabilitation or upgrade of housing units in unfinished or inadequate buildings, which will be brought to minimum living standards, thus increasing the housing stock. These housing units are provided rent-free to vulnerable households, selected among registered or pending refugees from Syria for a period of one year. In addition to this, NRC has undertaken winterization support as well as weather proofing support to those in sub-standard buildings and in Informal Tented Settlements (ITS). The NRC Shelter programme works closely with the ICLA programme on Housing, Land and Property (HLP) issues, especially those pertaining to eviction prevention. The shelter and WASH programmes collaborate on both housing rehabilitation as well as in support to ITSs. Lastly, since early-2000, the shelter programme has been supporting the Palestinian caseload in the camps and gatherings in both the North and South of Lebanon.  Job Purpose Under the guidance of the Area Manager for the South, and in regular and close communication with the Shelter and WASH Advisers in Beirut, the Project Manager will fulfil NRC’s objectives as stated in (a) Programme of Principles; (b) Programme and Shelter Policies, (c) Country Strategy; (d) Project Proposals and (e) running Activity Plans and budgets. The Project Manager will oversee the strategic direction of the Shelter and WASH programmes in the South, undertaking needs assessments; monitoring progress and undertaking evaluations, adapting existing programming to changing needs; and undertaking programme development (design and proposal development). S/he will coordinate the day-to-day activities of the projects implemented in the South ensuring that they are implemented effectively and efficiently according to NRC’s guidelines and procedures for project governance applicable for the particular projects.  1. Role and Responsibilities The following is a brief description of the role. 1. Generic responsibilities Coordinate and implement the Shelter and WASH projects according to strategy, proposals and plans; Ensure adherence to NRC policies and donor requirements; Develop annual activity and work plans; Manage the grants and budgets supporting the Shelter and WASH projects; Supervision, training and development of Shelter and WASH staff; Promote and share ideas for improvement and necessary changes in the activities; Cooperate with relevant partners and local authorities; Organize trainings for the project team, relevant partners and beneficiaries; Monthly activity/project reports and other reporting as required; Ensure proper filing of all project documents. Responsible for managing and overseeing the development, implementation and quality of the projects; Responsible for managing all phases of the project cycle, budgets and grants; Support the Shelter and WASH programs effort to standardise and harmonise its work throughout Lebanon; Support the development of capacity and responsibilities of the projects national staff in Lebanon, including development and transfer of more management responsibilities to national staff and handover of management of Shelter and WASH programmes to national staff; Develop a strong profile and a leading role for the Shelter programme in inter-agency coordination in the South. 2. Specific responsibilities All Project Cycle Management aspects of the housing rehabilitation grants and the provision of WASH interventions in the South. Working with ICLA colleagues on joint-programming surrounding eviction prevention and collaborative dispute resolution Scaling-up to intervene in emergencies, whether due to influx, extreme weather, etc. Ensuring all output/outcome data and beneficiary data is recorded and maintained in the shelter and WASH databases 3. Critical interfaces By interfaces, NRC means processes and projects that are interlinked with other departments/units or persons. Relevant interfaces for this position are: Area Manager Head of Programme Unit Shelter Adviser WASH Adviser Project Managers for other NRC Core Competencies (programmes) to ensure a holistic and integrated response to the needs of refugees in the South. M&E Unit in Tyr Office and Beirut Country Office Support Services (Admin, HR, Finance, Logistics and IT) in Tyr Office and Beirut Country Office 2. Competencies 1. Professional competencies These are skills, knowledge and experience that are important for effective performance. Generic professional competencies Relevant university degree At least five years of field experience working as a Project Manager, preferably in refugee/IDP shelter programmes in complex emergencies, urban settings, and camp environments, with responsibility for Project cycle management, Risk Management, Staff Development and Management and Grants and Budgets Management Demonstrated experience in implementing WASH projects in humanitarian settings; Previous experience of working in the Middle East or in similar complex and volatile contexts; Experience of selecting and managing private contractors; Experience in logistics/administration management; Experience of coordination and advocacy work; Context related skills, knowledge and experience Essential Significant understanding of complex emergencies and crisis contexts; Political and cultural awareness and experience of working in difficult situations; Ability to quickly develop good insight and understanding of the conflict, the human rights situation and the political environment of the country and the area of intervention; Proven communication, interpersonal, representation, negotiation and leadership skills. Fluency (written and spoken) in the English language. Proven skills and experience in proposal and report writing. Proven skills in designing and implementing/facilitating trainings/workshops on project cycle management, budget holding and operational- related issues, including training of trainers to staff from a range of backgrounds. Proficient with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word Knowledge about own leadership skills/profile Desired § Strong IT/database management skills § Experience in using and training staff on Mobenzi or similar survey tools § Written and/or spoken knowledge of Arabic Personal Qualities Goal orientation; Ability to work under pressure, independently and with limited supervision; Ability and willingness to work and live under difficult circumstances; Problem solving and willingness/ability to contribute to logistics; Flexibility, creativity, and cooperation; Sense of humour. 2. Behavioural competencies Managing resources to optimize results Handling insecure environments Empowering and building trust Managing performance and development Creative and innovative thinking 3. Performance Management The employee will be accountable for the responsibilities and the competencies, in accordance with the NRC Performance Management Manual.  The following documents will be used for performance reviews: The Job Description The individual Work- and Professional Development Plan The Competency Framework