Cash Operations Manager

ROLE PURPOSE: In recognition of its increasing use of cash as a modality for delivering humanitarian assistance in Lebanon and considering its role as lead agency in the Lebanon Cash Consortium, Save the Children is building its operational capacity to be able to deliver multi-sector cash transfer programmes (CTPs) through the recruitment of a cash operations manager. The primary role of the cash operations manager will be to strengthen systems, oversee the CTP operations, and provide operational support to field teams and other programmatic staff responsible for designing and delivering CTPs. This will require a strong focus on supporting teams throughout the project management cycle. During the design phase, the cash operations manager will lead on feasibility and risk assessments, identifying mitigation strategies that ensure the residual risk of programming does not exceed risk thresholds. They will also be required to support technical advisors on identifying the most appropriate methodology for achieving programmatic outcomes and ensuring that the appropriate resources are planned and budgeted for during the proposal development process. The post-holder will lead on the setting up of systems that are compliant with Save the Children CTP standards and which are donor compliant and will lead on building the capacity of field teams to ensure that systems, once established, are maintained. During this phase, they will also be expected to support field teams in the development of detailed implementation and work-plans that will be used to drive and monitor the implementation of CTPs. The role will also require ensuring that current systems and standard operating procedures are followed and implemented by the different stakeholders. Throughout the implementation of CTPs, the post-holder will be required to support field teams in implementing programmes, undertaking monitoring by engaging in Save the Children’s regular project review process and providing on-the-job capacity building as and when necessary. On a regular basis, the post-holder will be required to undertake operational reviews to ensure that systems remain appropriate to the context and that records management is sufficiently maintained to ensure processes can be audited during the close out/ transition phase. The role will also require close coordination and engagement with the MEAL team to improve the accountability mechanisms. During the closeout/ phase the post-holder will be required to support in the reporting process, closure of the cash components, as well as leading on programme review sessions that support reporting and promote a culture of continuous improvement. The post-holder will not only be responsible for providing support to the design and delivery of programmes but will also be engaged in defining the future strategic direction of programmes, with a focus on operating in middle-income countries and working through partners. They will also be required to represent Save the Children in coordination mechanisms at the national level. SCOPE OF ROLE: Reports to: Operations Director Reporting to: None   KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY: Provide support to the design and implementation of cash transfer operational elements of programme activities working closely with the field teams, operations staff and technical sector advisors. Support the management of multiple grants across multiple sectors, where there is a predominately cash transfer component, ensuring that operational aspects of projects and reports are delivered according to Save the Children and donor contractual requirements, within the agreed timescale and budget. Support technical advisors in developing methodologies for delivering sectoral strategies, full proposal and log frames for the field base or area by providing input and advice about cash transfer operational elements. Provide advice & leadership on the planning and implementation of all operational aspects of cash transfer programming, which will include finance, delivery mechanisms, security, logistics, award management and donor compliance. Lead on the development of tools and templates to support the management and implementation of operational aspects of cash transfer programmes in line with donor contractual requirements and Save the Children Quality Framework Oversee the cash transfer operations and ensure that activities are in line with the set standard operating procedures. Feed into multi-agency coordination at national level Work with Safety and Security colleagues to develop and implement effective safety and security procedures for specific cash transfer programming activities, ensuring that these are updated and revised at regular intervals and that new programmes are built around security considerations the procurement of a financial service provider Support logistics to ensure that where necessary we can procure, store and distribute cash or vouchers for the timely delivery of project objectives within the field base or area Coach and mentor national staff counterparts and contribute to capacity building at field level Elaboration of SC’s cash transfers programmatic vision and strategy Identification of opportunities for innovative actions and approaches Engage with Save the Children’s global cash community of practice as well as CaLP cash groups   Lebanon Cash Consortium (LCC): The post-holder will represent Save the Children in the Technical Management Group (TMG) of the LCC, where he/she would contribute in the following areas:  Program Implementation: Oversee and manage the implementation of the program Effective and efficient delivery of assistance to meet program targets Development & enforcement of harmonized practices and standard procedures Collaboration with the LCC Infomation Management team to enhance Infomartion Management systems in response to implementation needs Timely decision making to overcome implementation challenges and obstacles Encourage inter-member learning and experience sharing among implementation teams Program relevance, quality, and design: Development & enforcement of quality and accountability standards in collaboration with the MEAL team Development of new program proposal and improvement of existing program to effectively meet evolving needs and situation of the most vulnerable population Collaboration with the MEAL teams on developing and implementing the learning and research activities to ensure better understanding of overall context and possibility of improvement of LCC interventions Institutional knowledge building: Document technical discussions and decisions Document – and share as relevant best practices and challenges to ensure learning in collaboration with the different LCC stakeholders Liaise through the TMG lead and MEAL Lead with other cash and/or humanitarian actors to increase learning and experience sharing Capacity Building: Identify capacity building needs of program and implementation teams involved in the LCC interventions Conduct or externalize capacity building sessions as per needs identified Representation and Technical Advocacy: Develop technical position for Save the Children on key questions discussed at the Inter-Agency level (targeting, package, etc.) Identify issues/topics to be brought up with partners and in coordination forum and/or donor Ensure advocacy on programmatic issues of relevance to the LCC through the TMG Lead and –when relevant - through LCC members’ Program Coordinators QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE AND ATTRIBUTES Essential: Degree in Economics, Finance, International Relations, Development studies or similar field Minimum 5 years of experience in development/humanitarian work Minimum 3 years of experience implementing cash transfer programmes (across sectors) Experience in strategy and proposal development including logical frameworks Proven experience raising funds and developing proposals for programmes in excess of $1million Proven representation and advocacy skills. Commitment to and understanding of Save the Children’s aims, values and principles including rights-based approaches Experience in developing M&E tools Strong report writing skills, including experience in writing funding proposals and donor reports. Experience in field work and community mobilization Good interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate and negotiate clearly and effectively at all levels, taking into account cultural and language difficulties. Highly developed cultural awareness and ability to work well in an international environment with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Demonstrable knowledge of key areas of programme operations, logistics and grant management relevant to delivering quality cash and vouchers programming. Flexibility and willingness to change work practices and hours, and capability to work in insecure environment Fluency in written and spoken English Computer skills  Desirable: Experience leading inter-agency coordination forums Previous work experience in Lebanon or other areas in the Middle East Previous work experience in response to the Syrian crisis Spoken and/or written Arabic