Country Representative Lebanon

Country Representative Lebanon 1.    Background Solidar Suisse has been actively responding to the Syrian Crisis since 2012 assisting thousands of displaced Syrian and vulnerable Lebanese families with humanitarian assistance. Since 2013 Solidar Suisse delivers its assistance through its own team (21 staff) based in Nabatieh, South Lebanon. Solidar Suisse’ Strategic Framework 2014-15 for Lebanon contained two strategic objectives, i.e. 1) meeting the basic needs of Syrian refugees in Southern Lebanon, and 2) enhancing social stability in the hosting communities in Southern Lebanon. Under the first objective, Solidar delivers emergency aid to Syrian refugees in the areas of Basic Assistance, Shelter, and WASH. In the field of Basic Assistance, Solidar covers survival needs of most vulnerable households across multiple sectors through Unconditional Cash Assistance (UCA). In the field of Shelter/WASH, Solidar increase access to adequate shelter space and WASH through the refurbishment of unfinished buildings. In order to mitigate negative impacts on host communities, vulnerable Lebanese households are systematically included as beneficiaries. Contributing to the second objective, Community Support Projects (CSP) are used as a mean to improve essential community infrastructure and public services in affected municipalities, thereby also contributing to the mitigation of tensions. Currently, a strategic review is ongoing in order to develop the new Strategic Framework 2016-2018. Within the new framework, Solidar Suisse is currently exploring options to improve the resilience of vulnerable persons of concern and strengthening their capacity to earn an income.     2.    Purpose The Country Representative will be responsible for the overall management of Solidar Suisse humanitarian programme in Lebanon which assists Syrian refugees and other conflict affected individuals and communities.   3.    Responsibilities The main responsibilities of the Country Representative are:   Legal: Ensure that adequate security, administration, finance, logistic and procurement procedures - in compliance with Solidar’s global policies - are developed and implemented in the new local office. Follow-up with Solidar’s lawyer on the initiated registration process in Lebanon and ensure that Solidar adheres to the local law. Country Programme Management: Take the lead in development of the future strategy of the Programme in Lebanon, in close collaboration with Headquarters; further develop the project portfolio through development of new projects, including needs assessments, proposal writing, budgeting and negotiation with institutional donors. Responsibility to ensure implementation of projects according to schedule and budget, in compliance with set standards, principles and guidelines of Solidar and its donors. This includes establishment and implementation of appropriate monitoring and evaluation systems for the activities. Local Donor Management: Maximise local fundraising with institutional donors; liaison with possible donors (ECHO, UN agencies, SDC and others) in Lebanon, draft and write project proposals and negotiate new funding opportunities according to the capacity and in line with thematic focus of Solidar. Representation, Coordination: Representation of Solidar Switzerland towards the Government of Lebanon, institutional donors, local partners, and relevant sector coordination mechanisms. Ensure effective coordination of Solidar’s activities within the coordination system lead by UNHCR, with the local government, national partners and other agencies/INGOs. This includes ensuring Solidar’s regular attendance in relevant interagency meetings and sector working groups. Financial Management and Budget Control: Ensure that adequate financial procedures and systems are in place for efficient use of resources and to avoid misuse and fraud; support the Finance Manager in checking the programme expenditures against the individual project budgets; ensure that the monthly expenditure sheets/documents are sent to the Headquarter in Zurich/Switzerland no later than the 10th of each month. Responsible to request funds from HQ in a timely manner; oversee and prepare local audits. Reporting:Provide regular situation reports as agreed with the Head of Humanitarian Aid; elaborate and timely submit narrative and financial reports to Headquarter in the respective donor formats; report on any critical incidents (security, fraud, etc). Communication and visibility: Manage field visits, including visits from media, donor and HQ representatives, and respond to information requests from HQ (e.g. interviews and pictures). Ensure visibility of Solidar’s work among the humanitarian community in Lebanon. Security: In collaboration with headquarters, develop adequate security/safety systems and procedures and ensure strict adherence. To monitor the security situation in the country and regularly inform headquarters in case of important developments. Other: Undertake other duties that may be determined by Solidar head office. Leadership and staff management: Develop and lead Solidar’s national team by providing leadership and guidance, supervision and performance monitoring. To recruit individual national project staff, with approval of headquarters and according to project budgets. Ensure that contracts, rules and procedures meet statutory requirements of Lebanon. Carry out regular performance appraisals.   4.    Requirements At least 7 years of experience in senior management positions in humanitarian contexts, preferably in the Middle East and/or in the Syrian refugee crisis. Programming experience in the fields of cash transfer programming, livelihoods (skills development, Vocational Training), shelter assistance Previous work experience in complex political environments Demonstrated leadership and management skills in a complex and volatile operating environment; ability to coach and support staff and cultivate team spirit. A proven track record in proposal development with a range of institutional and multilateral donors (i.e. ECHO, UN agencies, etc). Confirmed experience and ability to manage a complex budget across multiple donors and ensure donor compliance and financial reporting Strong representation, interpersonal and negotiation skills; excellent oral and written communication skills in English Independent and proactive working style