Program Manager Food Security, Agriculture and Livelihood (FSA/L)

ABOUT THE JOB

General objective:

- The program manager is responsible for implementing and achieving the objectives defined in the project proposals covering Food Security, Agriculture and livelihood activities.

- (S)he is in charge of supervising the operational teams allocated to Food Security, Agriculture and Livelihood projects. The position will manage multiple projects in Bekaa and Baalbek area – which are contributing to provide support to the most vulnerable communities (Lebanese and refugees) through multi sectorial activity implementation.

- The position is expecting to manage approximately 7 staff (direct and indirect), and is based 100% in Zahle, Bekaa.

- (S)he guarantees the good performance and the quality of the program(s) Food Security, Agriculture and livelihood implemented, and, where appropriate, proposes adjustments or developments to ensure relevance.

The main challenges:

• Setting up the Food Security Agriculture and Livelihood department in SI Bekaa (new projects)
• New area of intervention/assessment within the last quarter of 2022
• Effective coordination with all departments and external stakeholders
• New team members to ensure induction and training.

Priorities for the 2/3 first months:

• Participate in the recruitment of her/his team
• Trigger the new projects methodology and planning
• Ensure that program FU tools are developed and up to date
• Build a strong relationship and coordination with all stakeholders of the projects

Responsibilities and main activities:

Goal / Purpose:

The program manager is responsible for implementing and achieving the objectives defined in the project proposals covering Food Security, Agriculture and livelihood activities.

(S)heis in charge of supervising the operational teams allocated to Food Security, Agriculture and Livelihood projects. The position will manage multiple projects in Bekaa and Baalbek area – which are contributing to provide support to the most vulnerable communities (Lebanese and refugees) through multi sectorial activity implementation.

The position is expecting to manage approximately 7 staff (direct and indirect), and is based 100% in Zahle, Bekaa.

(S)he guarantees the good performance and the quality of the program(s) Food Security, Agriculture and livelihood implemented, and, where appropriate, proposes adjustments or developments to ensure relevance.

List of main tasks:

Diagnosis and project design

• Participate in the preparation and implementation of multi-sectorial assessment and diagnostics
• Participate in the design and the financial dimension of the human and logistical programs to implement
• Prepare the appendixes and technical chapters (of logical framework) of operation proposals
• Implement activities in compliance with the annual SI Programmatic strategy, Solidarity International technical requirements, and donor criteria

Implementation and operational monitoring

• Plan and oversee the implementation of Food security, Agriculture and Livelihood activities that (s)he is responsible for, both on-time and within the set technical specifications
• Plan the Food Security, Agriculture and Livelihood activities with the support Departments (administrative, logistics), according to objectives
• Propose and develop indicators for monitoring multi-sectorial activities related to her/his project management and context
• Use management, activity, results, and context monitoring tools
• Respect SI procedures
• Provide support and advice to the logistics base for the purchase of materials specific to activities
• Assess the relevance of activities, the effectiveness of interventions, and their appropriateness in light of changing circumstances and the needs of populations
• Propose adjustments to programs if necessary
• Ensure the achievement of results of the programs (s)he is responsible for
• Supervise and support the monitoring and evaluation of the implemented activities
• Anticipate the difficulties associated with conducting activities and help solve problems related to programs activity
• Propose program changes according to the changing environment and indicators
• In collaboration with the administrative service, contribute to the development of program budgets and track spending and budget forecasts
• Develop the state of needs and the Treasury requests with activity managers 

Capitalization

• Compose capitalization documents respecting SI tools
• Prepare contracting reports before the end of his/her employment contract, and make them available to those interested in the mission and at headquarters
• Guarantee the dissemination of technical documentation

HRM     

• Participate in validating recruitment for the national technical staff according to the programs requirement,
• Define, in conjunction with the administrative service, the requirements for position to open for application, adapting Job Descriptions to professional guidelines if necessary
• Welcome and brief new employees or volunteers working underneath him/her
• Implement training related to operational requirements and the identified training needs
• Manage/support the team working for him/her
• Conduct workshops and regular or ad hoc meetings
• Evaluate and assess the performances of his/her team members
• Identify potential changes in members of his/her team(s) and provide feedback to the Field Coordinator and HR department
• Ensure his/her team’s compliance with safety regulations

Reporting / communications / representation

• Make known all information on the security situation or any event with a possible consequence on SI activities or team security
• Write reports or appendixes relating to his/her reporting and or funding amendment activities
• Ensure compliance with reporting deadlines and formats
• Maintain a local operational communications network and good relationships with local and governmental authorities, donor representatives, UN agencies, and other international agencies
• Ensure Solidarités International’s representation in the meetings or forums concerning the program in his/her place of employment
• Represent SI on request and/or delegation
• Respond to the requirements of Headquarters concerning specific needs
• Prepare administrative paperwork to sign (MOU, hand over, etc ) in conjunction with governmental authorities, communities, or partners

POSITION OF THE POST IN THE ORGANIZATIONAL CHART (hierarchical and functional relationships)

Under the hierarchical authority of: Field coordinator

Hierarchical authority over: Deputy Program Manager, Field Officer

Under the functional authority of: FSA/L Coordinator

Functional authority over: -

YOUR PROFILE

Specific skills and experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in food security/Agriculture and/or Livelihood, or similar field is desirable; it can be balanced by experience

At least 2-year experience in a similar position, for INGO/NGO sector

Strong knowledge/experience of Cash Based Assistance/Intervention modality

Experience with major humanitarian donors and donor compliance rules

Proven experience in team management

Knowledge and technical skills

Strong team management capacities & leadership. Capacity to train a team, to create a dynamic atmosphere.

Strong knowledge on project cycle management is mandatory, technical knowledge on Food security, agriculture and/or livelihood (Cash Based Intervention) sectors are desired

Proficiency with the standard MS Office package compulsory (Word, Excel -large data management capacity is a must, Outlook).

Excellent in reading, writing and speaking both Arabic and English

French is a plus

Soft skills

Excellent prioritization and organization skills to work independently

Ability to work under pressure and to handle multiple tasks at the same time

Work accurately with close attention to details

Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information

Excellent interpersonal, analytical, communications and diplomatic skills

Strong capacities on team management including training and capacity building

Diplomacy, cultural sensitivity, negotiation skills.

Motivation and commitment to humanitarian work and values

Language:

ARABIC LANGUAGE: Fluent

ENGLISH LANGUAGE: Fluent

FRENCH LANGUAGE: None (a plus)

SI WILL OFFER YOU

A salaried post: 2,300 USD – Basic salary

Vacation: 1.5 Paid Leaves/month

Social and medical cover

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: 2 to 3 years:

At least 2-year experience in a similar position, for INGO/NGO sector

Strong knowledge/experience of Cash Based Assistance/Intervention modality

Experience with major humanitarian donors and donor compliance rules

Proven experience in team management