Field Officer – Forsa Program / Beirut

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY Mercy Corps exists to alleviate suffering, poverty, and oppression by helping people build secure, productive, and just communities. The agency pursues its mission through emergency relief services, sustainable community development, civil society and economic development initiatives. Mercy Corps has been present in the Middle East since the 1980’s and currently has offices in Yemen, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, and Egypt.   Working in Lebanon since 1993, Mercy Corps promotes economic and social development in marginalized communities and respond to emergency needs as they emerge. Since the outbreak of the conflict in Syria in 2011, Mercy Corps in Lebanon has shifted its programs towards emergency based interventions while integrating long-term development programming by focusing on key sectors: Protection, Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Governance and Conflict, and Livelihoods.  Mercy Corps is currently implementing a three year program (FORSA, Fostering Resilience by Strengthening Abilities) focused on skills training and employment growth to mitigate risks for instability and conflict in the target areas. The Program aims to support Lebanese communities, Palestinian and Syrian refugees in Zahle, West Bekaa, Chouf, Jezzine and Saida to address their economic needs through vocational training, access to employment, support for small businesses, and focused improvements to Public and Private TVET centers. The program will be focused on the Agriculture, Energy, Manufacturing, and Services (inc. Tourism) Sectors. GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY Under the direct supervision of the Senior Field Coordinators, the Field Officer will support in the implementation of project activities as stipulated in the work-plan and ensure quality deliverables at all levels. Moreover, she/he will be at the forefront of the engagement with beneficiaries from all communities, vocational training providers, small and medium small businesses owners, government actors and other stakeholders to ensure transparent processes and strong relationships.   ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONSDo This Projects Implementation Support the Senior Field Coordinators and overall FORSA team to plan, implement, and monitor activities to meet project deliverables based in line with the program work plan and budget; Conduct regular field visits to the projects location to ensure proper flow of work and smooth implementation; Build relationships with potential partners to introduce the project and facilitate access to information related to projects activities and scope. Arrange for meetings with local entities and authorities, as requested; Provide day-to-day support and coordination, including administrative, financial and logistical support. Troubleshoot any problems encountered at the field level or with other staff members and report directly to the Senior Field Coordinator; Support development of implementation tools and templates for TVET FORSA component; Confirm availability at the field upon delivery of goods/materials by service providers; Participate in team planning and coordination meetings and trainings; Assist in filing and record keeping of project activities including Program Management Minimum Standards (PM@MC); Contribute to monthly reports and other ad hoc reports to meet donor and internal requirements; Assist in analysis of data collected to facilitate assessment results and lessons learnt;  Highlight opportunities for gathering success stories from the field; Participate in internal office coordination and planning meetings and workshops; 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; Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and not jeopardize its humanitarian mission; Other assigned tasks, as necessary.     SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: N/A   ACCOUNTABILITY: REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Senior Field Coordinator WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: FORSA Program team     KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE BA/S or equivalent in agricultural engineering, social science, management, international development or other relevant field. Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience working with vocational training and / or small businesses; Strong communication skills, with good understanding of relevant cross-cultural issues. Strong written and oral communication skills in English. Positive, respectful attitude and collaborative approach to problem solving. Demonstrated attention to detail; ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently as well as cooperatively with team members. Experience working in livelihoods, early recovery, and market-based programs, strongly preferred. Significant knowledge and understanding of the current political, economic, cultural and historical context of the Beqaa and/or south, including prior experience is an asset.   SUCCESS FACTORS The successful Field Officer will have field experience in livelihood. S/he will have an outstanding ability to implement innovative programs within the current and future program structure of Mercy Corps in the country. Multi-tasking, prioritizing, problem solving and simultaneous attention to detail and working independently are essential. Demonstrated flexibility and creativity in planning and problem solving is essential in a complex security and political environment like Lebanon. The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations.