Senior Field Coordinator – Msme Development

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY: The Senior Field Coordinator – MSME Development will lead the field implementation of an upcoming three-year livelihoods programme. This program aims at improving the stability and resiliency in Zahle, West Bekaa, Chouf, Jezzine and Saida through reduced unemployment and increased income for businesses. The position will be based in Beirut with frequent travel to all program areas.   Working closely with local partners, S/he will lead a field team in specific geographical areas to achieve key deliverables in the MSME development component.  As requested by the Programme Manager, the successful candidate will assist with donor coordination throughout the grant, attend sector-specific meetings with peer organizations, as well as supporting and building partnerships with CBO’s, Private Sector, and Government.   PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY: Mercy Corps anticipates funding for a three year program focused on skills training and employment growth to mitigate risks for instability and conflict in the target areas. The Programme aims to support Lebanese communities, Palestinian and Syrian refugees in Zahle, West Bekaa, Chouf, Jezzine and Saida to address their economic needs through employment, increased income for small businesses, and focused improvements to Public and Private TVET centers.   The programme will be focused on the Agriculture, Energy, Manufacturing, and Services (inc.  Tourism) Sectors   Within the first 4 months of the programme, the Mercy Corps programme team will undertake a series of in-depth studies including a Gender Assessment, Value Chain Study, Labor Market Assessment, and a Capacity Assessment of the specific TVET centers. These assessments will determine the specific activities and beneficiary targeting of the programme.    Therefore Mercy Corps is looking for an individual with strong analytical skills, experience leading a skilled technical team through an assessment phase, and proven abilities to manage an integrated multi-component economic development project with a variety of stakeholders.     ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:   Project Implementation • Support the Programme Manager and programme team in planning and implementing project activities to meet project deliverables based on timeline and scope agreed with the donor; • Provide day-to-day support and coordination, including administrative, financial and logistical support. Trouble shoot any administrative problems and report any challenges or bottlenecks to Programme Manager Programme Manager; • Support the Programme Manager in implementing activities and monitoring of project progress; • Build relationships with unions and local municipalities to introduce the project and facilitate access to information related to project activities and scope. Arrange for meetings with local entities and authorities, as requested; • Participate in team planning and coordination meetings and trainings; • Support the Programme Manager in conducting periodic risk assessments to update implementation plan accordingly; • Support monitoring and evaluation efforts to document project outputs, outcomes, and impact to inform donor and other internal reporting; • Assist in filing and record keeping of project activities; • Assist in analysis of data collected to facilitate assessment results and lessons learnt; • Monitor adherence to grant agreement, Mercy Corps policies and procedures and relevant external rules and regulations. Facilitate internal Mercy Corps procurement processes; • Prepare weekly reports to be submitted to the Programme Manager. Contribute to quarterly reports and other ad hoc reports to meet donor and internal requirements; • Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission; Project Coordination for Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Support • Assist with the MSME support design processes and implementation in order to deliver maximum impact; • Facilitate field coordination of assistance to micro, small and medium enterprise (MSMEs), limited in-kind grants and linkages to existing business support services to lower risks and strengthen the ability of companies to grow their workforce; • Coordinate financial and operational feasibility studies for MSME support packages that promote job growth and employment; • Coordinate developed strategies to meet the Programme’s job creation targets through market-oriented solutions and devising short and long term employment opportunities through MSME support; • Ensure that all MSME support-related interventions are in compliance with international norms and standards, national laws and policies, technical standards and organizational policies; • Assist with monitoring and evaluation (M&E), accountability and learning systems for optimal MSME development and support. Coordination and Representation • Liaise with local officials including municipalities, Chambers of Commerce, local NGOs and INGOs, project partners, key community leaders, MSMEs, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure successful deliverables; • Develop and maintain working relationships and coordinate with relevant international and local agencies active in the livelihoods and economic development sector; • Represent Mercy Corps at local coordination meetings, where relevant. Other • 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 to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission in Lebanon; • Participate in internal office coordination and planning meetings and workshops; • Other duties as assigned.   Organizational Learning  As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve.  We expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.   Accountability to Beneficiaries Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.   SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: Field officers,   ACCOUNTABILITY REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Programme Manager WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Senior Technical Advisor - MERGE; members of Operations, Program Managers, TSU team members, and others.   KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE: BA/S or equivalent in social science, management, economics, international development, or other relevant field; At least four years of progressive experience and proven high level of competence in working in economic and market development , research and/or development-related programs, ideally in relief and/or post-conflict settings; Proven ability to successfully implement economic development programming including grants and technical assistance for beneficiaries; Experience carrying out technical assessments or surveys with a team in one or more of the following: MSME Assessments, Value Chains, or Socio-Economic Research Experience with relief and socio-economic development work across a range of stakeholders including Private Sector, NGOs, and Local government; Proven ability to access to a network of MSME’s, government officials, and NGOs, and potential implementing partners Deep knowledge of Lebanon, in particular its displacement context, protection threats, economic challenges, social stability and resilience mechanisms, relevant to internal conflict preferred; Proven track record in staff and stakeholder training and capacity building; Strong leadership and communication skills and sense of humor; Knowledge of Mercy Corps MSME development model a plus Ability and interest to work with a multi-ethnic team in a culturally appropriate manner; and Proficiency in English essential   SUCCESS FACTORS: A successful candidate will have the ability to live and work closely with a diverse team of individuals in a highly intense and fluid work and security environment with a capacity to promote new approaches to programming and inspire groups to collaborate closely to implement high-quality programs. S/he will have proven ability to learn quickly, take initiative, and be accountable for results.  Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with curiosity about and sensitivity to new cultures, a desire and ability to learn and grow, both personally and professionally, and a great sense of humor.   Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.