Capacity Building Coordinator– Governance And Social Stability Program

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 development and increased opportunity for marginalized communities while responding to emergencies as they have emerged. Until recently Mercy Corps has focused on bolstering civil society and give voices to under-represented groups through the empowerment of young leaders. In 2012, the program portfolio shifted in response to the massive refugee influx from Syria and Mercy Corps in Lebanon has solidified its emergency response programming while integrating longer-term development programming by focusing on key sectors: Protection, Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Governance and Social Stability, and Livelihoods.    The conflict that began more than three years ago in Syria has resulted in a steady increase in Syrian refugees to Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Turkey. To date, more than one million refugees have fled to Lebanon, and the numbers continue to mount. Most refugees who have entered Lebanon are staying with host families or in rented accommodation. As numbers rapidly increase, humanitarian conditions are deteriorating. The burden on host communities and the financial and emotional stress on refugees and their hosts are tremendous. Mercy Corps is responding to these needs by addressing urgent basic needs, child protection as well as the psychosocial impact of the conflict and displacement. In this perspective, the overall objective of the Governance and Social Stability Programme is to empower vulnerable communities and municipalities to address social stability.     GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY Working under the direction of the Program Manager, the Capacity Building Coordinator is expected to act as focal point for all capacity building and training activities with municipalities, governmental organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO), Community Based Organizations (CBO), and program teams. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Capacity Building Coordinator will undertake functions as mentioned below: Develop comprehensive capacity building plans, provide technical support, and monitor the implementation of capacity building efforts for municipalities, governmental organizations, NGOs, CBOs, and program teams; In coordination with the program team, undertake, adapt, and develop training programs, capacity assessments, and evaluation tools that are culturally appropriate and according to relevant framework and quality management systems; Harmonize and standardize training and capacity development initiatives across the Governance and Social Stability Programme team; Develop and support team to conduct Participatory Needs Assessment in the targeted communities; Support the Program Manager in designing, planning, and implementing the Governance component; Coordinate with field team to prepare the local stakeholders and resources mapping, as well as the mapping and assessment of local partners working in the target area; Develop and maintain collaborative partnerships with key stakeholders and maintain good knowledge of information for training delivery; Liaise and coordinate closely with partners and organizations working on capacity building initiatives to prevent duplication of work; Conduct regular field visits to coach field staff and partners to carry out effective activities;  Produce monthly reports on the progression of the capacity building activities; Produce regular briefs and progress reports on the main meetings and achievements; Develop a comprehensive database on progress, needs, and resources of local authorities, CBOs and other partners with regards to capacity building; Support Program team to undertake tasks related to the preparation, organization, implementation, and follow up of capacity building sessions, workshops, community activities, community dialogues, and meetings as required; Support Program team in taking part of the different LCRP Working Group Meetings and other regional meetings as part of the Syrian Response Plan; Ensure that all activities/projects incorporate gender equity, conflict sensitivity, and environmental awareness emphasizing the Do No Harm Approach; Represent the program as required by the Program Manager; Perform other duties as requested by the Program Manager.   Accountability 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.   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 REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Program Manager   WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Project Managers, Program Coordinator, M&E Coordinator, field teams, & partners.     KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE BA/S or equivalent in governance studies, development studies, social work, social sciences, human rights, or other relevant field required, MA preferred; At least 3-4 years of relevant experience; Advanced computer and data management skills; Team player who takes initiative, is a problem-solver and able to multi-task; Very strong written and oral communication skills in both English and Arabic (Arabic is strongly required), including report development, writing, and editing; Demonstrated skills in data collection and database management, organized, and able to handle many responsibilities simultaneously; Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Excel and Word; Strong management skills, with good understanding of relevant cross-cultural issues and ability to work with refugee and host community populations; Experience working with local communities; Understanding of community dynamics preferred, but not required; Strong understanding of refugee issues in the current Lebanon context; Mature, responsible, and diplomatic in their interactions with others; Ability to work independently with limited supervision, as well as part of a team; 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; Significant knowledge and understanding of the current political, economic, cultural and historical context of Lebanon preferred; Ability and willingness to travel regularly to the field.   SUCCESS FACTORS Ability to work under pressure, independently, and with limited supervision; Diplomatic, creative, flexible, and energetic, hard-working, and eager to learn; Strong commitment to the communities, and to teamwork and accountability; Deep commitment and interest in development and humanitarian principles and values; Able to carry out assigned tasks in a timely manner and according to a very high standard of quality; Willingness to learn new skills and methodologies; Demonstrated organizational skills; Demonstrated creative problem-solving skills; Security, political and cultural aware; Ability to multi-task while meeting several pressing deadlines, and simultaneous attention to details; Pays attention to detail and is meticulous, thorough, and results-oriented.