Partnership Capacity Building Manager

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY: The Partnership Capacity building Manager (PCBM) will support the development, implementation and review of capacity building programs for Mercy Corps Partners implementing on the Syria response. The position is based in Beirut but may require travel in Lebanon or to Jordan and/or Turkey. The position requires a strong background in institutional capacity development of CSOs, preferably in similar programs, experience with gender and women’s programs and a sound understanding of general program implementation in challenging environments.  The PCBM is responsible for the development and/or context appropriate refinement and adaptation of training elements, modules and tools to ensure high quality programming by staff to support organizational development and growth for partners. S/he will primarily work with national staff and partners to ensure roll out of the training and effective delivery and feedback from beneficiaries, and ensure high quality implementation of program elements. The PCBM works in coordination with the program team and support team for smooth coordination and implementation. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Program Management and Implementation Develop strong relationships with partner organizations. Assess and catalogue formal and informal Syrian civil society groups and organizations Supervise the capacity assessment of identified organizations using Mercy Corps Organizational Capacity Index Tools. On the basis of the findings provide strategic program guidance and technical support for the CSO capacity building portion of the program, through provision of support to field staff and partner organizations as required, in coordination with the PM. Develop and/or refine existing CSO capacity building curriculum to fit local context and capacity. Refine organizational development tools and recommend best approaches for the staff and partner capacity development, building on existing Mercy Corps knowledge and experience. Deliver and/or oversee delivery of curriculum based training Provide peer-to-peer knowledge sharing and support during field site visits, particularly field trainings and events, and other forms of staff capacity-building, in coordination with the program team. Provide inputs in refining the existing organizational development, monitoring and evaluation by incorporating conflict sensitive approaches and gender sensitivity, based on field feedback, effectiveness in the field, and appropriateness to ensure civil society organizations are being strengthened to meet program objectives. Identify and support mechanisms for effective project monitoring and evaluation efforts and systems for information sharing internally and externally. Support the creation of civil society advocacy plans. Abide by all security protocols and assist in ensuring their implementation by other staff. Conduct him/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission. Team Management Provide training for national partner staff and ensure that their capacity and technical competence is built and improved. Representation Liaise as needed with other relevant Mercy Corps staff to ensure programmatic synergies. Make recommendations regarding establishing, maintaining and building partnerships with CBOs; and promoting the growth of civil society. Accountability:  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. 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. KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE: At least 3 years of progressive experience and proven high level of competence in working in NGOs/INGO capacity building programs, ideally in relief and/or post-conflict settings and strong gender background. Understanding of the status of CSOs in the  Middle East preferably in Syria and the challenges to strengthening the capacity of civil society. Strong knowledge of, and experience with organizational development of CSOs in challenging environments, and ability to inform the content and method of organizational development training. Proven track record in staff and stakeholder training and capacity building and TOT training. Strong knowledge and understanding of conflict mitigation, peace building and negotiation and ability to translate them into capacity building elements for peace actors. Strong knowledge in gender, vulnerable groups and human rights theory, including the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Beijing Declaration and their implementation process with civic and government counterparts. In-depth knowledge and direct exposure to gender-related activities. Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills. Ability and interest to work with a multi-ethnic team in a culturally appropriate manner. Interest and willingness to learn about the Middle East region. SUCCESS FACTORS: The successful PCBM will have an ability to live and work closely with a diverse team of individuals in a highly intense and fluid work and security environment. S/he will have the capacity to spark innovative and entrepreneurial approaches to programming and to inspire groups to collaborate closely to implement high-quality programs. S/he will have a proven ability to learn quickly, take initiative, and be accountable for results, a willingness to remain mobile for short-term and/or long-term as necessary within the region, based on programmatic needs and have knowledge of security standards, equipment, precautionary measures, communication protocols, various unstable conditions and familiarity of the Sphere Project’s Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response. The ability to work independently and as part of a team, have curiosity about and sensitivity to new cultures, a desire and ability to learn and grow, both personally and professionally and a fabulous sense of humor will all be essential.