Program Manager, Lebanon

BACKGROUND:   Right To Play is a global organization that uses the transformative power of play to educate and empower children facing adversity. Through playing sports and games, Right To Play helps children in more than 20 countries to build essential life skills and better futures, while driving lasting social change. Founded in 2000 by four-time Olympic gold medalist and social entrepreneur Johann Olav Koss, Right To Play is headquartered in Toronto, Canada and has national offices in Canada, the Netherlands, Norway Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Our programs are facilitated by 600 international staff and 13,500 volunteer Coaches.   JOB SUMMARY:   The Program Manager is responsible for overseeing the Right To Play Program in Lebanon. This will include planning, budgeting, project implementation, monitoring, evaluation, communication, partnership, and team management.   RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS   Job Responsibility #1: Planning, implementing, and budgeting (approximate time: 35%) Lead the process of developing an annual/multiyear plan & budget for the country projects. Develop annual implementation plans and budgets using participatory approaches with the project team, consultation with stakeholders and partners within the defined scope of work and the partnership strategy of the country office. Ensure adequate communication of the plan to project staff and partners. Ensure progress is taking place as per the plan and immediately report any potential deviation in terms of time, cost, or modification of technical objectives to the CM. Monitor budget implementation, compliance and financial reporting to donor. Manage, monitor and ensure accountability and adherence to project plan/action plans. Ensure timely completion of narrative, quantitative and financial reports  Provide the needed technical approvals for all project procurement, according to Right To Play policies & procedures. Take corrective actions, when needed to ensure effective implementation of the project to reach its goals. Supervise the work of Training Officer (TO) & Monitoring and Evaluation Officer (MEO) to ensure proper program implementation. Lead the process of Program Design for new proposals. Ensure the inclusion and implementation of comprehensive monitoring and evaluation plans in all existing and new projects; Lead information exchange and resource sharing between projects (as appropriate). Collect and analyze information related to sport for development projects in the country and the region.   Job Responsibility #2: Monitoring, evaluation, communication (approx. time: 20%) Supervise the development of monitoring and evaluation plans to ensure adequate implementation and reporting. Develop risk management plans as part of the planning process. Ensure adequate coverage and documentation of project activities and materials, including minutes of meetings, related internal correspondence, workshops and planning sessions. Submit periodic progress reports, to include accurate number of beneficiaries, along with adequate analysis, recommendations and lessons learned. Conduct regular monitoring visits to project locations. Organize field visits for donors to project activities and prepare/provide programmatic and logistical support as needed. Prepare a monthly schedule and workplan. Represent the organizations in events, conferences, and meetings as required.   Job Responsibility #3: Partnership (approximate time: 20%) Identify and develop new partnerships with local NGOs, CBOs and the communities. Manage existing partnerships. Ensure ownership of the project by local partners and stakeholders. Meet regularly with partners’ staff & community leaders to discuss program improvement.   Job Responsibility #4:  Team Management (approximate time: 25%) Participate in the recruitment of direct reports. Ensure that direct reports have clear job descriptions and are supported to ensure quality performance. Build a work environment that encourages team work. Organize regular monthly meetings for project staff and ensure adequate flow of information within the team. Ensure the adequate reporting of project achievements by each staff from the field. Manage travel and vacation schedules for direct reports. Assign roles and responsibilities amongst direct reports. Support staff in relationship with partners/coaches and maintain strong collaborative culture. Ensure coverage for all activities in-field when travelling or away. Present clear recommendations on staffing and operational needs to the Country Manager. EXPERIENCE   Required (must have):       5 to7 years’ experience in managing International development programs. Proven experience in working with NGOs or/and INGOs. Strong experience in resource mobilization, networking and partnership-building. Strong training and facilitation skills; Background in adult education is preferred Good communication and analytical skills, statistical knowledge Proven experience in Results-based project management; including research and strategy, planning, and financial management Proven experience in training and motivating staff;   Desired (asset): Experience working in Child Protection Experience working in the Education Sector Experience writing project proposals Personal sport and activity background with coaching experience. Previous experience in social works and / or Refugee Camps   COMPETENCIES / PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES Required (must have): Willingness to travel domestically, regionally and internationally Knowledge of Lebanon and the Palestinian and Syrian refugee situations A solid team player Interest and enthusiasm Sense of humor and positive attitude Resourceful Self-aware and assertive Adaptable and patient Able to deal with stress using healthy coping skills Demonstrated professionalism and diplomacy Ability to confidently represent oneself and Right To Play to high level officials Open to giving and receiving assessment and feedback  Empathy towards others Respect for every participant A firm belief in the concept of Sport for Development Belief in principles of inclusion in sport and play Commitment to a community led process of development   KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNICAL SKILLS: Required (must have): Computer literacy in Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook, as well as the Internet Fluency in Arabic and English Written and verbal communication skills, and confidence using these in a cross cultural environment Effective reporting writing and analytical skills   Desired (asset): Fluency in French or any other additional language is an asset Holding a Driving License is an asset