Project Assistant - FORSA - Zahle (Applications will only be accepted if submitted online, through the URL link provided. (Kindly do not send emails to lb-recruitment@mercycorps.org))

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 and medium businesses, and capacity building to Public and Private TVET centers. The program is focused on the Agriculture, Construction and Environment Sectors.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The Project Assistant 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, small and medium small businesses owners, suppliers and other stakeholders to ensure transparent processes and strong relationships.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Projects Implementation

• Support the SMEs Field Coordinator and overall FORSA team to plan, implement, and monitor activities to meet project deliverables based in line with the program work plan and budget;
• Support the SMEs team in providing effective support to small and medium enterprises,
• Liaise as needed with suppliers and with business development services providers and ensuring all procedures are implemented in compliance with Mercy Corps finance and procurement regulations;
• Support SMEs Field Coordinator to maintain effective reporting, monitoring and evaluation systems for both internal and external use;
• Assist in filing and record keeping of project activities including Program Management Minimum Standards (PM@MC);
• Support project team in timely data collection, entry, analysis, quality assurance, sharing of information and learning, etc.;
• Assist in conducting assessments and evaluations;
• Contribute to understanding of and support for mobile data collection hardware and software;
• Conduct regular monitoring visits to the different project locations to support small and medium enterprises and ensure progress of the implementation;
• Document project progress through tracking attendance sheets, photos, etc.
• Liaise with other project teams and M&E staff as required to ensure that the project databases complement and align with each other;
• Provide day-to-day support and coordination, including administrative, financial and logistical support.
• 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: SMEs Field Coordinator
WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: FORSA Program team

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• BA/S or equivalent in business, management, international development or other relevant field.
• Minimum of 1 years of relevant experience working with livelihoods / economic development programs;
• 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.
• 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 Project Assistant 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.