Field Coordinator (Applications will only be accepted if submitted online, through the link provided)

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global organisation powered by the belief that a better world is possible.
In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions
into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.
Now, and for the future. Working in Lebanon since 1993, Mercy Corps is committed to generating positive opportunities for women, men, boys and girls from Lebanese, Syrian, and Palestinian communities, with a strong focus on engaging youth.

Mercy Corps exists to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping build secure, productive and just communities. We do this through:

• Addressing the humanitarian and protection needs resulting from crisis situations for the most vulnerable communities
• Enabling local communities, civil society and government to better prevent and respond to conflict, address needs and deliver sustainable development solutions
• Promoting economic growth and catalysing economic opportunities for vulnerable, under-employed groups in Lebanon

The Mercy Corps Lebanon team consists of over 150 staff working across five offices throughout Mount Lebanon, South Lebanon, Tripoli and the Bekaa Valley.

Programme Summary

With funding from the United Kingdom Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (UK CSSF), Mercy Corps launched and successfully implemented the programme Improved Networks, Training and Jobs (INTAJ) 3 in Lebanon (INTAJ 3), a one-year programme to refine and test interventions to improve stability and Solid Waste Management and Recycling (SWM/R) service delivery while reducing grievances and improving perceptions and trust between community members in Lebanon. The current programme, IJMAA, will build on learnings from INTAJ 3 and will aim to deliver a reduction in drivers of tension amongst and between Lebanese host communities, refugees and municipal authorities in Lebanon through fostering dialogue and peacebuilding mechanisms, and providing rapid stabilisation support, particularly in relation to waste management as well as other sources of tensions.

General Position Summary

Working under the direction of the Peacebuilding and Governance Lead, the Field Coordinator will support in the planning, monitoring, coordination, and supervision of the programme activities to be implemented in the North area.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Programme Implementation

• Support the team in planning and implementing programme activities to meet programme deliverables based on timeline and scope agreed with the donor;
• Provide day-to-day support and coordination, including administrative, financial and logistical support. Troubleshoot any administrative problems and report any challenges or bottlenecks to the Peacebuilding and Governance Lead;
• Build relationships with unions and local municipalities to introduce the programme 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 Peacebuilding and Governance Lead in conducting periodic risk assessments to update implementation plan accordingly;
• Assist in analysis of data collected to facilitate assessment results and lessons learnt; 
• Monitor adherence to agreement, Mercy Corps policies and procedures and relevant external rules and regulations;
• Prepare reports to be submitted to the Project Manager as needed. 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 jeopardise its humanitarian mission;

Programme Coordination

• Assist with the activities and strategies to support institutional and community capacity building to enhance the enabling environment;
• Coordinate and assist with the monitoring and evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL) systems for optimal component quality and local partner organisation capacity strengthening.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive and flexible work plan ensuring social stability and conflict sensitivity are mainstreamed across activities and interventions with municipalities, governmental organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO), Community Based Organisations (CBO), and programme teams;
• Conduct regular field visits to support and coach local partners to carry out effective activities;
• Support programme team in understanding best practices and foundational tools for designing and implementing quality conflict mitigation, inter-communal, social cohesion and stability programming, and incorporating them throughout projects;

Coordination and Representation

• Liaise with local officials including municipalities, Chambers of Commerce, local NGOs and INGOs, project partners, key community leaders, 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;
• Contribute to monthly reports and other ad hoc reports to meet donor and internal requirements;
• Participate in internal office coordination and planning meetings and workshops;
• Other assigned tasks, as necessary.

Accountability

• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardise its humanitarian mission.

Organisational Learning

As part of our commitment to organisational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organisations 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.

Supervisory Responsibility

Field Officer

Accountability

Reports Directly To: Peacebuilding and Governance Lead

Works Directly With: Operations, Finance, Field Coordinators, Component Leads, and M&E Teams

Knowledge and Experience

• • BA/S or equivalent in social sciences, management, economics, international development, conflict mitigation, international relations or other relevant field;
  • At least two-three years of progressive experience and proven high level of competence in working in development-related programmes or in peacebuilding, conflict mitigation and prevention;
  • Experience working with local communities;
  • Proven track record in staff and stakeholder training and capacity building;
  • Strong leadership and communication skills;
  • 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;
  • Strong communication, coordination, and networking skills; experience developing and managing relationships with diverse stakeholders;
  • Strong understanding of relevant cross-cultural issues and ability to work with refugee and host community populations;
  • Ability and interest to work with a multi-ethnic team in a culturally appropriate manner;
  • 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;
  • Strong written and oral communication skills in both English and Arabic (Arabic is required).

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 programmes. 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.