Program Manager / Head of Office (Lebanon) - Caritas Switzerland

Key Responsibilities

1) Executive Responsibilities (10%)

1. Engage actively in coordination, communication, and negotiation with relevant government authorities, (I)NGOs (in particular Caritas Network), clusters, UN institutions and coordination bodies as well as embassies, necessary for the implementation of the activities in Lebanon;
2. Represent Caritas Switzerland towards partner organizations, donors and media representatives in the absence or under request of the Country Director.
3. With the support of Country Director explore the new funding opportunities for Lebanon
4. Manage the team from both Program and Operation perspectives

2) Programme/Project Development & Implementation (40%)

Contribute to the continuous development and implementation of the Syria Crisis Response Programme Strategy for Lebanon and leading the efforts of the overall Lebanon programme in the Relief and Livelihoods and education sector. This shall be achieved by working closely with CACH Country Director, headquarters counterpart and partner organisations to provide leadership in planning, implementation and monitoring, ensuring that activities are accomplished with quality and on time:

1. Ensure transparent, effective and efficient Project Cycle Management of all projects in Lebanon.
2. Stay up to date on calls for funding, strive to preposition CACH towards strategic opportunities and partnerships.
3. Collaborate with the MEAL Coordinator on the design and planning of sectoral baselines and detailed assessments, which propose concrete and feasible solutions;
4. Design and manage implementation of evidence-based activities, lead and coordinate the development of projects, develop concept notes and/or project proposals; 
5. In collaboration with the Country Director and HQ counterpart, support partner organisations to ensure consistent application of Accountability, Equity, Gender, Protection principles and CACH and donor requirements (incl. Anti-corruption policy and risk mitigation) in all aspects of projects;
6. In the absence or under the request of the Country Director represent CACH in / coordinating with relevant governmental, UN led and INGO coordination mechanisms in Lebanon to ensure compliance of projects with local standards and implementation and quality requirements;
7. Perform any other programme related tasks that may be necessary or assigned by the Director.

3) Partnership Management and Capacity Development (10%)

1. Establish and maintain strong productive working relationships with partner organisations and strategically collaborate with key stakeholders;
2. Support the partner organisations in strengthening of coordination, cooperation and networking with authorities, private sector, clusters, humanitarian actors and donors;
3. Support strengthening of capacities of partner organisation staff through regular interaction, mentoring, formal training and monitoring;
4. Coordinate technical support to partner organisations with focus on technical training contents and materials for formal and informal training.

4) Programme Monitoring and Evaluation (10%)

1. Support the partner organizations to establish Programme Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting systems incl. development and applying of data collection, monitoring, analysis and feedback tools / mechanisms in cooperation with the  MEAL Coordinator and Senior IM Officer.
2. Ensure the collection and analysis of accurate data (quantitative and qualitative), to be used in decision-making for improved programme performance;
3. Assure an effective mechanism for collecting and responding to feedback from the communities and key stakeholders to implementing partners are in place to ensure accountability;
4. Receive and follow-up on feedback submitted to HQ’ feedback channel Caritas Courage.
5. Ensure progress and quality of activities according to relevant standards and work plans, including through regular filed visits with partner organizations to project sites; provide structured feedback to local partners
6. Undertake risk analysis related to the projects and contribute to development of mitigation measures;
7. Support the partner organizations in preparation, implementation and editing of evaluations.

5) Reporting (10%)

1. Ensure timely submission of high-quality reports by local partners.
2. Ensure timely submission of narrative and financial reports to the Country Director.
3. Provide feedback to partner organisation reports, updates and materials and support in report revision as required.
4. Ensure accurate reporting on CACH standard indicators (completed annually).
5. Develop project promotion/communication materials on projects to HQ, donors, and partners.

6) Financial Management (10%)

1. Contribute to efficient budget management and timely preparation and submission of cash requests and financial reporting of projects as per CACH and donor requirements;
2. Contribute to and support partner organizations in participatory budget revision and reconciliation activities related to the projects. Under the guidance of the Country Director contribute to the financial planning led by HQ’ Controlling Department and supported by CACH’ Finance and Administration Coordinator.
3. Ensure transparent and efficient conduct of project audits, follow-up on findings and recommendations of the auditor.

7) Personnel (10%)

1. Report to Director Syria Crisis Response.
2. Supervise and lead Programme-, Project Officers by defining job description and individual objectives, controlling outputs, and providing regular feedback, including the annual staff appraisal according to CACH regulations.
3. Support in recruitment of new personnel as required, including job advertisement, interviews, and employment procedures..

Communication

1. Daily communication with partner organisations, in line with the CI partnership approach.
2. Regular communication with the Country Director SCR and Programs Director based at headquarters.
3. Regular communication with in-country stakeholders as relevant and agreed with Director.
4. The Programme Manager is obliged to stay updated on CACH standard operational procedures.

Power of decision-making

1. Implementation budget responsibility of projects in Lebanon in coordination with the Director and in line with financial guidelines and donor requirements.
2. Decision-maker (from CACH side) in relation to technical aspects of livelihoods and relief projects in Lebanon in close coordination with the Director, and in line with standard operational procedures and CACH international and regional strategy.

  Skills/Competencies and Other Requirements

1. 7+ years of relevant experience in functional or technical area
2. 3 (three) years of successful leadership and people management (in mid-to senior level)
3. Area-wide responsibility (e.g. programme)
4. At least 5 years of experience in leading projects or programmes independently
5. A Master’s degree is a must, or a BA and 2 years of additional relevant work experience
6. Fluent in English and Arabic

Duty Station: Beirut/Lebanon
Travel: Frequent travel within Lebanon