Humanitarian Programme Coordinator

Overall Purpose

Under the supervision of the Head of Programmes, the Programme Coordinator – Humanitarian is responsible for the design, coordination, implementation, and quality assurance of humanitarian and emergency programmes across Lebanon.

The role provides strategic and operational leadership to ensure timely, effective, and accountable humanitarian responses aligned with Islamic Relief Lebanon’s strategy, donor requirements, and global humanitarian standards. The Programme Coordinator will ensure integrated, evidence-based programming, strong coordination with stakeholders, and adherence to humanitarian principles.

Key Responsibilities

1. Programme Design & Strategy

• Lead the design and development of humanitarian programmes, including emergency response, early recovery, resilience, food security, basic assistance, and livelihoods interventions.
• Develop high-quality concept notes, proposals, budgets, and logframes, aligned with identified needs, IR global frameworks, and donor priorities.
• Contribute to the country programme strategy, ensuring strong alignment with national priorities and humanitarian response plans.
• Promote integrated programming approaches across sectors to maximize impact and efficiency.

2. Emergency Preparedness & Response Leadership

• Lead and coordinate emergency response planning and implementation in line with IR Lebanon strategy and global response frameworks.
• Support and actively engage in the Emergency Management Team (EMT) and senior management decision-making during crises.
• Ensure rapid needs assessments, response prioritization, and operational planning are conducted effectively.
• Strengthen organizational preparedness, including contingency planning, response tools, and capacity development.

3. Programme Implementation & Quality Assurance

• Provide overall oversight to ensure timely, efficient, and high-quality implementation of humanitarian projects.
• Ensure programmes meet Sphere standards, CHS commitments, and humanitarian accountability frameworks.
• Conduct regular field to implement the activities, monitoring, ensuring programme quality, relevance, and effectiveness.
• Ensure beneficiary targeting is transparent, inclusive, and needs-based.

4. Coordination & Representation

• Actively engage with UN-led clusters/sectors, coordination platforms, and working groups to ensure strong representation and alignment.
• Coordinate with government entities, municipalities, and local stakeholders to facilitate smooth project implementation.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with NGOs, UN agencies, and other humanitarian actors.
• Represent Islamic Relief in external forums, meetings, and coordination structures as required.

5. Data, Assessments & Information Management

• Lead and oversee needs assessments, data collection, and analysis, ensuring accuracy and integrity of data.
• Ensure the use of digital data tools (e.g., Kobo Toolbox, Google Sheets) for efficient data management.
• Support the development of assessment tools, surveys, and reporting formats.
• Produce analytical reports and situation updates to inform programming and decision-making.

6. MEAL & Accountability

• Collaborate closely with MEAL teams to ensure robust monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning systems are in place.
• Ensure programmes integrate community feedback mechanisms and that feedback informs programme adaptation.
• Promote accountability to affected populations (AAP) across all interventions.

7. Grants, Budgeting & Compliance

• Work closely with the finance team on budget development, tracking, forecasting, and control.
• Ensure full compliance with donor requirements, contractual obligations, and IR policies.
• Monitor programme expenditures and support efficient resource utilization.

8. Logistics, Procurement & Security Coordination

• Coordinate with logistics and procurement teams to ensure timely delivery of goods and services.
• Ensure programme activities are aligned with operational and logistical capacities.
• Work closely with the Security Focal Point to ensure safe access, staff movement, and risk mitigation measures.
• Continuously monitor the security context and adapt programme delivery accordingly.

9. Safeguarding, Compliance & Ethics

• Ensure adherence to all Islamic Relief policies, including:
  • Safeguarding (Child Protection)
  • Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA)
  • Code of Conduct
  • Health, Safety, and Security policies
• Promote a culture of integrity, accountability, and ethical programming.

10. Documentation & Reporting

• Ensure proper documentation and archiving (soft and hard copies) in line with IR policies.
• Produce timely internal and donor reports of high technical quality.
• Maintain organized records of all programme activities and decisions.

Qualifications & Experience (Essential)

• Bachelor’s degree (minimum 16 years of education) in social sciences, international development, humanitarian studies, or related field.
• Minimum 4–6 years of relevant experience in humanitarian programming, preferably with international NGOs.
• Demonstrated experience in emergency response programming and coordination.
• Proven experience in proposal development, donor engagement, and project management.

Skills & Competencies

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of humanitarian standards (Sphere, CHS, Core Humanitarian Principles).
• Experience in needs assessments, data analysis, and programme design.
• Strong budget management and financial oversight skills.
• Proficiency in data collection tools (e.g., Kobo Toolbox) and Microsoft Office (especially Excel).

Core Competencies

• Excellent communication, coordination, and representation skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure in complex environments.
• High level of initiative, adaptability, and decision-making capacity.
• Strong team leadership and collaboration skills.

Ability To

• Work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining accountability.
• Build effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Communicate clearly and professionally (written and verbal).
• Manage competing priorities in a fast-paced humanitarian context.

Languages

• Fluency in English and Arabic (written and spoken) is required.

IT Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Familiarity with project management and data tools.
• Strong digital literacy in data collection and reporting systems.

General Skills

• Strong report writing and documentation skills.
• Solid planning, coordination, and organizational abilities.
• Ability to work effectively within a team and under pressure.