Position: Country Head of Programmes Lebanon

Reporting to: Country Representative

Collaborating with: Head of Departments and Project Managers

Location: Beirut, with frequent field visits

Starting date: ASAP

Application deadline: 30/10/2024

Family Duty Station: NO

R&R: NO

Working Context

WeWorld started operating in Lebanon in 2006 with a LRRD approach, supporting the reconstruction and development of the rural socio-economic fabric. Since 2012 and the onset of the Syrian crisis, WeWorld has provided humanitarian assistance in WASH, Shelter, Protection, and Basic Assistance to refugees living in the Governorates of Baalbek-Hermel and Akkar. To alleviate the stress on the host communities’ infrastructure and services and to prevent social tensions, WeWorld interventions compounded support to Lebanese institutions in their delivery of public services (education, waste collection, water services) to both the local and refugee communities. With the deterioration of the socio-economic situation in Lebanon, WeWorld increasingly focused on strengthening the population’s resilience, enhancing the communities’ capacity to find, within their fabric, the skills and resources necessary to grow in a self-sufficient manner adopting a Nexus approach.

WeWorld’s current interventions focus on:

1. Promoting rural economic development, and livelihood opportunities, focusing on the most promising agricultural value chains, supporting Cooperatives, SMEs and local institutions, and adopting a holistic territorial approach
2. Improving access to water resources and sector governance, contributing to the strengthening of the four regional Water Establishments and to the efficient organization of potable water services and irrigation
3. Increasing social stability and resilience, improving the conditions of access to public education through the renovation of school buildings and the implementation of non-formal education activities
4. Fostering protection of vulnerable populations, providing MPCA, vouchers and in-kind assistance (Food Distributions, Basic Assistance, etc.) to the most vulnerable Lebanese and Syrian households

Purpose of the Role

Under the direct line management of the Country Representative, the Country Head of Programmes manages organizational programs at the country level ensuring quality from development through execution. Consolidates relationships with donors and national counterparts creating a network of collaborations and highlighting the value the organization brings. Identifies and develops programming opportunities. In addition, the HoP, may be required to dedicate part of the time to coordinating a Consortium formed by WeWorld as lead organisation and 2 partners for the implementation of a Local Economic Development intervention funded by the EU.

Main functions and duties

Programme Management and Quality Management

1. Ensure leadership and program quality by overseeing and guiding the Project Managers and Program Advisors
2. Ensure that all programs are implemented in coherence with the WeWorld strategy and Lebanon context, and that contingency plans and corrective measures are applied whenever needed
3. Monitor and supervise planning of projects activities, ensuring effective delivery in line with all donors’ regulations, Lebanese legislation and professional standards
4. Coordinate with the Finance Manager and the Country Representative to ensure satisfactory management of project budgets for projects within Lebanon’s portfolio
5. Supervise high quality compiling and timely submission of all internal and external reports, briefing notes, and other reporting products
6. Direct follow up/implementation of projects without a dedicated Project Manager whenever needed and based on Country Representative’s orientations
7. Lead on the development of cross-cutting themes in project design and implementation
8. Ensure quality criteria and indicators are monitored and leads to decision making

Strategic Direction

1. Collaborate with the Country Representative to develop long-term strategic vision and plan to achieve significant impact through high quality programme strategy and related processes
2. Identify funding opportunities, initiate and oversee data collection initiatives, and develop competitive, responsive proposals in collaboration with the Country Representative, HQ coordinators and program teams
3. Support and maintain strategic alliances and partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders including national and local authorities, donors, multilateral agencies, partners and WeWorld HQ
4. Coordinate and oversee delivery of agreed plans and programmes, integrating humanitarian response and development programmes with policy and advocacy

Institutional representation and capitalization

1. Ensure that procedures, tools and guides are updated and implemented
2. Represent WeWorld at higher level coordination fora, including national working groups, feeding back to the Country Representative and HQ coordinators on relevant issues
3. Provides effective WeWorld representation to donors, national and local authorities, partners and other relevant stakeholders in the country

HR Management

1. Supervise and mentor direct line management staff, including setting performance objectives, establishing a supportive environment while emphasizing accountability
2. Ensure proper communication within the program team and between departments, making sure that the strategy, decisions and future endeavors are shared in a transparent manner
3. Ensure transparent, equal and inclusive recruitment, management and training of human resources in accordance with the policy and procedures, and all regulatory requirements (WeWorld, host country legislation and donor’s policy)
4. Foster an inclusive and diverse work environment, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed

The duties and responsibilities set forth above are not exhaustive and the role holder may be required to perform additional duties.

Job Specifications

Essential Requirements

Qualifications and Knowledge

• Advanced university degree or equivalent in the field of Social or Political Science, Development Studies, Economics, International relations, Project Management, Agronomy, Business development.
• Knowledge of main donors’ policies and procedures (EU, UN Agencies, Italian Cooperation, ECHO)
• Fluent in written and spoken English
• Good computer skills, in particular MS Office package

Professional experience

• At least 5 years of relevant working experience in humanitarian or development settings
• At least 4 years of experience in Project Cycle Management
• Proven experience in project proposal writing

Skills and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal relationships and good communication and leadership skills
• Ability to perform under stress conditions
• Capacity to work autonomously and in problem prevention/resolution
• Proven organizational skills and ability to effectively manage multiple tasks while fostering quality, team spirit and positive working relationships with colleagues
• Integrity in line with the Humanitarian Principles and ethical standards
• Cultural, gender, religion, and age sensitivity and adaptability

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS

• Previous experience in Lebanon or the Middle East
• Previous experience in Development and Emergency programs
• Knowledge of the Arabic language

WHAT WE OFFER

Type of contract: a first 3 (three) month collaboration contract subject to verification of the achievement of specific objectives (these objectives will be agreed together with the Line Manager upon arrival on assignment); a second collaboration contract of 9 (nine) months, following the positive evaluation of the first months of contract

Economic conditions: to be defined according to WeWorld Expatriates Compensation Policy: Base Salary (seniority/role held) + Contributions (role complex, housing and hardship based on place of work)

Annual leave: 2,5 days/month (working days)

Flight ticket: one return flight

Health insurance: covered

Family duty Station: NO

R&R: NO