WeWorld-GVC, recently constituted from the merger of two NGOs, is an Italian secular and independent organization working since 1971 in international cooperation and humanitarian aid. Present in 29 countries with 128 projects, WeWorld-GVC operates in the following areas of assistance: human rights (gender equality, prevention and combating violence against children and women, migration), humanitarian aid (prevention, emergency relief and rehabilitation), food security, access to water, health and hygiene, education, global citizenship education, quality teaching and international volunteering. WeWorld-GVC works mostly with girls, boys, women and youth, actors of change in every community for a fairer and more inclusive world. Supports people overcoming emergencies and guarantees a life with dignity, opportunities and a better future through human and economic development programs, in the framework of the 2030 Agenda. Joining the WeWorld-GVC team means being part of the development of a dynamic organisation where the contribution of each staff member is promoted and valued, working together towards the collective achievement of shared goals and vision. At present, the main donors are Italy (AICS), the EU (DG ECHO), UNICEF, OCHA, and Belgium (DGD).

Position: Programs Manager Lebanon

Reporting to: Country Representative

Location: Beirut, Lebanon

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 Country Representative upon arrival on assignment); a second collaboration contract of 9 (nine) months renewable, following the positive evaluation of the first three months of contract

Starting date: 1st of May 2022

Gross Salary: to be defined according to the candidate’s profile

Application deadline: 4th February 2022

Working context

WeWorld-GVC 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-GVC 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-GVC's 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-GVC increasingly focused to strengthen 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.

WeWorld-GVC's current interventions focus on:

1. 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
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. Fostering protection of vulnerable populations, providing cash-based and in-kind assistance (Cash for Work, Food Distributions, Basic Assistance, etc.) to the most vulnerable Lebanese and Syrian households
4. Promoting rural economic development and livelihood opportunities, focusing on the most promising agricultural value chains, supporting cooperatives and local institutions, and adopting a holistic territorial approach

Purpose of the Role

Under the direct line management of the Country Representative, the Programs Manager manages organizational Programs at the country level ensuring quality from development through execution. Consolidates relationships with donors and national counterparts creating a network of collaboration and highlighting the value the organization brings. Identifies and develops programming opportunities. Manages International and National Staff and budget.

Main functions and duties

Programme Management and Quality Management (60%)

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

Strategic Direction (15%)

• Collaborate with the Country Representative to develop long-term strategic vision and planning to achieve significant impact through high quality programme strategy and related processes
• 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
• Support and maintain strategic alliances and partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders including national and local authorities, donors, multilateral agencies, partners and WeWorld-GVC HQ
• Coordinate and oversee delivery of agreed plans and programmes, integrating humanitarian response and development programmes with policy and advocacy

Institutional representation and capitalization (15%)

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

HR Management (10%)

• Supervise and mentor direct line management staff, including setting performance objectives, establishing a supportive environment while emphasizing accountability
• 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
• Ensure transparent, equal and inclusive recruitment, management and training of human resources in accordance with the policy and procedures, and all regulatory requirements (WeWorld-GVC, host country legislation and donor’s policy)
• Foster an inclusive and diverse work environment, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed

Essential Requirements

Qualifications and Knowledge

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

Professional experience

• At least 6 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 condition
• Capacity to work autonomously and in problems 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
• Strong commitment to WeWorld-GVC Mission

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS

• Previous experience in Lebanon or in the Middle East
• Previous experience in Development programs
• Availability to commit for a long-term deployment