The DCD-Programs will be responsible for developing, planning and leading RI’s programs implemented in Lebanon, and acting on the behalf of the CD when duly delegated. The job holder will ensure the successful development and implementation of projects within the portfolio while focusing on program quality assurance, donor compliance, coordination with external stakeholders, grants and personnel management. The position reports directly to the Country Director for Lebanon. The DCD-Programs will also coordinate closely with RI-Lebanon Heads of Departments (Supply Chain and Operations Manager, HR, Finance) and members of RI’s Regional Support Office (RSO).

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Program Management Oversight:

•        Oversee program implementation in consultation with the relevant Program Managers and Technical Advisors and facilitate cross-cutting communications with all country teams;
•        Ensure program objectives are met according to the required timeframes and budget;
•        Focus on program quality assurance by overseeing and guiding the MEAL Team, Program Managers and Technical Advisors, and ensuring regular monitoring and evaluation of project activities, and learning events;
•        With support from Technical Advisors, Program Managers and Head of Departments, prepare and implement guidelines to standardize procedures across projects, when possible;
•        Ensure effective and agile project contingency plans are always up to date and evolving as needed;
• Ensure that program activities comply with all donors’ regulations, Lebanese legislation and professional standards;
• Ensure high quality management of project budgets. This will require close coordination with Finance Manager, Program Managers and Awards and Partnership Manager;
• Ensure the high-quality start-up and closeout of all projects within the RI-Lebanon portfolio;
• Ensure adequate and real integration of programs, with a special attention to the Health, Nutrition, Mental Health and Livelihoods integration;
• Act as a focal point for gender/protection mainstreaming and support field teams with training materials, technical advice and support in these areas;
• Conduct monthly field visits to assess and provide feedback on the quality of the program activities and interventions;
• Set up Quality Benchmarks according to RI program quality standards and ensure with the Program Technical Advisers regular monitoring and quarterly reviews.
• Ensure overall implementation is in accordance with agreed work plans, donor agreements and framework.
• Program Development:
•        Work closely with Country Director to identify potential donors for funding projects in Lebanon, including participating in donor meetings and other forms of direct donor engagement;
•        With the support of the MEAL Manager, design assessments to inform program development initiatives for programming in Lebanon;
•       Identify new partners and other key stakeholders to work with for new projects and to expand/ deepen RI-Lebanon’s portfolio;
•        Lead on designing new evidence based programs well-coordinated with other actors in cooperation with the Country Director and any other relevant program teams;
•        Provide guidance and oversight to the entire program development process to ensure the new opportunities are aligned with the needs at the field level;
•        In collaboration with Country Director, ensure timely submission of high-quality concept notes and proposals.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Reporting

•        Ensure high quality drafting and timely submission of all reports required by the donor(s).
•        Oversee the preparation and submission of quality technical and program reports and timely submission as per the grant agreement;
•        Report progress of program implementation to the donor periodically as per contract’s agreement and on an ad-hoc basis;
•        In collaboration with the MEAL Department, ensure strengthening of the program evaluation framework to assess strengths of the program, as well as areas for improvement, and to identify and implement action plans regarding areas for improvement;
•        Ensure that activities are on track and all MEAL tools are in place and provide feedback to program teams;
•        Ensure accountability to community is maintained and strengthened to ensure that communities are at the center of our interventions

Strategic Engagement

• ·       Lead in depth analysis of humanitarian context, trends, gaps, challenges and opportunities;
• Lead on implementation of RI Lebanon’s program strategy in coordination with field offices and other key leads, including reviewing and adapting as necessary depending on the changes in needs and in alignment with RI Global Strategy;
• Develop new programmatic initiatives to support the strategic direction of RI in Lebanon in alignment with needs and RI Global Strategy;
• Develop long-term goals and objectives to achieve the successful outcome of the program;
• Provide overall guidance and direction focusing the program team on achieving agreed targets and long-term strategic objectives;
• Stay updated and regularly update the Country Director regarding developments/changes to the operational environment nationally and in the locations and sectors where RI operates – including, but not limited to political developments, major/relevant security developments/incidents, key programming initiatives by other stakeholders;
• Identify and evaluate the risks and possible threats associated with program activities and take appropriate action to control the risks, communicating and collaborating regularly with the Country Director, Supply Chain and Operations Manager and Security Manager;
• Act as Emergency Focal Point (EFP) for Lebanon Country Office in link with RI Humanitarian Department (Emergency alerts, Emergency Preparedness and Response Plans, Emergency Sitrep);
• Actively engage in regional and global initiatives to ensure country perspective is represented

External Coordination

• Proactively ensure RI’s reputation as a key actor implementing programming inside Lebanon by consistently representing RI and actively participating in networking opportunities;
• Ensure coordination with/active engagement in relevant sector working groups, and bi-laterally with other implementing agencies as appropriate;
• Prepare for and ensure to the extent possible the positive outcome of meetings with senior-level external actors including national and local authorities, donors, U.N. agencies, coordination fora, private sector.

Team Management, supervision and staff care

• Ensure effective management of the Program, MEAL and Grants team leading by example, supporting them in their efforts to direct the implementation of programs in coordination with other departments;
• Participate in the recruitment, selection, orientation and training of key project/ program staff, and other staff;
• In collaboration with the HR team, develop an adapted and focused capacity building plan for staff when relevant;
• Ensure timely and quality staff performance management of directly managed staff, making sure all program team follows best practices in this regard;
• Ensure proper communication within the program team, making sure that the strategy, decisions and future endeavours are shared in a transparent manner;
• In collaboration with the HR team, help address disciplinary, conflict and abuse issues within the program team;
• In accordance with RI’s HR policy and in-line with RI’s staff care efforts, maintain a healthy work environment, with reasonable workloads and proper leaves. Work with CD and HR manager to assess and prevent risks of excessive stress and burnout in the workplace.Review Staff Care issues with the direct reports on a regular basis; continuously monitor individual staff members’ capacity for self-care; and take adequate actions to ensure that staff well-being measures are in place and in alignment with the RI’s policies. Ensure an adequate attendance and participation in all Staff Care trainings as requested by the Organization and Country office.