DRC has been responding to various humanitarian crises in Lebanon since 2004, working with Palestinian, Iraqi and Syrian refugees. DRC received registration from the Ministry of Interior in 2011, and since then has focused primarily on responding to the Syrian refugee crisis in Lebanon and the resulting impact on Lebanese host community. DRC Lebanon’s focus is to ensure that we are able to respond to critical emerging humanitarian needs whilst improve the living conditions of displacement-affected populations and contribute to the achievement of durable solutions. With an annual portfolio of $12million, and with approximately 200+ staff, DRC is focusing its response in protection and economic recovery (Ec-Rec) sector in Bekka, North Lebanon and Beirut. DRC is also contributing to the evidence base and coordination structures in country through our Evidence Generation and referral information management (RIMs) teams.
About the job
The Economic Recovery Manager functions as a technical coordinator within the Economic Recovery (EcRec) sector in Lebanon, he/she delivers EcRec strategy, technical documents and technically support the entire programme within Lebanon. The Economic Recovery Manager also technically line manages the EcRec managers in the field (Bekaa and North) and direct line manages the EcRec team in Beirut and is thus responsible for the day to day management of DRC’s EcRec projects within Beirut.
This role has a country focus and ensures quality of programming and compliance to DRC EcRec procedures and guidelines within the country, including donors and international standards. The Economic Recovery Manager leads the development of the EcRec country strategy, which is translated into action plans and day-to-day tasks. The role provides support and technical guidance to the EcRec teams across Lebanon while overseeing country activities.
From 2022 onwards, DRC Lebanon aims to support market systems in the country and to enhance access to decent and sustainable livelihoods among displacement-affected populations. The strategy is implemented through a wide range of activities such as micro, medium and small enterprises support, cash-for-work, employability centers, work-based learning, multi-purpose cash assistance, etc. DRC is therefore seeking a Ec-Rec Manager to strategically lead the Ec-Rec sector.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Coordination and representation
Act as the primary focal point and collaborate with relevant internal and external technical experts on issues related to Economic Recovery sector
Represent DRC and actively participate in regular coordination and sector meetings, and other fora as required
Provide technical leadership within the working groups by exploring opportunities for harmonization across humanitarian actors in terms of market based modalities and SOPs, related tools and guidelines (in balance with internal work priorities); propose new joint initiatives with the forums which strengthen the Lebanon response.
Represent DRC towards external stakeholders, including humanitarian partners, donors, authorities, embassies etc. on ongoing ec-rec needs/trends as requested by HOP. To this end, coordinate with the respective field based Ec-Rec Manager(s) to ensure coherence and efficiency in the representation at both national and local levels and across programmes, making sure to promote messaging consistent with DRC's advocacy strategy.
Develop and strengthen relationships with local partners and DRC colleagues in order to maintain trust in DRC’s professional standard and quality of work among all stakeholders.
Ensure integration of Economic Recovery activities with other DRC sectors, particularly protection
In coordination with the Head of Programme, collaborate with the different entities and focal points within DRC at the regional and global level on programmatic issues related to Economic Recovery. To this end, actively participate in the exchange of best practice and resources and contribute to the development of strategies resources and documents related to ec-rec.
Actively participate in internal coordination meetings
Act as the primary focal point internally within DRC regarding the LINKED consortium. Proactively participate in Technical Working Group of the LINKED consortium
General Programming & Operations
Contributes to the daily operation with comprehensive knowledge in economic recovery, including financial inclusion, decent livelihoods and food security
Carrying out sector needs assessment and supporting the team to do so with guidance and tools
Ensure efficient and effective program implementation while following the budget and work plan
Participate in preparing monthly/quarterly/annual reports and provide technical inputs and quality assurance in coordination with the Grants team
Identify and develop strategic and complimentary entry points for DRCs Economic Recovery programme. This may include exploring and developing strategic partners contributing to quality and scaling up of programmes
Ensure strong information management and use of databases for information management and reporting
Technical support
Lead on the development of Economic Recovery Strategy, for DRC’s response to IDPs, migrants, refugees, returnees and displacement affected host communities in Lebanon. This includes analysis of the context and development of programmatic responses to identified needs and gaps and contributing to overall Country Strategy
Ensure that the strategy is informed by sound analysis, with consultations with teams and concerned stakeholders and that programmes strategies are devised in promotion of DRC's values, culture and beliefs; and that the strategy and operational plans are protection and conflict sensitive as well as embedded in line with humanitarian principles, DRCs Code of Conduct and rights based participatory methods.
Take the lead developing tools/materials, guidelines and SOPs relevant to the delivery of the Ec-Rec programme and train the team on their implementation
Support field teams to implement good quality programming and directly manage the Beirut team to do so
Provide technical guidance and support to programme staff on all the EcRec activities
Provide strategic and direct technical guidance to programme staff in effective on-going monitoring on programme objective/outcomes/impacts, as well as technical standards applicable to specific activities in order to ensure consistency and quality in the implementation of the programme; rendering technical advice for fine-tuning plans/modalities where required.
Ensure risk assessments and mitigation measures related to EcRec programming are in place
Provide technical oversight of programme activities, including spot checks
Provide detailed oversight of technical specifications of in-kind and cash transfer modalities, including selection of FSP, in compliance with DRC procurement policy.
Contribute to the effective implementation of all operations support activites, including related to administration, finances and logistics, so as to ensure smooth project implementation. In all matters, comply with internal directive and policies as communicated by line manager and/or the relevant support departments.
Conduct other tasks as requested by the the line manager for the effective implementation of DRC’s programme
Project development
Develop and undertake needs assessments, in coordination with MEAL, to inform program design and strategic direction
Conduct frequent rapid needs assessment of the situation in the event of emergency in collaboration with other stakeholders to address related problems
Work closely with the Head of Programme and the Grants Coordinator to identify funding opportunities
In coordination with the field teams, develop project proposals/CNs and project revisions based on identified gaps and needs as well as strategic priorities. To this end, work with the field team & lead on Beirut to define programme activities, logframes and budgets based on baseline assessments and internal learning.
In coordination with the team produce and consolidate donor reports by providing technical oversight on strategic considerations and programme activities so as to ensure accurate, coherent and timely reporting.
Drive new initiatives to expand activities within the sector including by conducting a feasibility assessment which identifies market and target group capacities for a livelihoods intervention.
Identify and advocate for future oppportunities to for DRC to develop conflict-sensitive ec-rec programming in Lebanon as best suits the Lebanon context.
Assist in project implementation and reporting
People management
Technically lead the EcRec team in the Bkeaa and North regions of Lebanon
Directly line manage the EcRec team in Beirut (including people planning, performance, well-being and development)
Provide staff capacity building for the entire EcRec team in Lebanon and other sector teams as needed
Support the recruitment of EcRec staff as required
Support the professional development of programme staff by carrying out an learning needs analysis which informs the learning and development plan.
Facilitate capacity building for team members and partners to develop stronger protection expertise in-country. This includes coaching, capacity and mentor building and providing technical matrix line management support to Ec-Rec colleagues.
Monitoring, reporting and development
In coordination with the PDQ Manager & Information Management Specialist, contribute to the development information management systems that support the effective implementation of Ec-Rec activities. To this end, define clear programmatic needs and objectives, and support the development of suitable information management platforms, tools and processes.
In coordination with the MEAL team, support the development of program monitoring and evaluation tools for EcRec per expected outputs and outcomes
Maintain oversight and monitor programme objectives, outputs, indicators and activities – ensuring team remain on track as per agreed donor commitments
Ensure learning from the economic recovery programme is documented/captured, consolidated and disseminated, contributing to knowledge building and sharing within Lebanon and globally to influence policies and programme planning
Support start-up of new EcRec projects, supporting staff in kicking-off and planning new projects
Ensure that the Ec-Rec dept maintains quality records of documentation for donor reporting/audit compliance purposes, and provision of technical support on these best practices.
Provide quality control and site monitoring to ensure that services provided are according standards
Monitor financial spending and budgets for Beirut EcRec operations
Support accountability to affected populations and roll out of accountability improvement plan in coordination with MEAL
About you
To be successful in this role we expect you to have At least 5-years’ experience in the fields of working for international humanitarian organizations in complex settings, working on ec-rec programming (cash/voucher, market based and employability/business dev).
Moreover, we also expect the following:
University degree in economics, international relations or related discipline required. Advanced degree such as Masters, Post Graduate or MBA advantageous.
Minimum 3-years’ experience in a managerial or technical coordination capacity
Demonstrate ability in conceptual, analytical and critical thinking with the ability to creatively and practically develop programmatic or advocacy strategies towards greater quality and impact
Solid experience in project development and management; including ability to lead on assessments, design, implementation, monitoring; with good skills in proposal writing/reporting and budget
Excellent leadership, coordination, communication, organizational and planning skills; with the ability to work flexibly in a diverse team in a dynamic environment
Advocacy and representation skills including the development of strong interpersonal relationships to facilitate communication within the working group;
Strong capacity building, facilitation, and presentation skills with the ability to support staff and partners
Commitment to integrate gender, protection conflict sensitivity and accountability into programming
Strong experience in working with local and international partners, local/government authorities, and donor guidelines.
Experience in Lebanon and/or the Middle-East is advantageous.
Technical competencies:
Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills, creativity and flexibility
Knowledge of self-reliance, employability, job placement and business support preferred
Knowledge of protection activities including Gender and Sexual Based Violence, Child Protection and Persons with Specific Needs a plus
Strong level of computer literacy (Microsoft Word, Excel and Power point);
Comfortable in a multi-cultural environment, flexible and able to handle pressure well;
Flexibility in working overtime when needed.
In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies:
Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
Demonstrating integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.
We offer
Contract length: 1 year
Band: F
Designation of Duty Station: Unaccompanied
Start date: 15th Feb 2021
Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates; please refer to drc.ngo under Vacancies. For questions regarding the vacancy please contact Sama Kanaan, on sama.kanaan@drc.ngo
This vacancy is archived.