Lebanon: Country Director

The Country Director oversees all programme and support activities in-country. Represent Medair in all issues relating to the country programme, play a key role in donor relations and manage the country strategy and the project implementation in conjunction with senior field managers. Ensure constructive engagement in Medair’s regional programme in the Middle East.

Project Overview

In response to the crisis in Syria and Iraq, Medair is delivering emergency assistance to Syrian refugees and host communities in Lebanon and Jordan, and to IDPs in Syria and Iraq. The Lebanon programme is a key multi-sectoral programme for Medair in the region. Projects are in the sectors of Health and Protection, Shelter, WASH, and Information Management / Mapping.

Workplace

Field based position in Beirut, Lebanon. Take a look at Medair’s work inLebanon.

Starting Date / Initial Contract Details

As soon as possible. Full time, 24 months

Key Activity Areas

Leadership & Management

• Design and evaluate the country strategy, in line with Medair’s Middle East Regional Strategy. Take into account community needs, donor criteria and strategies, the regional context, and an exit strategy.
• Analyse humanitarian needs, trends and political developments in the country of operation in order to anticipate new projects and initiatives.
• Ensure the country programme contributes constructively to Medair’s overall regional programme in the Middle East, sharing information and seeking regional input for decision-making where appropriate.
• Directly contact other Country Directors within the region when necessary to discuss practical issues or management of contingencies.

Donor Relations Management

• Develop contact with the in-country representatives of funding partners to secure funding for the country programme, sharing information with other country programmes in the region as appropriate.
• Present new projects for approval by the Regional Representative and Head of Regional Programmes.
• Oversee the drafting and presentation of proposals, operational and financial reports, in collaboration with the relevant senior field managers, shared, regional and HQ staff.

Communications

• Develop and maintain relationships with authorities, donors, media, other NGOs and embassies.
• In line with the Regional Communications Strategy, and via the Regional Communications Manager, ensure that the HQ Marketing and Relations (M&R) Department receives appropriate material for communication and fund-raising.

Financial Management

• Support the planning of budgets, in collaboration with relevant senior field managers, shared, regional and HQ staff.
• Manage spending with approved budgets. Analyse cash flow, decide on the timing of procurements, oversee audits and anticipate where over or under spending may occur and ensure action is taken.

Staff Management

• Oversee HR related issues including job descriptions, recruitment, performance management, and training, health and safety, team structures (within the agreed regional framework) etc.
• Provide final approval for field visit requests (from HQ staff, affiliates, private donors and Medair-sponsored media), in consultation with Regional Representative and Head of Regional Programmes.

Security Management

• Ensure security procedures and awareness are maintained throughout the country programme, seeking guidance from the Regional Representative and HQ Security Advisor when required.

Quality Management

• Ensure activities are implemented in line with donor proposals and requirements and in accordance with Medair, country and international standards. Ensure monitoring and evaluation of programme activities and outputs.

Team Spiritual Life

• Reflect the values of Medair with team members, local staff, beneficiaries, and external contacts.
• Work, live, and pray together in our Christian faith-based team settings. Fully contribute to the rich spiritual life of your team, including team devotions, prayers, and words of encouragement.
• Encouraged to join and contribute to Medair’s international prayer network.

This job description covers the main tasks that are anticipated. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary.

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant subject such as Management / Development Studies / Business Administration or in a relevant technical subject (such as engineering, WASH, Public Health or Information Management)
• Strong working knowledge of English (spoken and written).

Experience / Competencies

• 2 years post-qualification experience in a relevant management position.
• 4-5 years post-qualification experience in a complex humanitarian emergency.
• Experience in the design, monitoring of implementation and evaluation of humanitarian programmes.
• Experience in dealing with donors, government officials and with partner organisations.
• Committed to team-building and able to develop and support other team members.
• Self-motivated, energetic, hard-working, servant-hearted.

Working Conditions

• This is a capital city-based position with several times per week travel to field location.
• Lebanon is a middle income country with good infrastructure, offering excellent opportunities to develop high quality humanitarian programming.
• Working and living conditions are very good but proximity to the conflict region has security challenges.

Application Process

Before you apply, please ensure you are fully aware of the:

• Medair organisational values.
• Profiles sought for Internationally Recruited Staff (IRS).
• Medair Relief & Recovery Orientation Course (ROC) (which forms part of the recruitment selection process for field positions).
• Benefits Package provided for Internationally Recruited Staff (IRS)

Then to apply, go to then: http://relief.medair.org/en/jobs/positions/country-director-lbn-beirut/

1. apply for this vacancy (or another position that matches your profile), or

2. apply for a Medair ROC (where we can try and match your competencies to our vacancy needs).

Please do not make multiple applications. We will not review email applications. Only English-language applications / CVs will be reviewed. Medair does not set closing / deadline dates for applications; recruitment is on-going until the position is filled.