Lebanon: Markets, Economic Recovery and Growth (MERGE) Sector Manager

This role is currently funded until the end of March 2017.
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About Mercy Corps**

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible.
In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions
into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.
Now, and for the future.

Program / Department Summary

Mercy Corps has been present in Lebanon since 1993, focusing its interventions on livelihoods, governance and conflict, water, sanitation and hygiene and protection. With funding from USAID, UK AID, GAC, EC, UNICEF, Gates Foundation and others, Mercy Corps has been able to work together with communities across Lebanon to respond to the needs of both Lebanese host community members as well as refugees from the Syria crisis.

General Position Summary

The MERG Sector Manager is responsible for the strategic growth and technical oversight of Mercy Corps Lebanon's markets, economic recovery and growth (MERG) programs, as well as related proposal development. S/he will advise on the design, planning, and monitoring of programs, and support Program Managers in implementation to ensure interventions achieve intended results.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Technical Guidance and Program Implementation

• Support MERG Program Managers to ensure successful delivery of Program activities including budget and operational management, technical guidance on implementation, design and implementation of program assessments,, work plans, and other core activities
• Provide regular field supervision and support MERG Program Managers with program close-out activities
• Analyse project implementation to identify constraints to program success and provide timely recommendations;
• With support from the Director of Programs, lead new MERG program start-up, including acting as program manager during recruitment period as needed
• Work closely with the Director of Programs on hiring within MERG programs to ensure that senior and/or key technical positions are adequately staffed;
• Ensure close coordination and sharing of information with relevant stakeholders such as partners, peer agencies and local authorities, as appropriate.
• In coordination with the Director of Programs, lead strategic portfolio growth planning and donor engagement in Lebanon.
• Facilitate MERG strategy development process, in close collaboration with MC Lebanon, and Global livelihoods team
• Introduce the strategy to relevant stakeholders including donors, peer agencies, business owners, staff of line ministries, local authorities and community members. Foster ongoing positive cooperation with these stakeholders.
• Liaise with the regional program team in Amman and Technical Support Unit in Portland to ensure adherence with established best practices, and identify opportunities for strengthening programming

Program Development

• Lead the implementation of the Livelihoods Strategy, including donor engagement, partnership development and proposal writing and in collaboration with the Director of Programs; Provide oversight of relevant assessments and mapping exercises to collect data that informs program development, namely helps position Mercy Corps as a thought leader for external audiences;
• Recommend program priorities and explore, evaluate and present new opportunities that leverage impact and/ or complement core activities
• Ensure new program development is harmonized with existing MERGE programs, as well as other sectors such as youth and protection, WASH, governance and conflict;
• Represent Mercy Corps in Lebanon, including at workshops and task forces, to foster information sharing with donors and other organizations, and to promote Mercy Corps' thought leadership;

Other

• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission;
• Other assigned tasks, as necessary.

Organizational Learning

As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountability to Beneficiaries

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Accountability:

Reports directly to: Director of Programs

Works directly with: MERG Program teams, Program Performance and Quality Unit, Operations, Finance

Knowledge And Experience

• MA/S or equivalent in social science, management, economics, international development, or other relevant field;
• At least eight years of progressive experience and proven high level of competence in working in economic development, ideally in relief and/or post-conflict settings;
• Experience managing a portfolio of programs, large complex programs
• Specialized background in economic and market development including Making Markets Work for the Poor (M4P);
• Deep experience in designing and implementing economic development programming in Lebanon, in particular its displacement context, economic challenges, social stability and resilience mechanisms relevant to internal conflict preferred; preference also given to candidates with background in the Middle East region;
• Proven track record in staff and stakeholder training, mentoring and capacity building;
• Strong communication skills and sense of humor;
• Proficiency in written English essential

Success factors

A successful candidate will have the ability to live and work closely with a diverse team of individuals in a highly intense and fluid work and security environment with a capacity to promote new approaches to programming and inspire groups to collaborate closely to implement high-quality programs. S/he will have proven ability to learn quickly, take initiative, and be accountable for results. Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with curiosity about and sensitivity to new cultures, a desire and ability to learn and grow, both personally and professionally, and a great sense of humor.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

This role is based in Beirut, Lebanon. This location is accompanied and secure. Housing is individual accommodation with unlimited freedom of movement beyond the house/office. There are International schools in Lebanon. Staff will have full access to services – medical, electricity, water, etc). This position requires 0% of time of travel by car to field offices in safe environments.

Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside work hours and during field postings. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

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