Deputy Country Director At Medair

Role & Responsibilities

Manage the development and implementation of the Lebanon support functions to facilitate the implementation of the country programme strategy. Providing leadership, strategic direction, management and evaluation of all aspects of the support functions of finance, HR, logistics and security, the Deputy Country Director plays a key role in systems development, legal compliance, operational coordination, team culture and team leadership.

Project Overview

The Lebanon programme is responding both to the Syrian refugee crisis and the impact of the deteriorating economic and humanitarian crisis across the country on Lebanese. Medair has projects in Health, Mental Health & Psychosocial Support, Shelter and GIS Mapping, working in governorates across the country.

Workplace & Working conditions

Field based position in Lebanon, in the Zahle office with some time in Beirut.

• Lebanon offers a wide range of opportunities for exploring Lebanon’s heritage and nature.
• The team lives in comfortable apartments located near the office, which offer space for privacy.

Starting Date / Initial Contract Details

January 2023. Full time, 24 months.

Review of candidates who have applied and decisions for interview will proceed on 8th December 2022. The role may continue to be advertised beyond this date until the role is accepted by the selected candidate.

Key Activity Areas

Programme Support Management

• Contribute to the strategic direction of the Lebanon programme as part of the Senior Leadership Team.
• Facilitate cross cutting communications between the programme teams and the support functions.
• Prepare & implement policies and guidelines, to run the programmes through procedures and support.
• Line-manage the Finance Manager and support the Project Managers to oversee budget management and expenditure, ensuring budgets are spent according to proposals and within the time frame.
• Line-manage the Logistics & Security Manager, provide logistical support to programme staff.
• Ensure good procedures are in place and maintained in logistics, (procurement & transportation).
• Ensure all in-country legal requirements are met including registration, reporting, insurance, work permits, contracts, etc., liaising as necessary with government departments and other official bodies.
• Line-manage the Human Resources Manager, oversee all human resource activities, supporting line managers in areas such as recruitment, induction, training, appraisals, disciplinary action.
• Ensure all national and international legal requirements relating to employment are adhered to.
• Advocate and support Medair wide HR developments & the implementation of the new HR Information System. Strengthen each support department’s administrative capacity to achieve greater operational efficiencies.
• Develop systems to enable project teams to better manage their projects, including clear and timely information available on budgets, procurement, recruitment etc.
• Ensure designated projects are implemented in line with donor proposals and requirements.

Security Management

• Line-manage the Logistics & Security Manager, ensuring that systems are in place and adhered to for good security management across the programme.
• Ensure that contingency measures and risks are considered and mitigated.
• Ensure that all staff members and visitors receive on-going training in security-related topics and a good security culture is encouraged across the team.
• Oversee and monitor staff adherence to security protocols, including security incident reports.
• Ensure security plans and protocols for the programme locations are updated and implemented.
• Train and support relevant field managers in security planning, management, implementation and monitoring. Assist the Country Director in managing security incidents, as required.

Representation

• Support the Country Director in the maintenance of relationships with relevant stakeholders and represent Medair at relevant meetings in order to facilitate and ensure cooperation and partnerships.

Staff Management

• Line manage designated staff, including direct supervision and development. Lead with other senior management the development of a positive, supportive and encouraging team culture.
• Facilitate regular team meetings and develop and build an effective team through a consultative leadership style and a transparent, honest and supportive communication structure.
• Develop direct reports to improve their skills, knowledge competence and performance.
• Support line managers across the programme to develop stronger people management skills through development of good staff management processes, training and coaching.

Communication

• Develop and maintain a transparent, honest and supportive communication structure with colleagues to ensure they are kept informed of support related activities and requirements.
• Support teams across the programme to have positive and open communication channels, addressing issues in a fair, respectful and effective way.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with suppliers, local authorities, other NGOs and any other stakeholders, representing Medair and ensuring good co-operation and partnerships.

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

• University degree in a relevant subject such as Management / Development Studies / Business Administration or in a relevant technical subject.
• Strong working knowledge of English (spoken and written).

Experience

• 5 years of post-qualification management experience in a relevant profession.
• At least 1-year post-qualification experience in a complex humanitarian emergency.
• Experience working in a cross-cultural setting, preferable in a support role.
• Able to develop and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Coaching and training skills. Good understanding of cross-cultural issues.
• Knowledge of Humanitarian Essentials, Sphere and CHS Standards.
• Excellent communicator. Problem solving ability. Good inter-personal and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong organisational and time management skills. Good numerical and report writing skills.
• Dynamic and mature personality, able to oversee multiple tasks, prioritising and delegating as required.

All new deploying international staff to Medair’s country programmes (and other roles which require field travel) should be fully vaccinated with a WHO-approved COVID vaccine, supported with a COVID vaccination certificate as evidence.