Project Manager

Title:                Project Manager

Unit:                Programs, Near East Foundation in Lebanon

Reports to:       Program and Operations Director

Location:         Beirut

Travel:             Frequent travel between project sites within Lebanon (Bekaa, North, Akkar and South)

Position contingent on Funding. Anticipated award date: October, 2024.

The Near East Foundation (NEF) is seeking candidates for a Project Manager position to be based in Beirut, Lebanon.

NEF is a non-profit international development organization that has supported livelihoods recovery and community-based economic development in the Middle East, Africa, and Caucasus since 1915. NEF draws on local teams, experience, and partnerships in these regions to create community-led solutions to improve livelihoods and local governance among conflict and crisis-affected groups, while maintaining neutrality and ensuring inclusiveness in our approach. Working through a network of country offices and local partners, NEF currently has operations in ten countries: Armenia, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Mali, Morocco, Palestine, Sudan, South Sudan, and Syria. Our programs are organized around three pillars: Inclusive Economic Development, Climate-resilient Development, and Stabilization and Peacebuilding.

Position Description:

The Project Manager is a key member of the Near East Foundation Beirut team in Lebanon. The postholder has the responsibility to ensure the smooth management, and implementation of the objectives and activities of a US BPRM-funded and the Regional Development and Protection Program (RDPP) funded projects. The projects aim to reduce household economic vulnerability and reliance on harmful coping strategies of refugees and vulnerable Lebanese families by increasing access to livelihoods and protection information and skills; supporting job creation and employability and supporting the creation of home-based income-generating activities. The role also involves working closely with and monitoring four local implementing partners, and line managing technical and field staff.

Under the overall supervision of the Program and Operations Director the Project Manager will have the following duties and responsibilities:

Implementation, Monitoring & Oversight:

• Supervise the implementation of activities by NEF and partner project staff to ensure outputs are achieved and indicators are met in accordance with agreed upon timelines, quality standards and donor/NEF regulations and policies.
• Recommend where necessary any realignment of activities, and budgets.
• Develop and update monthly, quarterly, and annual implementation plans in coordination with project staff and local partners.
• Maintain regular communication with partners and staff, and conduct regular field visits, to ensure progress in a timely manner and challenges are identified and addressed.
• Continuously assess the local context, assumptions, and changes in the working environment (a) to ensure the project’s focus, strategies and activities remain relevant and (b) to propose adjustments when needed.
• In coordination with M&E Coordinator, ensure an appropriate monitoring system is in place to track progress and deviations in project implementation.
• In coordination with Logistics and procurement assistant, ensure the project procurement plan is in place and updated, and keep track of progress.

Financial Monitoring and Management:

• In coordination with finance staff, review and monitor project spending, including partner spending.
• Review and approve program financial documents, including reviewing partner and NEF receipts and supporting documentation.
• Support relevant staff and partners in forecasting spending related to project activities.

Reporting & Documentation:

• Collate/compile field-generated information and provide required inputs into progress/final reports (narrative and financial) on a timely manner and in compliance with HQ/donor requirements.
• Keep track of impact and success stories, and ensure they are reflected in reports and other communication/visibility materials.

Program Development & Strategic Planning:

• Participate and contribute to internal strategic and planning meetings.
• Support/facilitate field assessments and discussions when needed to identify new areas of intervention.
• Support in proposal writing and project design.
• Support in identifying and selecting new partners and key stakeholders.
• Support the Program and Operations Director in drafting concept papers and proposals when required.

Representation & Coordination:

• Represent NEF in relevant working groups at national and local levels, and other relevant interagency workshops or events in related sectors.
• Share relevant project information and documents with project team, partners, HQ and other stakeholders.
• In coordination with the Country Program and Operations Director collaborate with NEF partners, UN agencies, international and local NGOs, and relevant government ministries and local authorities.
• Maintain up to date with, and provide feedback on, government policies impacting the refugee population in Lebanon, and related work of humanitarian/development agencies.
• Assist with the coordination of visits to the NEF Lebanon program by HQ colleagues, donors, NEF board members, and other stakeholders.

Other responsibilities:

• Work closely with relevant HQ colleagues as required.
• Ensure compliance with applicable donor and NEF policies and regulations.
• Ensure all project documentation required by NEF and donor is accurately collected, organized and filed.
• Any other duties relating to the nature of the job as requested by the supervisor.

Key Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in development studies, economics, business development, law, social work, or another relevant field.
• At least 6 years of relevant experience with humanitarian and/or development organizations, including significant experience of working with implementing partners to deliver development interventions and/or humanitarian programs.
• At least 4 years of project management experience, including project planning, implementation and managing a budget.
• At least 2 years of experience working on livelihoods projects and/or SME-type interventions. Experience in protection and MHPSS program is a plus.
• Experience working in the field, and leading/managing teams.
• Familiarity with donor guidelines with specific focus on RDPP and BPRM rules and regulations is a strong advantage.
• Proven skills in partnership building, influence, and negotiation with a range of humanitarian actors, including governments, UN agencies, academic institutions, networks, national/local NGOs, and community groups.
• Understands rights and protection issues of refugees, children, and women, including solid experience working with vulnerable Lebanese and refugee communities.
• Fluency in Arabic and English, both written and verbal.
• Excellent analytical, writing and communications skills.
• High-level of knowledge and practice with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc. required.
• Ability to live and work in Lebanon without company sponsorship.

Other Essential Competencies:

• Willingness and able to travel to field sites frequently.
• Strong people management skills.
• Able to take initiative and very self-motivated, with a strong capacity to work within a team.
• Able to work independently, with a strong work ethic and high level of professionalism.
• Capable of maintaining confidentiality and ensuring others do as well.
• Flexible, solutions-oriented, and willingness to learn from and support others.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize tasks, and cope with competing demands under tight deadlines.
• Able to establish and maintain good working relationships with people from different backgrounds.
• Strong commitment to humanitarian principles.

NEF will accept a rolling application until the position is filled. Review of application will begin on April 30, 2024. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

To apply:

Please apply by submitting the following documents in the English language:

1. Cover letter outlining relevant experience and skills based on the requirements outlined above
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. List of three references (including one from current, or most recent, employer)

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Near East Foundation by visiting the NEF website at www.neareast.org

The Near East Foundation promotes Equal Employment Opportunities for all applicants seeking employment and NEF employees.

Pre-employment Checks

Any Employment with the Near East Foundation will be subject to the following checks prior to start date:

• A satisfactory Restricted Party Screening.
• Receipt of satisfactory references.
• Workplace Verification Check.

NEF's strength is its people. Our team is our fuel to achieving the innovation, quality programming, community focus, mutual trust, sustainability, and learning needed to realize our mission. To help our team thrive, we support a working structure that prioritizes flexibility, personal commitments, and staff well-being while promoting a work culture of teamwork, collaboration, respect, integrity, and excellence.

As an international organization, we value a truly diverse workforce and prioritize a culture of inclusivity and belonging. We strive to create a high-achieving work environment informed by different cultures, perspectives, and experiences. With a commitment to diversity, equality, equity, and inclusion in all we do, our aim is to ensure that people feel heard, protected, and empowered to contribute to NEF's mission from day one.