Programme Support Specialist (Partnerships)

Contract

This is a DRC - National contract. More about DRC - National contracts.

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 Programme Support Specialist (Partnerships) will be responsible for leading technically and strategically on the management of DRC’s national partnerships strategy, portfolio, toolkit, and approaches.

A key strategic objective of DRC in Lebanon is to build and grow DRC’s reputation and ability to be a leading agency in working in a partnerships modality. To fufull this strategic objective, the Specialist is expected to take the lead in developing DRC’s strategic engagement with partnerships in Lebanon, including taking forward the revised partnership strategy, operationalizing the strategy (tools and processes), and identifying partners – including strategic and equitable partners across capacity building, implementing, consortium, and relational partners.

The role will leading on enhancing capacity development tools and responsibilities, processes and frameworks as needed, technical support to field staff who are managing partners, and day to day oversight of partnership projects across field offices. The Specialist will coordinate between support (HR, Finance, and Supply Chain) and programme teams to ensure proper technical support and provide recommendations regarding partnerships that DRC should pursue.

This role will sit under the Programme Development and Qualtiy (PDQ) team, and will place strong emphasis on programme quality so as to ensure that all partners are selected, assessed, and monitored through the adherence to and improvement of DRC’s partnerships processes, due diligence and compliance standards, alongside managing partner relationships and providing an avenue through which partners are effectively and strategically maintained within DRC.

This role has a national level focus and is expected to ensure the strategic direction and quality fo DRC’s partnership relationships and programming. Position will be based in Beirut, covering all the partners across the DRC Lebanon.

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

Leadership and Coordination

• Lead on and ensure the effective implementation fo DRC’s partnerships strategy in Lebanon. The Specialist will contribute to strategic planning for partnerships at the CO, RO, and global level in regards to partnerships
• Support on partnership led fundraising and proposals, and reporting efforts related to partnerships components of relevant projects
• Develop revised package of partnership minimum standards, encapsulating capacity assessment tools, sub-award agreements, MoU template, and risk assessments
• Ensure the quality and important of partnerships through effective coordination and relationship management with partner focal points
• Use ongoing checks to ensure that DRC staff and partner staff are pleased with [artnership, problem solve, and mediate where issues arise
• Conduct and supervise partner mappings and EoIs in new areas and sectors
• Represent DRC at relevant donor and interagency coordination meetings where required at national and field level

Capacity Building

• Support and coordinate the involvement of staff across the country programme (Protection, Economic Recovery, MEAL, RIMS, Finance, Supply Chain, Safety, etc.) in assessments, and ongoing support and priorizitation of partners
• Develop a revised package of capacity development and implementation tools in coordination with programme and support colleagues
• Develop relevant and high quality training materials including presentations, practical activities, guidelines, support resources, pre and post tests etc.

Compliance and Due Diligence

• Oversee all due diligence, assessments, and compliance issues of partners in coordination with DRC’s technical teams both at Beirut and field level
• Ensure all partners have been assessed and vetted prior to proposal submission and regular assessments are conducted throughout implementation
• Regular field visit to partner offices or field locations for oversight and technical support
• Oversee the quality of all contractual arrangements with partners, including contract development, amendments, installments, and internal DRC compliance procedures
• Assist local partners to develop support services manuals, tools and systems in coordination with support teams.
• Support partners to be compliant with country laws, donors and DRC rules/requirements.

Accountability and reporting

• Guided by the DRC global Operation’s Handbook, continuously monitor and develop relevant accountability initiatives within project as well as strengthening the effort to document the impact and lessons learned of activities
• Ensure compliance with internal and external reporting requirements including procurement
• Provide input for monthly, quarterly and annual donor reports

About you

To be successful in this role we expect you to have an Advanced degree (Master's Degree) in political science, international development, economics or other relevant field. Moreover, we also expect the following:

• At least 3 years of experience working with, and good working knowledge of local actors in Lebanon
• Experience in operational capacity development of local NGOs or CBOS, and experience in developing an operational capacigty development toolkit is strongly encouraged
• Experience in international organizations and humanitarian settings, specifically in capacity development, programme management, or grants
• Good knowledge of relevant donor compliance regulations
• Experience in strategic development processes is a plus
• Professional background in working in contexts with internally displaced persons and/or refugees
• Experience working in multicultural work settings
• Full professional proficiency in English and Arabic
• Willingness to embrace and further develop overall objectives such as gender equity, impact monitoring, and cross-sector cooperation.

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: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

Contract length: Until December 2022

Band/Level: G2

Duty Station: Beirut

Start date: July 2022

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment; please refer to drc.ngo under Vacancies. For questions regarding the vacancy please contact [email protected]

Application process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: June 10, 2022

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.