Country Director

General Purpose of the Position

The Country Director - Lebanon is responsible for the strategic leadership of JRS work at the country level. S/he manages the resources of the organization and sets direction for the team while providing the necessary support.
The Country Director plays a strong role in concretizing JRS’s approach to displacement through innovation and effective advocacy, is accountable for all aspects of JRS’s work, and strengthens existing accountability mechanisms. The position encompasses additional responsibilities such as the development and implementation of project proposals, administration of JRS country finances, the evaluation of and withdrawal from projects, and the maintenance of relations with the local Church, the Society of Jesus, and local and international organizations.
The Country Director reports directly to the Regional Director.

Main Responsibilities of the Position

1. Direction of the Work of JRS at the Country Level

• Safeguards the vision, identity, and unity of JRS at the country and project level.
• On consultation with the Regional Director and the Project Directors, enters into negotiations and creates agreements with the Church or funding agencies.
• With the approval of the Regional Director, signs agreements with local stakeholders.
• Takes initiatives and leads the development of project proposals with the Project Directors, for presentation to the Regional Director, Regional Grants team, and the Advisory Council for their approval.
• Directs and supports the implementation of JRS work at the country level.
• Serves as the direct line manager of the core team members of the Country Office and the Project Directors.
• Conducts regular meetings with their subordinates, for the purpose of tackling challenges and suggesting possible solutions, to guarantee the best progress and achievement of the different projects’ activities according to the set plans.
• Operates and manages the Country Office and conducts any business thereof. 
• In consultation with Project Directors, coordinates and defines country policies, e.g., specific country security guidelines, or a country approach to education and social services, to be approved by the Regional Director.
• Facilitates reflection on and internal evaluation of projects through staff retreats once a year, and, when necessary, determines how the exit strategy is managed in a particular project.
• Ensures that JRS members receive induction, orientation, and training in their different departments.
• Ensures safeguarding is integrated in all phases of the project cycle.

2. Care for Personnel

• Ensures, in coordination with Project Directors, the recruitment of professional staff members who meet the requirements of the different roles at the Projects and Country levels, and reflect JRS mission, identity and values.
• Conducts regular visits to Project Directors and teams in the field, to listen and give support to each JRS team member. In case of challenges, draws these to the attention of the HR team, Project Director, or Regional Director, as appropriate.
• Gives special care to JRS staff, making sure they receive necessary psychological support, breaks, and holidays.
• Signs contracts with JRS collaborators and ends contracts, when necessary, in consultation with the Regional Director.
• In situations of crisis within the country, decides on security measures for JRS staff in accordance with the JRS Security Guidelines, after consultation with the Regional and Project Directors.
• Ensures coaching and counselling advice to staff as needed and leads initiatives for capacity building.

3. Administration & Finance

• Supervises country finances and accounts and guarantees that projects are supplied with the necessary operating funds.
• Supports the annual process of project level planning and budgeting.
• Supports the annual financial audit at the country level.
• Renders any other necessary administrative or logistical services to the projects and the region.

4. Procurement and Logistics

• Supervises and supports the Logistics Officer and the Project Directors, ensuring that materials and equipment needed for the Country and Project Office are obtained at the best possible prices and according to JRS procurement policies. 

5. Communication

• Maintains regular communication and reporting to the Regional Director on major issues and developments in the country or in JRS.
• Communicates on a frequent basis with Project Directors and passes on to teams all relevant information regarding the situation in the country, that of refugees and other vulnerable groups, government policies, and other news relevant to JRS.

6. Representation of JRS

• Establishes and maintains contact with the local diocesan Church, relevant ministries, Local and International NGOs, and UN agencies.
• Represents JRS at national-level coordination meetings that are relevant to JRS work.
• Ensures that JRS maintains excellent relations with all key stakeholders, especially beneficiaries, local authorities, the humanitarian community, and donors.

7. Fundraising, Networking, and Advocacy

• Navigates fundraising opportunities to ensure solid growth of the country portfolio.
• In conjunction with the Regional Director, informs key JRS advocacy offices (Rome, Geneva, Brussels, and USA) about significant advocacy needs, sharing with them relevant information from the projects.
• Animates and supports local church structures in addressing issues involving refugees and other vulnerable groups.

8. Accountability and Quality

• Ensures that JRS standard regulations and operational procedures (Code of Conduct, CHS standards, etc.) are followed.
• Ensures the proper implementation of JRS’ Policy on the Accountability to Affected Populations.

Undertakes any other duties that are within the ambit of the position as assigned by the Regional Director.

Qualifications, Skills, and Personal Attributes

• Advanced University Degree in Social Sciences, International Development, Administration, or any other related field.
• At least ten years of practical work experience that includes managing complex humanitarian operations in challenging environments. 
• Solid Experience in Project Cycle Management, including Needs Assessments, Project Design, Budgeting, Human Resources, Implementation, and MEAL.  
• Solid experience in managing complex grants.
• Experience in managing education, livelihoods, and MHPSS projects.
• Demonstrable experience in fundraising and advocacy, at local, regional, and international levels.
• Demonstrable experience in coordination across local, regional, and international mechanisms.
• Working experience with faith-based organizations is an asset.
• Demonstrable experience of, and capacity for, working collaboratively as part of a team.
• Previous experience in the Middle East region, and in Lebanon, is preferable.
• Fluency in verbal and written English; Arabic is desirable.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and planning skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-cultural environment with a multi-national staff.
• Demonstrated ability to work in limited resources settings.
• Demonstrated ability and experience of working in a multi-cultural environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and facilitation skills with the ability to lead teams and deal with complex and/or divisive issues, and to build trust and instill confidence.
• Strong dedication and commitment to staff care and support.
• Capacity to work independently with limited supervision and support.
• Openness to change and ability to manage complexities.
• Ability to respond positively to critical feedback and differing points of view.
• Highly organized and diligent, attentive to detail and follow through.
• Excellent time management, planning and organizational skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel to JRS project sites and adapt to modest living and working conditions.

Core Values and Ethics

• Commitment to JRS’s mission, vision, and values; ability to convey with enthusiasm JRS’s role in accompanying and serving forcibly displaced people and to advocate for their right to protection and a life in dignity.
• High sense of discretion in dealing with confidential matters at all times.
• High integrity and honesty; ability to deal tactfully and discreetly with people, situations, and information.
• Acceptance of diversity and inclusion as core values.