Deputy Chief of Party - Operations- LCSP

About Chemonics

Chemonics International is an international development company based in Washington, D.C. Our mission is to promote meaningful change around the world to help people live healthier, more productive, and more independent lives. Since 1975, we have worked in 150 countries around the world, and we are currently implementing 118 projects in 84 countries. Our main partner is the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and we also work with foreign donors such as the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID) and the Global Fund. We have more than 4,000 staff in our project offices around the world, and more than 500 staff based in our headquarters in Washington, D.C.

1. Project Background

The Lebanon Community Support Program (CSP) is a multi-year project funded by USAID to support municipalities and underserved and vulnerable communities in providing better services and enhanced economic opportunities to improve lives and reduce tensions that contribute to conflict and violence, primarily in Lebanon’s North, South, and Bekaa regions.

2.  Summary of Position

The Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) is a key member of CSP’s senior management team, responsible for overseeing a wide range of operational and cross-cutting technical functions, while also serving as an advisor and sounding board to the Chief of Party. The DCOP oversees a number of support departments to ensure the sound functioning of the program and delivery of CSP’s technical interventions, including but not limited to operations (logistics, IT, and security); finance and accounting; human resources; and subawards management (procurement, grants, and subcontracts). With a strong emphasis on compliance, the DCOP will ensure that the operations of CSP and its technical activities are implemented according to USAID regulations, Chemonics’ prevailing contracts with USAID, Lebanese law, and Chemonics’ policies and internal controls. The DCOP works closely with the directors of CSP’s technical components to seek efficiencies, troubleshoot problems, and mediate disputes.

3.  Specific Duties and Responsibilities​​​​​​ 

• • Oversees and supervises the following departments: operations and logistics; finance and accounting; human resources; and procurement, grants, and subcontracts administration.
  • Monitors operational standards and procedures to ensure compliance with Chemonics internal controls and USAID rules and regulations; seeks efficiencies to improve systems to enhance and accelerate the implementation of technical activities.
  • Reviews documentation associated with recruitment, procurement, grants, subcontracts, and financial transactions to ensure that CSP operations are in full compliance with all applicable rules and regulations
  • Ensures local expenditures and monthly financial reports are consistent with Chemonics standards; provides financial reports to USAID upon request and in coordination with the Chief of Party.
  • Represents Chemonics and the CSP program with banks, legal, and auditing/accounting providers, and other partners as needed.
  • Ensures personnel policies and regulations are strictly adhered to and practiced, and makes recommendations to enhance overall work experience of Chemonics/CSP employees.
  • Provides guidance and mentorship to all staff based on best practices and Chemonics values.
  • Contributes to project deliverables like weekly, quarterly, and annual reports; annual work plans; and helps to plan, organize, and facilitate all staff workshops.
  • Provides support and advice to the Chief of Party for resolution of complex issues, timely completion of tasks, and achievement of program goals and objectives.
  • Conducts periodic training on Chemonics ethical standards of business conduct with staff, vendors, subcontractors, and grantees.
  • In coordination with the Chief of Party, represents the project to USAID, and proactively communicates progress, achievements, and challenges.
  • Serves as the project’s safety and security focal point.
  • Serves as Acting Chief of Party, when required.
  • Other duties as assigned by the Chief of Party.

 4.  Minimum Qualifications

• • Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in economics, business administration, international relations, engineering or a related field from an accredited university.
  • Minimum of 10 years’ experience with donor-funded relief and development programs in Lebanon or the wider region; experience with USAID-funded programs strongly preferred.
  • Experience in the Middle East required; familiarity with Lebanon’s municipalities, local communities, and NGOs and community-based organizations strongly preferred.
  • Experience in one or more of CSP’s technical focus areas, including local economic development/livelihoods, community stabilization, service delivery, technical assistance/capacity building, or wastewater management.
  • Mix and balance of experience with accounting/financial management, human resource management, grants, subcontracts, and commodity procurement, with a particular emphasis on knowledge of USAID rules and regulations.
  • Experience in one or more of the following areas preferred: engineering, communications, and/or MEL.
  • Previous experience supervising staff required.
  • Ability to work independently, as well as within a large, fast-paced team with proven interpersonal skills.
  • Fluency in spoken and written Arabic and English required; strong English writing skills strongly preferred.

5.  Place of Assignment

The DCOP will be based in the project’s main office in Beirut, Lebanon, and may be required to travel occasionally throughout the country to CSP priority areas, as needed.

6.  Reporting

The DCOP reports directly to the CSP Chief of Party, or his/her designee.

Chemonics is an equal opportunity employer.  All applicants who can legally work in Lebanon will be considered for employment based on their qualifications without discrimination.