Head of Programs and Operations

1. The Organization’s Overview:

The Alawite Islamic Charity Association known as (AICA), is a local NGO established in 1950 in North Lebanon, Tripoli, under decree No. 4500/1950, operating since then under several divisions and institutions. AICA’s programs and activities that aim to mitigate all forms of discrimination towards civil rights access are:

• Health in Al Zahraa Medical Center (AMC), the Primary Health Care Center (PHCC) provides services for patients from different areas within the North governorate.
• Food Security in the House of Wisdom Community Kitchen (HOWCK) operating as a social enterprise
• Vocational Training/Livelihoods in AICA’s Digital Lab - collaborating with ICDL. Offering career acceleration services enabling new opportunities for vulnerable marginalized youth.
• Social Stability in the Social Services Community Center (SSCC), providing health, education, basic assistance, and protection services/support.
• Education in Al Doha Scientific School (ADSS) 
• Emergency Response with the First Responder Team (FRT) in partnership with the Lebanese Red Cross- Disaster & Risk Reduction Unit, acts as a risk response community initiative. 
• Protection, where a protection team from social workers and legal mediators' supports in a few cases and refers others to active actors as per the referral pathways.
• Advocacy, where local networks and forums advocate over various topics from Localization, to women-led initiatives, GBV, and youth empowerment.

II. Main areas of responsibilities:

• Program Management:

• Develop and implement the organization's program strategy and plans in collaboration with the senior management team (SMT) and field management team.
• Ensure that the programs are designed and implemented in accordance with the organization's vision, mission, policies, standards, and donor requirements.
• Provide guidance and support to the program teams in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of the programs.
• Ensure that the programs are meeting their intended objectives and that progress is regularly reported to the SMT and donors.
• Identify and manage risks associated with the programs and take appropriate measures to mitigate them.
• Ensure that the programs are adequately resourced, including staffing, budget, and materials.

• Operations Management:

• Oversee the organization's operations, including logistics, procurement, finance, and human resources, to ensure that they are functioning efficiently and effectively.
• Ensure that the operations are compliant with the organization's policies, standards, and donor requirements.
• Provide guidance and support to the operations teams in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of their activities.
• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Manage risks associated with the operations and take appropriate measures to mitigate them.

• Staff Management:

• Manage the program and operations staff, including recruitment, training, performance evaluation, and career development.
• Foster a positive work environment that promotes teamwork, learning, and innovation.
• Ensure that the staff are aligned with the organization's mission and values and that they are motivated to achieve their objectives.

• Representation and Networking:

• Represent the organization in meetings, workshops, and events with donors, partners, and other stakeholders.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with donors, partners, and other stakeholders to ensure their continued support and collaboration.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for collaboration and networking with other organizations and stakeholders.

The above list is a non-exhaustive one, nor limitative, the head of programs and operations could be asked to cover other responsibilities and tasks within the framework of his/her job on demand of the line manager.

• Qualifications & Requirements:

• Background: Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field such as international development, social sciences, business administration or engineering. At least 7 years of experience in developing and implementing successful programs in a non-profit organization, with a focus on community development, humanitarian response, or similar fields, in addition to operations management.
• Languages: Fluent in Arabic, Professional command in writing and speaking English, Basic French.
• Personal qualities and soft skills:
• Strong leadership and management skills, with a proven ability to lead and motivate teams.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and networking skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on results and impact.
• Experience in donor relations and fundraising.
• Familiarity with international standards and best practices in program and operations management.
• Computer Skills: Microsoft Office, Skilled with project management planning and monitoring software or systems.
• Driving License: Available

ORG CHART POSITION (reporting and functional relationships):

Line Manager: Chief Executive Officer

Functional Manager: Chief Executive Officer