Programs Manager

Programs Manager

1. Background

COOPI – Cooperazione Internazionale is an Italian humanitarian organization committed to fighting poverty and promoting sustainable development. COOPI Lebanon implements programs in protection, education, livelihoods, and basic assistance, supporting vulnerable populations across the country. The Programs Manager plays a key leadership role in overseeing all projects, ensuring high-quality implementation, and driving fundraising and proposal development efforts.

2. Purpose of the Position

The Programs Manager is responsible for the overall management, strategic direction, and quality implementation of COOPI Lebanon’s programs. This includes overseeing multiple projects, ensuring alignment with organizational and donor priorities, leading fundraising efforts, and spearheading proposal development. The role requires extensive experience in program management, team leadership, donor engagement, and resource mobilization.

3. Key Responsibilities

Program Oversight and Quality Assurance:

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for all COOPI Lebanon projects, ensuring they align with the organization’s mission and donor requirements.
• Ensure program activities are effectively planned, implemented, and monitored within budget and timeframe.
• Lead the development of program strategies, ensuring they are responsive to evolving needs in Lebanon.
• Monitor and evaluate project impact, ensuring lessons learned are documented and applied.

Fundraising and Proposal Development:

• Lead the development of high-quality proposals and concept notes for institutional donors, foundations, and private sector partners.
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities to diversify and expand COOPI Lebanon’s portfolio.
• Maintain strong relationships with donors and funding agencies, ensuring alignment with their strategic priorities.
• Ensure compliance with donor guidelines and reporting requirements.

Strategic Partnerships and Representation:

• Represent COOPI Lebanon in external coordination meetings, working groups, and donor engagements.
• Build and strengthen partnerships with INGOs, NGOs, government entities, and other key stakeholders.
• Advocate for program priorities and ensure COOPI’s presence in relevant sectoral forums.

Team Leadership and Capacity Building:

• Provide guidance and support to project managers, technical leads, and field staff to ensure effective project implementation.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment that encourages professional growth and development.
• Conduct capacity-building initiatives for staff, focusing on project management, donor compliance, and proposal writing.

Financial and Compliance Oversight:

• Work closely with the finance and logistics teams to ensure efficient use of resources and compliance with COOPI’s financial policies.
• Ensure donor funds are managed effectively, with regular budget reviews and tracking.
• Ensure transparency and accountability in program management and financial reporting.

Reporting and Knowledge Management:

• Oversee the preparation of donor reports, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with donor requirements.
• Document program achievements, best practices, and lessons learned to inform future programming.
• Contribute to COOPI’s internal knowledge-sharing and learning processes.

4. Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in humanitarian or development program management.
• Proven track record in fundraising, proposal writing, and resource mobilization.
• Experience managing multi-sectoral projects and working with international donors.
• Strong understanding of project cycle management, monitoring & evaluation, and budget management.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Strong networking, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Fluency in English and Arabic (French is an asset).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management tools.

Desirable:

• Experience working in Lebanon or the Middle East region.
• Familiarity with COOPI’s thematic areas such as protection, education, and livelihoods.
• Experience in capacity building and training.

5. Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Adaptability and flexibility in dynamic work environments.
• Commitment to COOPI’s humanitarian principles and values.