Project Coordinator – Swm/r Value Chain

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY
The Zahle-based Value Chain Project Coordinator will assist in the implementation of the INTAJ (Improved Networks, Training and Jobs) two year economic development program funding from the UK Department for International Development (DFID) ), which started in April 2016. This program aims at improving the stability and resiliency in target communities in the North of Lebanon and the Beqaa through reduced unemployment and increased income for businesses.
 
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
 
Project Implementation:

Support the Project Manager and INTAJ team in planning and implementing project activities to meet project deliverables based on timeline and scope agreed with the donor;
Provide day-to-day support and coordination, including administrative, financial and logistical support. Trouble shoot any administrative problems and report any challenges or bottlenecks to the Project Manager;
Support the Project Manager and INTAJ team in implementing activities and monitoring of project progress;
Build relationships with unions and local municipalities to introduce the project and facilitate access to information related to project activities and scope. Arrange for meetings with local entities and authorities, as requested;
Participate in team planning and coordination meetings and trainings;
Support the Project Manager in conducting periodic risk assessments to update implementation plan accordingly;
Support monitoring and evaluation efforts to document project outputs, outcomes, and impact to inform donor and other internal reporting;
Assist in filing and record keeping of project activities;
Assist in analysis of data collected to facilitate assessment results and lessons learnt; 
Monitor adherence to grant agreement, Mercy Corps policies and procedures and relevant external rules and regulations. Facilitate internal Mercy Corps procurement processes;
Prepare weekly reports to be submitted to the Project Manager. Contribute to quarterly reports and other ad hoc reports to meet donor and internal requirements;
Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission;

 
Project Coordination for Value Chain Component

Assist with the integrated value chain design processes in order to deliver maximum joint impact, and integrate value chain-related activities into the design of INTAJ;
Facilitate improved solid waste management/recycling (SWM/R) processing, production and marketing practices, as well as in-kind support to existing or emerging market actors;
Strengthen linkages across SWM/R value chain and to peripheral industries (i.e. Producers, suppliers, traders, buyers and financial institutions);
Assist with marketing support strategies for SWM/R value chain premised (i.e. Sub-grants to support product development, new linkages, social awareness campaigns);
Assist with the strategies to support institutional and community capacity building to enhance the enabling environment (i.e. technical capacity building to municipalities as solid waste producers/market actors, sub-grants to private service providers to upgrade municipal waste management capacity;
Coordinate and assist with the monitoring and evaluation (M&E), accountability and learning systems for optimal value chain component quality and local partner organization capacity strengthening.

 
Coordination and Representation

Liaise with local officials including municipalities, Chambers of Commerce, local NGOs and INGOs, project partners, key community leaders, Small and Medium Enterprises SMEs), and other relevant stakeholders to ensure successful deliverables;
Develop and maintain working relationships and coordinate with relevant international and local agencies active in the livelihoods and economic development sector;
Represent Mercy Corps at local coordination meetings, where relevant.

 
Other

Ensure all activities are gender sensitive and follow Mercy Corps’ Gender Equity Policy;
Apply Do No Harm standards to ensure activities do not have detrimental effects on vulnerable communities;
Contribute to monthly reports and other ad hoc reports to meet donor and internal requirements;
Participate in internal office coordination and planning meetings and workshops;
Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and not jeopardize its humanitarian mission;
Other assigned tasks, as necessary.

 
Organizational Learning 
As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve.  We expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.
 
Accountability to Beneficiaries
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
 
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: None
Reports directly to:  INTAJ Project Manager in Bekaa
Works directly with:  Technical Advisor, Operations, Finance, Program, and M&E Teams
 
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

BA/S or equivalent in social science, management, economics, international development, or other relevant field.
At least two-three years of progressive experience and proven high level of competence in working in economic and market development and/or development-related programs, ideally in relief and/or post-conflict settings.
Ability to successfully implement economic development programming.
Specialized background in value chains and/or economic and market development-preferred.
Experience with relief and socio-economic development work in a vulnerable context.
Some knowledge of Lebanon, in particular its displacement context, protection threats, economic challenges, social stability and resilience mechanisms relevant to internal conflict preferred.
Proven track record in staff and stakeholder training and capacity building.
Strong leadership and communication skills.
Ability and interest to work with a multi-ethnic team in a culturally appropriate manner.
Solid knowledge of the socio-economic context of the Beqaa.
Knowledge of the Lebanese Solid Waste Management Sector preferred
Knowledge of Mercy Corps Solid Waste Management Strategy Highly preferred.
Proficiency in English essential

 
SUCCESS FACTORS
A successful candidate will have the ability to live and work closely with a diverse team of individuals in a highly intense and fluid work and security environment with a capacity to promote new approaches to programming and inspire groups to collaborate closely to implement high-quality programs. S/he will have proven ability to learn quickly, take initiative, and be accountable for results.  Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with curiosity about and sensitivity to new cultures, a desire and ability to learn and grow, both personally and professionally, and a great sense of humor.