Deputy Director of Programme Implementation

ROLE PURPOSE

The Deputy Director of Programme Implementation will be responsible to ensure the delivery of the country strategy through quality management and coordination of programmes implemented by Plan and its partners in Lebanon, including interventions focused on Child Protection, GBV, SRHR, Education, Economic Empowerment and other sectors. He/She provides day-to-day support, coaching and direct line management to the Programme and Project Managers responsible for each of the area/sector of implementation.

DIMENSIONS OF THE ROLE

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Programme Director, the Deputy Director of Programme Implementation will ensure quality management and coordination of Plan International’s programmes in Lebanon, working closely with Finance, Operations, HR, PDQM and other Programmes colleagues. He/She will also line manage a number of Programme and Project Managers, and work closely with partner organisations to provide them with appropriate assistance and guidance.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

Programme Design and Planning:

    Support assessments in new target areas; determine priorities, immediate activities and required resources.
    Contribute to the development of proposals and concept notes by liaising with partners, and providing inputs on narratives and budgets to ensure that appropriate resources are allocated and programme implementation is feasible and achievable. 
    Develop relevant templates and tools for project management, including detailed implementation plans, phased budgets, risk matrices, procurement plans, etc.
    Liaise with relevant stakeholders in targeted implementation areas.
    Ensure projects are kicked off in a timely and quality manner.
    Ensure active engagement in influencing and advocacy strategy development and delivery to ensure the voices and views of children, especially girls, are heard.

Quality Management and Implementation:

    Ensure that all programmes and projects are delivered according to agreed work plans, budgets, procedures and compliance.
    Ensure that projects are properly kicked-off and closed out, and implemented with compliance.
    Facilitate coordination between various programme and project managers to ensure that activities are implemented in a coordinated and phased manner.
    Ensure close management of multi-sectoral and multi-location projects in coordination with relevant technical programme managers.
    Lead on monthly programmes and grants review meetings and mobilise relevant staff as needed to ensure risks are mitigated and addressed.
    Ensure that programme implementation takes into account contractual requirements, in coordination with the Grants Coordinator.
    Provide technical guidance and direction including ongoing training, coaching and mentoring to Plan International Lebanon’s and partners’ staff members on project management procedures and guidelines to assure the quality delivery of strategic projects and programs.
    Undertake regular field monitoring visits to assess progress and identify technical quality issues and/or other implementation issues, provide solutions and implement modifications as required.
    Act as emergency team leader as required during emergency responses.
    
Coordination and Communication

    Provide updates and reports on activities and programmes to Plan International’s regional team, Head Office, relevant National Offices and donors;
    Build and maintain relationships with relevant municipalities, UN organizations (UNICEF, UNESCO, UNHCR, etc.), INGOs and national NGOs;
    Participate in Working Group meeting and other relevant coordination entities;
    Attend regular calls, meetings, etc. as required by Plan International.

Human Resources

    Deputise for the Programme Director as needed.
    Line manage and provide guidance to the Programme and Project Managers and other team members as the portfolio grows.
    Identify staffing needs for projects and support the recruitment process for these staff.
    Commitment to Plan’s position on promoting girls’ rights and gender equality; and integrating this into all aspects of work.

Other Responsibilities:

Success Metrics: No violations of the corporate standards and policies.

1.    Ensures that Plan International’s global policies for Child Protection (CPP) and Gender Equality and Inclusion (GEI) are fully embedded in accordance with the principles and requirements of the policy including relevant Implementation Standards and Guidelines as applicable to their area of responsibility. This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring staff and associates are aware of and understand their responsibilities under these policies and Plan International’s Code of Conduct (CoC), their relevance to their area of work, and that concerns are reported and managed in accordance with the appropriate procedures.
2.    Complies with corporate policies and standards: Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy, IT Policy, Anti –Fraud and Corruption Policy, Confidentiality Policy, Code of Conduct, Whistle Blowing, HR Policies and Procedures. 
3.    Ensures commitment to Plan’s position on promoting girls’ rights and gender equality, and integrating this into all aspects of work.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND BEHAVIOURS 

Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of:

    The context relating to the rights of children and young people, especially girls and young women, in Lebanon;
    Project management phases and procedures;
    Core Humanitarian Standards.

Qualifications and Experience

    Minimum 5 years of professional experience in managing multi-sectoral portfolios and programmes;
    Master’s degree in a relevant field;
    Strong experience in Project Management, both on a programmatic and financial level;
    Strong experience in managing senior teams;
    Experience working in programming related to children and youth;
    Experience working on projects in partnership with international, national and local NGOs is preferred

Skills

    Excellent knowledge of Arabic and English is mandatory
    Excellent ability to write reports, briefing papers and research in English
    Excellent skills in project design, time management, and problem solving
    Good facilitation skills and ability to deliver briefings and trainings
    Demonstrated ability to network and liaise with UN, coordination mechanisms and donors
    Demonstrated ability to liaise and coordinate with teams from different sectors to address issues affecting children and youth in a multi-sectoral approach
    Flexible work attitude and ability to work independently within a small tea
    Ability to effectively communicate with a diverse and cross-cultural audience

PLAN INTERNATIONAL’S VALUES IN PRACTICE

We are open and accountable

1.    Promotes a culture of openness and transparency, including with sponsors and donors.
2.    Holds self and others accountable to achieve the highest standards of integrity.
3.    Consistent and fair in the treatment of people.
4.    Open about mistakes and keen to learn from them.
5.    Accountable for ensuring we are a safe organisation for all children, girls & young people

We strive for lasting impact

1.    Articulates a clear purpose for staff and sets high expectations.
2.    Creates a climate of continuous improvement, open to challenge and new ideas.
3.    Focuses resources to drive change and maximise long-term impact, responsive to changed priorities or crises.
4.    Evidence-based and evaluates effectiveness.

We work well together

1.    Seeks constructive outcomes, listens to others, willing to compromise when appropriate.
2.    Builds constructive relationships across Plan International to support our shared goals.
3.    Develops trusting and ‘win-win’ relationships with funders, partners and communities.
4.    Engages and works well with others outside the organization to build a better world for girls and all children.

We are inclusive and empowering

1.    We empower our staff to give their best and develop their potential
2.    We respect all people, appreciate differences and challenge equality in our programs and our workplace
3.    We support children, girls and young people to increase their confidence and to change their own lives. 

LEVEL OF CONTACT WITH CHILDREN:

High level

TRAVEL

•    In-country travel is estimated at 50%.
•    Occasional international travel may be required.