Beirut - PPO (Social Protection Operations) NOB

Job Context:

The position will be based in Lebanon Country Office within the Social Protection Unit (SPU). The incumbent will report directly to the Head of SPU operations in Beirut Country Office.

Job Purpose:

The person selected will support daily SPU safety net implementation and contribute to transferring social safety net operations to the Government of Lebanon.

Duration of Assignment:

The selected candidate will be contracted for an initial term of 12 months. Contract may be extended based on business need and satisfactory performance.               

Key Responsibilities (not all-inclusive, nor exhaustive):

Within delegated authority and under the direct supervision of the Head of SPU operations in Beirut Country Office, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

• Provide project management support and assistance to WFP run safety nets (National Poverty Targeting Program’s -NPTP – and Emergency Social Safety Net -ESSN), ensuring a coordinated approach with wider programmes that complies with WFP standards and procedures. This involves ensuring monthly safety nets cash distribution are delivered on a timely fashion, managing safety nets’ scale-up and assisting SPU in areas related to targeting and selection of beneficiaries, provision of cash assistance and Post Distribution Monitoring (PDM).
• Support the standardizations of SPU safety nets’ processes (operational manual, standardized operational procedures – SOPs) for the needs of WFP and the ones of the government of Lebanon when and if need be.
• Contribute to performing regular quality control checks on all uploaded data within WFP safety nets implementation including initiating necessary data validation and recertification exercises.
• Organize, moderate, lead on and represent WFP at NPTP technical committee.
• Contribute to preparing NPTP steering committee.
• Manage the design, endorsement and set-up of a new NPTP M&E log frame as well as of a Grievance Redress System (GRS) and call-centre embedded at the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA), engage and lead on technical discussions with the GoL on these topics. Ensure gender & protection mainstreaming in the referral & appeal pathways.
• Support SPU strategic thinking and drafting on the design of future social safety nets in Lebanon.
• Support SPU’s contracting process with WFP’s cooperating partners (CPs), review narrative and financial reports from CPs to ensure compliance and coherence with project implementation.
• Liaise with internal counterparts to ensure effective collaboration and monitor ongoing projects around NPTP.
•  Support the identification, development, and management of potential partnerships to collaborative working leading to more effective delivery of assistance to vulnerable populations.
•  Contribute to the production of knowledge products and development of policy and operational research on topics related to Social Safety Nets and other assistance programs of WFP.
•  Support the capacity building of WFP staff, partners and national government on Social Safety Nets transfers.
•  Contribute to the timely and accurate delivery of corporate and donor report requirements on safety nets programmes and activities to enable informed decision-making and consistency of information presented to stakeholders.
• Guide and supervise Programme Policy Officers and Programme Assistance working in SPU Operations team, support coordination of SP staff based in Sub-offices.
• Perform other related duties as required.

DESIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Experience in supporting implementation or design of a safety net program is required.
• Demonstrated experience in directly working or collaborating with Government ministries is required.
• Knowledge of policies around safety nets, targeting, monitoring systems and their applications.
• Understanding of the theory and application of food security, cash-based assistance programs, or other safety net programs.
• Proficient computer knowledge and usage of MS software package, internet search and mapping software (desired)
• Advanced analytical skills (desired)
• Excellent interpersonal skills and effective communication skills for diverse audience of different cultural background and economic levels, and interagency partners (desired).
• Excellent writing skills.
• Proven experience in leading medium teams.

STANDARD MINIMUM ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Advanced University degree (i.e. Master's degree or higher) in Economics, Agriculture, International Affairs, Business Administration, Social Sciences, Development Studies or other related fields or First University degree (i.e. Bachelor’s degree) with additional years of relevant work experience or training/courses.

Experience: Three (3) or more years of postgraduate professional experience (after completion of Advanced University degree) in the fields of programme management for humanitarian/development organizations, cash-based transfer assistance, social protection or partnerships with government, or, five (5) years or more after completion of First University degree.

Language: Fluency in both oral and written communication in English and Arabic.