Program Support Specialist (Coordination and Analysis)

About the job

The Program Support Specialist is a strategic role that is at the center of DRC Lebanon ambition to leverage information derived from data generated primarily from its Referral Information Management System (RIMS) and DRC Programmes overall to improve referral processes and engage in evidence-based advocacy in Lebanon on various protection issues.  

RIMS was developed by DRC in Lebanon with ECHO funding to improve the effectiveness and accountability of referral systems in Lebanon. Modelled on the inter-agency “Minimum Standards and Procedures for Individual Referrals”, RIMS started as a pilot in September 2017 with five partners. It has since continuously expanded, counts 19 international and local partners to date and is still expanding. On the one hand, RIMS enables users to manage referrals in real time, minimizing the time it takes to wait for and provide feedback on referral status and reducing inefficient information management through systematic and organized referrals tracking. On the other hand, the System analyses inputted data from all partners and generates information on referral trends. These allow the identification of bottle-necks in the process or gaps in service access or availability. This information is then used to guide programing and advocacy and increase accountability towards affected populations.  

The selected individual will oversee the onboarding of new organizations, coordination with partners to improve governance, efficiency and consistent use of the system, regularly analyze information in the system to draft and disseminate snapshots and reports to contribute to inter-agency coordination in Lebanon.   

The Program Support Specialist will complement RIMS generated evidence with secondary data available in Lebanon including information generated through DRC Programmes through various tool including its IM system ‘Alpha’ used by DRC to implement and monitor its programmes to ensure accountability to both beneficiaries and donors.  

The Programme Support specialist will work in close collaboration with other DRC departments including the IM, MEAL, Protection, Livelihoods, Mine Risk Education and Advocacy teams. ​

Your main duties and responsibilities will be: 

A. RIMS Partner management 

• Support the RIMS officer in conducting outreach to new partners to increase coverage of RIMS through presentations and one on one meetings 

• Oversee the process of partners’ enrolment including baseline needs assessment, capacity building plan and data protection. 

• In collaboration with the IM teams, manage partner follow-up including consistency of partner usage of the System, quality of the data, application of safeguards and personalised management, monthly update of the online service mapping and lead on initiatives for guidance and improvement  

• Organize quarterly Steering Committee meetings with heads of RIMS user agencies, review and maintain RIMS governance documents, including data protection policy and coordinate revision of MoUs with partners.

B. RIMS System improvement 

• In collaboration with the IM team, oversee continuous technical improvements of RIMS and functionalities based on user feedback to ensure that the system continues to respond to the needs of its users and retains the features necessary to continuously improve referral management within the response in Lebanon. Lead official launch of new versions as relevant.

C. Research and Analysis 

• Regularly analyze aggregated information in RIMS through dashboards and datasets to identify key trends and gaps, for example, by cross-referencing needed services against those actually received, and incorporating gender, age, nationality, timeliness, referral status and geographical sector variables 

• Produce periodic RIMS snapshots to capture statistics and referral trends to keep actors in Lebanon regularly informed about referral usage  

• Produce bi-annual comprehensive analytical reports, using RIMS data triangulated with available DRC or external complementary information, assessments and research to derive analysis on gaps and limitations in service provision and generate evidence-based recommendations to improve programme and advocacy response. Involve HoP, IM, MEAL, Protection, Livelihoods, Mine Risk Education and Advocacy teams closely in the process. 

• Produce upon request other ad’hoc specific analytical reports around effectiveness and accountability of humanitarian response based on needs. 

• Support other DRC teams in drafting analytical reports

D. Coordination and representation  

• With the support of the Advocacy specialist, Protection coordinator and communication officer, share analytical snapshots and reports, key findings and recommendations with relevant stakeholders through various means, including bilaterally with agencies and through Inter-Agency coordination meetings to inform sector priorities, response plans and advocacy activities 

• Actively participate in relevant working groups and national discussions around referrals, protection, effectiveness and accountability of humanitarian assistance in particular  

• Work closely with other DRC sectors to ensure that DRC staff are up to date on all RIMS developments and referrals are adequately addressed across sectors

E. Grant implementation and reporting  

• Ensure the implementation of the ECHO funded RIMS program, including appropriate and timely spending of grant to achieve programme goals, grants reporting contributions, use and distribution of supplies and resources;   

• Ensure the submission of timely, accurate and well-written donor reports and other reporting requirements  

• Ensure the implementation of monitoring and evaluation tools and report on problems in the implementation of the programme;   

• With the support of Grants Specialist and Head of Programs, prepare grants’ proposals to secure follow on or expansion funding for the RIMS program as per identified needs and in line with the IM strategy;  

• Represent DRC with relevant donors, and in particular ECHO, when needed 

D. Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning  

• Liaise with the MEAL department to oversee and ensure achievements of targets towards donors’ requirements through overall management of the RIMS program (through the use of indicators performance trackers).  

• Oversee and ensure analysis of results and guide DRC and partner staff to use these results to enhance programme effectiveness and quality (learning); 

Ensure programmatic adherence to DRC policies, procedures, guidelines, systems and standard practices, including commitments under the CHIF; 

• Take measures to strengthen accountability to beneficiaries including piloting an accountability feature on the System whereby beneficiary feedback will assess their satisfaction with the effectiveness and timeliness of referrals; 

• Contribute to the analysis of feedback received from beneficiaries to continuously improve the system  

G: Other  

• Any other duties as agreed with the Head of Programme. ​

About you 

To be successful in this role we expect you to have a university degree in management, international relations, development studies, or other related field. 

Moreover, we also expect the following:​

Required  

• 5-6 years of experience in working within a humanitarian context, preferably in emergencies, coordinating with country office and field teams  

• 4-5 years of experience in coordination with external stakeholders such as INGOs, Local NGOs municipalities, employers, partner NGOs etc.  

• 3-4 years of experience in research as well as developing written analytical reports and information analysis 

• 3-4 years of experience demonstrating written and oral communication skills, effective in presentation and liaison with external parties.  

• 2-3 years of experience in programme implementation and reporting  

• Works well in and promotes teamwork, comfortable in a multi-cultural environment, flexible and able to handle pressure well.   

• High computer literacy 

• English (Fluency needed) 

• Arabic would be advantageous ​

Desirable 

• INGO experience in Protection, MEAL, IM or Humanitarian Coordination is strongly preferred  

• Previous direct experience with referrals and referral systems preferred 

• Previous experience working on the Syria refugee response, ideally in Lebanon, preferred 

• Previous experience in facilitating trainings and workshops preferred

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies:   

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process. 
• Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.   
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation. 
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.   
• Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with DRC’s vision and values. ​

We offer 

• Contract length: 12 months (pending funding confirmation) 
• Level: G1 
• Duty Station: Beirut 
• Start date: April 2019​

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Nationals; please refer to drc.ngo under Vacancies. For questions regarding the vacancy please contact [email protected].​

Application process 

Interested? Then apply for this position by clicking on the apply button or go to www.drc.ngo under current vacancies. 

All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email to Dolene Khairallah will not be considered.​

Closing date for applications: 25th of February 2019. 

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit drc.ngo/jobsupport. 

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.