National Program Officer

National Program Officer at The Embassy of Switzerland in Lebanon 
Expected Start Date: 19 March 2018 or upon agreement
Vacancy only for Lebanese Nationals residing in Lebanon

The National Program Officer Water manages all aspects of the domain Water under the Swiss Regional Cooperation Strategy in place and of concern to Lebanon.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage all humanitarian and development projects under the water domain of the Swiss regional cooperation strategy in Lebanon. When necessary, manage projects from other strategic domains, or from other Swiss Government actors, that fall under the water domain.
• Ensure the full project cycle management in all operational and financial aspects (the latter together with the finance team), from planning and identification, to monitoring of implementation and evaluation. Identify projects for possible funding and analyse project proposals including public private development partnership (PPDP) initiatives. Elaborate related documents such as entry proposals, credit proposals, end of phase reports, evaluations and reviews and specific project and domain related reporting for overall  steering purposes or other.
• Develop and maintain a network with national authorities, national and international partners, relevant experts, decision-makers and other involved stakeholders.
• Ensure collaboration and coordination with all engaged internal actors in the Embassy of Switzerland in Lebanon and with Swiss representations in the region, namely with the Swiss representation in Amman, including participation in relevant meetings.
• Plan, coordinate and manage delegations, events and meetings that are thematically closely linked to the water domain or specific topics assigned to the NPO Water.
• Contribute to the preparation of policy and strategy positions, speaking notes, programmatic documentation and context analysis. Manage domain related and project-specific reporting.
• Represent the Embassy of Switzerland in national and international meetings and platforms in line with the Embassy's defined objectives and priorities.
• Assume the role of topical and partner focal point for the Swiss Cooperation Office.
• Contribute to relevant internal and external thematic (SDC) networks, namely the water network.

Education and experience

• Master degree or equivalent in political or social sciences, development studies or other relevant field
• At least 5 years of experience in development work with practical experience in the water sector
• Knowledge of and experience working in the region of the Middle East
• Sound experience in and knowledge of project cycle management (PCM)
• Experience working with a donor agency is an asset

Competencies

• High degree of managerial, administrative and organisational skills
• Demonstrated ability to analyse, conceptualize and monitor programs
• Target and result-oriented
• Able to work in a precise and analytical manner
• Able to work independently and under pressure
• Good interpersonal skills and high sense of team spirit
• Cultural and political sensitivity
• Strong networking, negotiation and communication skills
• Excellent computer skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Internet)
• In-depth understanding of current issues in the region and related to Water sector
• Strong sensitivity and responsiveness regarding gender and social inclusion issues

Candidates are expected to fullfil tasks not included in their Terms of Reference if deemed necessary by the Supervisor or Head of Cooperation.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an assessment.