Country Manager, Lebanon

Job Title: Country Manager, Lebanon Reports to: PACES Director of Regional Programs Start Date Required: As soon as possible
 
General Description of PACES: In response to the difficult circumstances in which Palestinian children live, the Palestinian Association for Children's Encouragement of Sports - PACES - was founded in June of 2006 with the central aim of providing sports programs for Palestinian girls and boys, and creating sanctuaries that are both healthy and fun, and to contribute to the overall development of the communities involved.
 
General Description of the Role:  The Country Manager is responsible for the management and ongoing development of PACES’ work in Lebanon as requested by the Director of Regional Programs. S/he will be responsible for ensuring that PACES’ work in Lebanon contributes effectively and efficiently towards meeting the short, medium and long term objectives of the organization. The central goal of PACES is the development of sports programs that will get the boys off the streets and therefore protect them from extremism and violence while getting the girls out of the home and into programs that empower them and contribute to their self–esteem.  
 
S/he will be charged with the supervision of the sports activities, the development of programs that enhance the coaches' skills and monitor their performance and interaction with children, address any gaps in the provision of health services to the children, and identify and build relations with organizations who can help us develop livelihood programs in Lebanon.  
 
In addition, s/he will be responsible for maintaining, creating, and developing non-sports and civic social programs which add value to PACES sports activities. These programs will be in partnership with other local and international NGOs and organizations. Also, the Country Manager should develop and implement Monitoring and Evaluation guidelines and systems. 
 
Duties & Responsibilities:•       Provide leadership for PACES’ programs in Lebanon. •       Assist in developing and building relations with organizations dealing with Livelihood creation programs in Lebanon. In addition, assist PACES in creating its own livelihood programs. •       Develop and implement PACES’ program action plan and strategy and ensure its timely implementation.  •       Supervise the sports activities and provide programs to coaches to enhance their skills and coaching techniques while dealing directly with children. •       Assist in the implementation of the M&E monitoring and evaluation schemes, guidelines and systems to ensure the best impact possible on PACES children.   •       Ensure a human resource plan is in place for the management of all staff in Lebanon. •       Ensure appropriate logistical systems and procedures are established and maintained in line with the PACES’ policies and procedures •       Ensure that PACES’ policies, systems, and guidelines are implemented and adhered to •       Oversee operational budget preparation and ensure relevant financial structures exist to support program activities and compliance •       Ensure the safety of all PACES staff  Leadership  •       Develop and maintain a coherent country program strategy that contributes to PACES’ objectives. •       Coordinate and manage the overall planning and direction of operations at country level. •       Create a shared vision, with the staff, of the program’s aims and their role in achieving these aims.  •       Develop/enhance key networking and partnerships with other NGOs •       Manage external communications in collaboration with the Director of Regional Programs.  Program Development & Management•       Ensure that projects remain within the remit of their initial design, budget and propose and prepare any amendments when necessary. •       Produce high quality monthly and periodic reports as required. •       Ensure that appropriate systems and plans are in place for dealing with emergencies, and provide leadership for staff in emergencies. •       Oversee established systems and standards for assessment and monitoring/evaluation of programs against their strategic aims. •       Ensure there are a regular, documented forum / meeting for all key staff to discuss and plan program objectives and plans. •       Ensure effective coordination of relevant departments/functions (e.g. Sports Programs, Admin and HR, Financial, etc.) in project management. •       Oversee and ensure productive working relationships with all third parties. •       Coordinate legal issues with the local attorney. Staff Management / HR, Administration & Logistics•       Manage staff effectively, including appropriate and systematic delegation. •       Co-ordinate and support the local staff teams, ensuring that the individuals work effectively together and achieve the program objectives. •       Provide effective management of senior staff, including conducting regular performance reviews and ensure effective teamwork among staff •       Ensure that appropriate logistic, administrative and financial structures and procedures are maintained in accordance with the guidelines. •       Ensure that technical and administrative reports requested by staff members are delivered in a timely manner.  Finance Management  •       Oversee budget preparation on the operational level, setting the parameters and the processes.  •       Ensure that country programs are implemented within the budgets. •       Ensure all finance/procurement/HR/logistics procedures are complaint with PACES’s internal managerial controls/policies and procedures. •       Ensures the submission, implementation and following up the Monthly Activity Plan and Budget within the set time-frame with coordination with the Director of Regional Programs.Security  The Country Manager should make sure oversee the security of PACES staff, children and coaches and develop an adequate response to security situations  Other
Carry out any other duties as requested by the Director of Regional Programs.
 
Qualifications: Education: Advance university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in social or economic sciences, sport sciences or a related field. Experience: •       Experience: At least 5 years of experience in management with strong program development, team management and leadership experience. At least 2 years working experience in a senior management position. •       Experience in the field of developing “sport for development programs and activities” for children is an asset. •       Team management experience required.  Required Skills: •       Strong management and leadership skills required as this is essentially a managerial position.  •       Strong networking and representational skills.  •       Very strong organizational skills, ability to manage a very varied and changing workload. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written, oral, cross-cultural).
Language and other requirements:•       Language: Fluency in Arabic and English, spoken and written. •       Proven report writing skills particularly in English.  •       Excellent Microsoft Office skills, word and especially Excel.
A valid driving license.
 
 
Note: This Job Description only serves as a guide for the position available. PACES reserves the right to change this document as the organization deems it necessary.