Program Manager Protection Full-time Job

General Position Summary
The Program Manager for Protection is responsible for providing technical and management leadership for Mercy Corps protection program. S/he will work closely with Mercy Corps’ Protection Technical Advisor and Gender Advisor, and local implementing partners to manage and support the protection and conflict resolution strategy.
The Protection Program Manager will oversee the daily technical and administrative activities, to meet program objectives. Specifically, they will ensure quality of implementation by partners, support partner capacity building, review activity implementation plans, and provide timely and appropriate feedback.

Essential Job Responsibilities
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

Develop and implement an overall project management plan for all areas of the program in coordination with the partners
Lead field teams and implementing partners in project start-up and ongoing management including community mobilization, coordination with key stakeholders and adherence to logistics, procurement and human resource policies.
Lead development of implementation modalities that will best engage women in a way that ensures safety, comfort, dignity, and respect for all stakeholders involved in activities.
Create tools for field staff to assist with implementation of program and quality of implementation with support from technical support staff. This will include trainings, check lists, guides for reporting, quality indicators etc.
Coordinate logistical support and oversight in coordination with the operations department and security department, for field teams implementing field level activities
Lead the identification and capacity building support plans of local partners and design systems for accompaniment in conjunction with partners.
Create and ensure effective relationships management between Mercy Corps, community stakeholders, partner organizations and related structures through constant communication. Communicate program expectations, roles and responsibilities, and accountabilities to Mercy Corps staff, local partners and community stakeholders and clearly outlining requirements of all.
Support development of scopes of work for consultants and subcontracts with technical experts; oversee technical service delivery and consultant reporting in conjunction with partner organization.
Work closely with partners to manage programmatic challenges as they arise, offering recommendations and support. When required troubleshoot partner field-level programming.

REPRESENTATION AND COORDINATION

Ensure partners’ coordination in the implementation of all projects and provide appropriate management supervision and technical support. Provide input for potential integration strategies and areas.
Participate in internal program coordination meetings, as required.
Build strong relationships with team members.
Demonstrate flexibility, resilience and ability to maintain positive relationships and composure.
Maintain ethical standards as per Mercy Corps and donor compliances, as well as policies of Syrian Arab Republic.

MONITORING AND EVALUATION

In collaboration with the M&E department, facilitate timely data collection on all project activities, outputs, and outcomes. Develop additional M&E mechanisms when needed, including implementation of surveys, FGDs, and other information gathering methods
Use program data to proactively address concerns in coordination with the DCD Programs.
Participate in regular progress report review meetings with partners. Ensure appropriate adjustments for ongoing or planned activities, using the results.
Monitor and evaluate the performance of project staff and provide supportive supervision; give input into performance appraisals
Analyze activity implementation reports to evaluate the overall program success, recommend program changes, and provide support to partners on addressing challenges during implementation.
Responsible to document the success of activities with coordination of other team members including the knowledge management and communication specialists. Facilitate program representation during field and internal program/organizational knowledge management visits.
Draft reports as per set reporting schedule on the program interventions in a quality and timely manner.

SECURITY

Work closely with the country team’s security focal point to ensure program activities are conducted safely and security incidents are reported in a timely manner.
Ensure staff operating in insecure environments is provided with the support and tools necessary for their safety and that staff comply with Mercy Corps’ Security Standard Operating Procedures and policies.

FINANCE & COMPLIANCE MANAGEMENT

Coordinate and liaise with the finance team to provide input into partner spending forecasts. Coordinate with partners to facilitate compliance to budgets.
Ensure compliance with donor and Mercy Corps regulations.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

Technical Support staff

ACCOUNTABILITY TO PARTICIPANTS AND STAKEHOLDERS

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants and stakeholders and internationally recognized standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all locations.

Organizational Learning

As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Supervisory Responsibility

Reports Directly To: Director of Programs
Works Directly With: Team leaders, Finance, Operation, M&E.

Knowledge and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in social work, development studies, international relations, political science or other relevant field is required. Master’s degree preferred
2-4 years experience in implementing protection and conflict management activities, in coordination with local stakeholders and humanitarian actors
Understanding of political, economic, and social context of the work area, with a strong understanding of the issues faced by beneficiaries
Good community mobilization skills and experience; ability to work closely with a diverse team of local staff in a politically sensitive environment.
Clear and concise written and spoken communication. Strong writing skills are essential to effectively manage project design and proposal writing.
Ability to work independently, effectively manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and problem solve. Strong attention to detail and demonstrated ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines, and work independently and cooperatively with team members are required.
Experience managing staff, in remote management experience.
Knowledge and use of Microsoft office package.
Written and verbal fluency in English and Arabic is essential.

Success Factors
The successful Protection Program Manager will be an excellent communicator and able to effectively motivate diverse team members, implement project activities in a timely manner, solve problems creatively, and manage team performance and dynamics. S/he will have proven experience with project management, including financial planning and reporting and strong computer and data management skills. They will demonstrate high level of ability to problem-solve, multi-task, work quickly under pressure, and provide timely solutions. More importantly, the successful candidate will show commitment to promoting protection programs, community empowerment and support for affected communities. Demonstrated flexibility and creativity in planning and problem solving are essential.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions
The position is based in Damascus, Syria, with frequent travel throughout the region.
While hardship conditions exist in Syria, this position is accompanied and is eligible for R&R. Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours and are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all locations.Fostering a diverse and open workplace is an important part of Mercy Corps’ vision. Mercy Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to workforce diversity. Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by law.