LEBANON – MEAL COORDINATOR (H/F) – BEIRUT

Desired start date: ASAP

Duration of the mission: 12 months (renewable)

Location: Position based in Beirut

ABOUT THE MISSION

Lebanon hosts about 1.5 million Syrian refugees, mainly in its northern governorate (Akkar and Tripoli) and in the Bekaa Valley. SOLIDARITES INTERNATIONAL (SI) has launched its operations in Lebanon in March 2013 in order to address the immediate needs of both Syrian refugees and Lebanese host families also affected by the crisis. SI in Lebanon has two operational bases (Tripoli and Zahle) and a coordination office in Beirut. The expatriate team consists of 17 staff members, while the national team represents about 170 staff members.

While contemplating to secure usual humanitarian interventions in core sectors of expertise (Wash and Shelter), the mission is also transitioning towards getting engaged in more structural and long-term recovery and development projects

SI LEB’s program portfolio revolves around 3 main axes:

• WASH interventions in Informal settlements
• Integrated approach (wash/shelter interventions integrated with Protection and Health activities implemented by partners)
• Response to emergencies

At the time of writing, SI LEB budget volume amounts to roughly 15 M USD and SI LEB is implementing 8 projects

• 2 UNICEF-funded projects (WASH) in Bekka and Akkar
• 1 ECHO-funded project (Protection for Shelter) in Akkar
• 1 AFD/DANIDA-funded project for DRM activities in Bekka and Akkar (consortium – SI Lead – 12 M euros – 4 years)
• 1 BPRM-funded project (Shelter for Protection and Health) in consortium (SI Lead) in Bekka and Akkar
• 1 DFID/EU-funded project (CAMEALEON) project (3^rd party monitoring of WFP’s cash assistance program)
• 1 DFID (though MEDAIR)-funded project of sites mapping in Akkar
• 1 GSMA funded project for the development of SOLIS Information system

In the course of the year 2021, SI LEB expects the signature of several new grants/projects.

ABOUT THE JOB

General Objectives:

The MEAL coordinator contributes to the development of Solidarités International strategy by proposing a sector-based strategy in the field of MEAL.

He/she specifically guarantees the quality and suitability of proposed technical approaches and ensures the appropriateness of MEAL activities and general SI objectives to the needs of the local populations.

He/she coordinates the project cycle and more particularly the operational monitoring of MEAL programs implemented in the intervention country.

He/she contributes to the process of capitalization and the improvement of Solidarités International methods and techniques in the field of MEAL.

Challenges foreseen:

• Numerous projects to follow with key strategic deliverables
• SI Referrals to report and communicate on (internally and externally)
• High technicity of monitoring and follow-up tools and systems
• Feedback and complaint mechanism under the responsibility of the MEAL department (hotline)

Management:

• 1 deputy MEAL Coordinator

YOUR PROFILE

EDUCATION:

• Advanced in information management, IT or university degree (BA) in development & humanitarian studies, social sciences or equivalent

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 3 years with INGO specialized in Humanitarian assistance
• Minimum 2 years of experience as MEAL senior manager or coordinator
• Previous experience in the coordination team of a country office is a strong asset
• Previous experience in integrated programing especially in shelter/WaSH, Health and Protection programing is an asset
• Previous working experience in the Middle East and/or Lebanon is an asset

TECHNICAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Demonstrable research design competency (quantitative and qualitative)
• Advanced Excel competency required
• Skill with analytical software (R, NVivo, STATA/SPSS)
• Strong Project Cycle Management skills
• Strong coordination skills

SOFT SKILLS AND SPIRIT:

• Ability to interpret, synthesize, and concisely present complex data
• Good negotiation and diplomacy skills
• Organized and problem solving spirit
• Autonomy and capacity of initiative
• Flexibility and strong coordination skills
• Ability to work under pressure, with peaks of heavy workloads

LANGUAGES:

• Excellent command of English (speaking, reading and writing)
• Good command of Arabic is an asset

OTHERS:

• Commitment to the fundamental principles of SI’s charter and ethos.

SI WILL OFFER YOU

A SALARIED POSITION: According to experience, starting from 2400 euros gross per month (+ 10% annual leave allowance paid monthly i.e. 2640 euros gross per month) and a monthly per diem of 750 USD a month. Please note that salary is not negotiable with SI.

This position is entitled to a family package and an accommodation allowance (housing allowance; child and school allowance; insurances + flights for all the family members).

VACATION: During the assignment, a system of alternation between work and time off is implemented at the rate of 7 working days every three months. For a one-year assignment, the expatriate will have a 7 working days break at 3, 6 and 9 months (with 850 USD allocated by Solidarités).

To these break periods, it is necessary to add the granting of one additional rest day per month worked, i.e. 12 days in addition for a one-year contract.

SOCIAL AND MEDICAL COVER: Expatriates benefit from an insurance package which reimburses all healthcare expenses (including medical and surgical expenses, dental care and ophthalmological expenses, repatriation) and a welfare system including war risks. Essential vaccination and antimalarial treatment costs are refunded.

LIVING CONDITIONS:

Specific update related to context:

The political and security situation in Lebanon is complex and volatile and domestic tensions remain high. Reflective of divisions within Lebanese society, the situation of Syrian refugees is becoming increasingly precarious.

International tensions are as well important, even if no imminent conflict is for now foreseeable.

Despite these on-going internal and external tensions, Lebanon’s security situation is currently good. There is no curfew in place on the Lebanon mission and international staff can move around without too many restrictions (except from the ones related to the COVID context) even though Akkar and the Beqaa valley include some no-go areas. The security measures in place could still be upgraded quickly depending on the context’s evolution.

Key information about living conditions:

As the country’s capital and one of the largest and safest cities in the Middle East, Beirut is home to many iNGOs, UN agencies, and international news networks.

Depending on the employee’s contract, SI Expats are either hosted in the Beirut guesthouse (

The Beirut guesthouse is located inside the city – Sodeco area -, at walking distance from shops, cafes and restaurants. The city hosts cinemas, gyms and reputable walking and hiking trails. Each international staff member has its own room, access to 24/7 electricity and Wi-Fi, a central heating system for the winter as well as air conditioning for summer months.

Beirut is a relatively liberal city by Western standards and no particular clothing restrictions apply, although this may vary depending on the neighbourhood.