Deputy Director for Programs (DDP)

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a prominent international humanitarian non-governmental organization (INGO) founded in 1933 at the behest of Albert Einstein. The organization operates in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, focusing on restoring health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and empowerment to individuals affected by conflict and disaster. With a mission to help people survive, reclaim control of their futures, and strengthen their communities, the IRC employs a workforce dedicated to delivering lasting impact and hope to millions worldwide. The IRC has been active in Lebanon since 2012, responding to the influx of Syrian refugees and providing multi-sectoral relief programs to internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, and host communities across various regions in Lebanon, including Beirut, Mount Lebanon, the North, the South, and Bekaa Valley. The organization addresses pressing humanitarian issues such as access, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, funding, and coordination in challenging settings.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director for Programs (DDP) plays a crucial role in providing strategic leadership, decision-making, and coordination for program development and delivery within the IRC's Lebanon operations. The DDP is responsible for overseeing the effective implementation and technical quality of programs, ensuring they are evidence-based, needs-driven, and adequately funded. Reporting directly to the Country Director and being a member of the Senior Management Team, the DDP supervises technical program coordinators, Grants, Partnership Coordinator, and MEAL Coordinators. The position requires a close working relationship with the MENAU Deputy Regional Director, Regional Technical Leads, and other MENAU DDPs. The DDP is tasked with ensuring the programmatic strategic direction of the Lebanon Country Programme, managing a diverse range of programming from emergency response to early recovery and development contexts, and conducting day-to-day team management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The DDP's major responsibilities include providing overall leadership and management of IRC Lebanon programs, championing IRC’s Strategy 100, leading the development of Lebanon’s Strategic Action Plan (SAP), and ensuring that operational budgets reflect a strong understanding of situational parameters and beneficiary needs. The DDP actively participates in country program management and strategy meetings, liaises with IRC DDPs in the MENAU Region, and represents IRC to government officials, donors, and other partners. The DDP is also responsible for business development and design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design, ensuring that programs are adequately funded and responsive to community needs. This includes leading the development of innovative concept notes and funding proposals, ensuring high-quality program design, and promoting rigorous monitoring and evaluation processes. Additionally, the DDP supervises and mentors direct-report staff, promotes a healthy office environment, and maintains open communication with team members and external stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the DDP position must possess a graduate degree in Psychology, social work, human rights, or a related field. They should have at least 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience managing complex humanitarian and development programming. A strong familiarity with IRC Lebanon’s core programming areas, including integrated protection, education, and economic recovery and development, is essential. Candidates must demonstrate successful leadership experience managing a multi-disciplinary team, possess superior diplomatic and coordination skills, and have the ability to analyze complex issues rapidly and accurately. Experience delivering oversight for a portfolio of complex, high-value donor-funded projects is required, along with strong oral and written communication skills and a keen understanding of political complexities in the Middle East region.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a graduate degree in a relevant field such as Psychology, social work, human rights, or a related discipline. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complexities of humanitarian work and the needs of affected populations.

Experience:
The position requires at least 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in managing complex humanitarian and development programming. Candidates should have a proven track record of successful leadership in similar roles, demonstrating the ability to navigate the challenges of humanitarian work in rapidly changing contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position, while a working knowledge of Arabic is considered an asset. Strong communication skills are essential for effectively engaging with internal and external stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Beirut, Lebanon, with regular travel to all IRC Lebanon field offices. Preference will be given to qualified candidates with the unrestricted right to work in Lebanon. The role involves supervising eight direct reports and requires a commitment to IRC’s vision, mission, and core values. The organization emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and supporting staff care and well-being.