Syria and Lebanon – Emergency Coordinator

COOPI is looking for an Emergency Coordinator in Syria

COOPI has been active with its humanitarian action in Syria (Damascus) since 2016. The protracted crisis in Syria has intensified needs over the past year through a complex and deepening socio-economic crisis, knock-on effects of Covid-19, cholera outbreaks and major losses in the food production sector. In 2023 COOPI has been providing FSL, Early Recovery and Protection support in Aleppo, Raqqa, Homs, Hamas, Rural Damascus and Dara’a implementing programs funded by different donors (UNHCR, OCHA and AICS). COOPI main office is based in Damascus and COOPI teams are present in two field offices: one in Hama and one in Aleppo. COOPI started operating and developing humanitarian projects in South Lebanon during the years 2003-2005, then, since 2013, in Northern Lebanon, by supporting most basic and pressing needs of refugees and vulnerable host communities through a multi-sector and integrated approach. The impact of ongoing economic crisis and the COVID-19 outbreak continue to aggravate the loss of jobs and livelihoods amongst refugees and host communities. Before the recent crisis, Lebanon was already the country which host the highest number of refugees per capita, influx that has put a huge burden on national resources and has significantly increased the need of humanitarian support in the country. COOPI assists communities mainly by providing water, sanitation and hygiene assistance, shelter, multi-purpose cash assistance and education support. The projects are funded by COOPI Suisse, AICS, UE.

Description of the role

Emergency Coordinator (EC) will lead, manage and coordinate COOPI response to current crisis in Lebanon and Syria. EC will manage projects through national PMs and directly when needed. EC will set up and manage response team and will coordinate COOPI response with Sectors and donors in both countries. EC supports missions in the analysis and development of response strategy in both countries. EC will be focal point for internal and external communications.

Main responsibilities

• Conduct an in-depth needs assessment in the areas targeted for the first emergency response
• In line with the results of the needs assessments and the strategic priorities of the Emergency Unit, develop project proposals to be submitted to international donors and private foundations
• Guarantee a constant presence and active participation in the coordination hubs (cluster meetings, coordination meetings, etc) with local and international stakeholders, increasing the visibility of COOPI’s intervention
• Responsible for implementing the first emergency response, in coordination with the emergency team deployed in the field
• Provide input and analysis to support the design of a possible medium-term strategy for the COOPI mission in the country/area in question
• Guarantee compliance with COOPI’s values, Code of Ethics and internal procedures
• Collaborate with finance and administrative colleagues on an ad hoc basis to plan budgets, including establishing monthly forecasts and ensuring that budget items are spent appropriately
• Provide up-to-date humanitarian and contextual crisis analysis to regional coordinators and field staff, in order to facilitate strategic decision making related to emergency response.
• In coordination with the human resources department, ensure training aimed at managing emergency interventions for COOPI staff involved in the emergency response programme
• Identify intervention opportunities and support regional coordinators in developing further funding proposals

Requirements

Essentials

• Overall previous work experience of at least 5 years, in complex structures
• Excellent knowledge of English
• Excellent ability to prioritize and organize work in compliance with pressing deadlines
• Excellent ability to change priorities and review emergencies
• Communication and relational skills with various internal and external interlocutors
• Flexibility, listening and confidentiality
• Stress resistance, availability for rapid response missions
• Interest and aptitude for working in an international environment
• Excellent knowledge of the Office package
• Respect for the values of the Organization
• Experience with UN, ECHO and AICS funding

Desirable

• Knowledge of Italian is a plus
• Previous experience with COOPI abroad

We reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the application closing date, once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
Please note that only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Interviews will be conducted on rolling basis and the vacancy will be closed when filled, thanks for understanding.

COOPI Cooperazione Internazionale is an Italian secular and independent humanitarian organisation fighting against all forms of poverty to improve the world. Founded in 1965, today COOPI is present in 33 countries in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and the Middle East, with both emergency and development projects carried out by expatriate staff – an average of over 270 people per year – and national staff. The main institutional funders are the European Union – ECHO and INTPA – USAID, UN agencies, the Italian Government, local authorities and other European Governments.