Programs Director

Background

The Access Center for Human Rights (ACHR) is a non-profit, non-governmental human rights organization, founded and led by refugees forcibly displaced from Syria due to their pro-democracy activism. ACHR is staffed by refugees and members of the host community in the countries where it operates, including lawyers, journalists, and human rights defenders. ACHR is committed to upholding the rule of law and ending impunity. It is a non-religious, non-sectarian organization that does not align itself with any political parties in Lebanon.

Our mission is to document human rights violations against refugees, advocate for justice, and ensure the protection of their fundamental rights. ACHR engages in international advocacy to support the voluntary, dignified, and safe return of refugees to their countries of origin.

ACHR focuses on four key thematic areas:

• Documentation of human rights violations against Syrian refugees.
• Research to identify the root causes of these violations.
• Advocacy to raise awareness and influence policy changes that protect refugee rights.
• Accountability through legal mechanisms and public pressure to hold perpetrators accountable.

Job Details

• Title: Programs Director
• Reports to: Executive Director
• Duration: One year (extendable)
• Location: Remote and ACHR Office in Paris

About The Position

The Programs Director is responsible for overseeing ACHR’s ongoing programs, as well as planning, designing, and supervising various projects in coordination with program teams.

Additionally, as an interim measure, the Programs Director will also manage ACHR’s donor relations and project grants. This is a temporary arrangement until a more sustainable and specialized structure is established.

Key Responsibilities and Activities

Program Management

• Oversee the development of annual work plans and budgets for all programs, ensuring alignment and coordination between them.
• Present work plans to the Executive Director for approval and ensure their effective execution.
• Monitor program activities and ensure the achievement of outcomes through structured coordination mechanisms.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development support to program teams.
• Participate in transparent recruitment and efficient HR management related to program staff.
• Draft Terms of Reference (ToR) for new projects, detailing roles, responsibilities, policies, procedures, quality assurance measures, and evaluation criteria.
• Contribute, review and update annual plans as necessary, particularly when new projects are introduced.
• Manage and coordinate project activities from administrative, financial, and substantive perspectives.
• Represent ACHR before UN bodies, donor organizations, international institutions, and governmental and non-governmental entities.
• Prepare and submit regular reports to internal and external stakeholders, including partners and donors.

Donor Relations & Grants Management (Interim Role)

• Identify potential grant opportunities and oversee the preparation and submission of grant applications, including proposals, budgets, and supporting documentation.
• Maintain effective relationships with donors and partners, ensuring continuous engagement and communication.
• Develop and maintain a professional grants management system that tracks all funding applications and project progress.
• Ensure compliance with donor requirements, financial reporting, and programmatic obligations.

Risk Management & Policy Compliance

• Ensure all programs comply with ACHR’s Code of Conduct, Safeguarding Policy, Anti-Corruption and Bribery Policy, and other organizational policies.
• Establish mechanisms for identifying, assessing, and mitigating program-related risks in line with ACHR’s Risk Management Policy.
• Ensure that all donor relations activities align with ACHR’s ethical and compliance frameworks.

Complaints & Reporting Mechanisms

• Implement and oversee mechanisms for handling complaints related to programs and grants in alignment with ACHR’s Complaints Policy.
• Ensure transparency and accountability in addressing grievances raised by beneficiaries, partners, and stakeholders.

Performance Evaluation & Review

• Define Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of program management and donor relations responsibilities.
• Conduct periodic reviews to assess the feasibility of continuing the interim donor management role.
• Engage with the Executive Director and relevant stakeholders to evaluate role efficiency and make necessary adjustments.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in program management within human rights, refugee protection, or humanitarian sectors.
• Demonstrated experience in grant management, donor relations, and fundraising.
• Strong knowledge of human rights frameworks, refugee protection laws, and advocacy strategies.
• Excellent leadership, mentorship, and team management skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and risk assessment capabilities.
• Outstanding communication and negotiation skills with donors, partners, and stakeholders.
• Fluency in English and Arabic (French is an asset).
• Experience working in high-risk environments and handling sensitive human rights documentation is a plus.

Additional Considerations

• This role requires flexibility due to the combination of programmatic and grant management responsibilities.
• The interim donor management responsibility will be reviewed after six months to determine the feasibility of continuing this arrangement or transitioning these tasks to a dedicated Grants Officer.
• Regular training and capacity-building will be provided to ensure the Programs Director is equipped with up-to-date grant management and donor relations skills.