National Project Coordinator - Parental Leave replacement

Introduction

The ILO implements in Lebanon a significant programme of work in the social protection sector. This programme is closely aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and includes cooperation with a range of UN partners. The programme includes major components related to supporting reforms of the national social protection systems as vell as response to the Syria refugee crisis.

The ILO is engaged in providing technical support and policy advice to its constituents in Lebanon on several dimensions of the ongoing social protection reforms, including amongst others: a) governance, financing coordination and implementation of the recently adopted national Social Protection Strategy, b) technical assistance on reforms in the area of social (health) insurance, c) design and implementation of lifecycle national social grants, particularly the National Disability Allowance, d) evidence generation and analysis of social protection needs and gaps and engagement of constituents and key stakeholders in the national debate, e) alignment of development and humanitarian agendas in the social protection sector along the "nexus" and f) capacity building to government and social partners on contributory and non-contributory social protection.

The ILO pursues engagement in these areas through a range of development cooperation projects including: a) a partnership with EU on "Social Protection system-building in Lebanon: strengthening integration and consolidating the National Disability Allowance" b) a UK funded Supporting Social Security and Institutional Reforms towards a Strengthened Social Protection; c) the Dutch funded multi-agency partnership programme on Improving Prospects for Forcibly Displaced People and Host Communities. (PROSPECTS); and d) an EU funded project on facilitating access of social protection beneficiaries to employment (ENABLE). Other technical cooperation projects including a social protection component are in preparation.

Reporting Lines

Under the supervision of the Technical Officer and the Social Protection Programme Manager and Specialist for Lebanon, and overall guidance of the PROSPECTS Chief Technical Adviser, the Officer will contribute to the effective implementation of ILO activities on social protection in Lebanon. This includes technical and operational support to the expansion and institutionalization of the National Disability Allowance (NDA), the advancement of Rights & Access (R&A) capacities, support to national social assistance governance and coordination structures, and contributions to the design and implementation of Social Health Protection interventions. The Officer will work in close coordination with government counterparts, UN partners (especially UNICEF), social partners, and other development and humanitarian stakeholders.

Description of Duties

1. Coordinate and implement activities related to the operations, institutionalization, and expansion of the NDA, via regular collaboration with MoSA and UNICEF.

2. Support the operational strengthening of the R&A programme by following up on implementation agreements, technical deliverables, and financial reporting in collaboration with finance and technical colleagues.

3. Guide the disability assessment and certification reform process, including supporting consultants, coordinating stakeholder consultations, and ensuring quality control of deliverables.

4. Design and pilot a national referral mechanism linking NDA recipients to services, especially for labour activation and economic inclusion.

5. Participate in relevant policy engagement forums and contribute to technical inputs, knowledge products, and discussions on disability-inclusive social assistance.

6. Provide technical support, including to TORs, planning and technical documents and studies, and consultant coordination to the Social Health Protection pillar of the NSPS, particularly on the design of SHP models for NDA recipients, agricultural workers, and other excluded groups.

Description of Duties (continued)

7. Engage with national stakeholders (MoPH, WHO, NSSF, private sector) to assess coverage gaps and explore viable SHP options.

8. Support the establishment and operationalization of governance and coordination structures for social assistance in line with the NSPS.

9. Contribute to stakeholder consultations and planning processes related to the implementation of NSPS Annex 1 on SP for the refugee population.

10. Liaise and coordinate with government bodies, UN agencies, workers’ and employers’ organisations, and civil society partners.

11. Other related duties as assigned.

Required qualifications

Education

First level university degree in Economics, Public Health, Social Policy, or other relevant fields. An advanced degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Economics or Health Economics/Policy, or other relevant fields would be a strong advantage.

Experience

At least one year of professional experience at the national level in the area of project management, implementation, socioeconomic and/or heath policies in Lebanon.

• Proven experience in conducting policy-oriented research and analysis is required.
• Relevant professional experience implementing and/or supporting development projects is required.
• Experience in social protection social insurance and slash or knowledge of health insurance schemes including in agriculture or in informal economy is an advantage.
• Experience in working with government institution in Lebanon is an asset.

Languages

Excellent command of English and Arabic.

Competencies

In addition to the ILO core competences, (integrity and transparency, sensitivity to diversity, orientation to learning and knowledge sharing, client orientation, communication, orientation to change, takes responsibility for performance, quality orientation, collaboration), this position requires:

• Knowledge of programme and budget, project administration and evaluation concepts and procedures.
• Proven ability to implement projects in cooperation with project partners and key stakeholders.
• Proven ability to use analytical tools and qualitative research methods. Knowledge of quantitative research methods is an asset.
• Proven ability to guide and coordinate the work of external collaborators, general service staff and young professionals in the area of specialization.
• Good understanding of the local economic and political context of Lebanon and the refugee situation.

Competencies (continued)

• Ability to work effectively in a team and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to draft reports and prepare guidelines relating to programme development and implementation and good drafting skills.
• Ability to develop clear strategic goals consistent with the programme's objectives, and to design and synthesise strategies for programme development.
• Excellent project administration and management skills.
• Excellent analytical and computer skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write accurate reports and to coordinate effectively to obtain cooperation and input from partners.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and gender-sensitive behaviour and attitudes are also required.

optional section (if needed)

Candidates assessed by the Panel and considered to be eligible for appointment but who are not selected for this vacant post may be offered an assignment to another position at the same or lower grade provided that they meet the minimum qualifications required.