Introduction

Lebanon continues to face the effects of prolonged economic and political crises, compounded by renewed military escalation and intensified cross-border conflict. The most serious deterioration in security since the November 2024 ceasefire has deepened the humanitarian and socio-economic crisis, driving mass displacement and further accelerating inflation. At the same time, despite reforms initiated by the new government in early 2025, ongoing conflict and persistent political divisions continue to undermine reform efforts and strain already overstretched services.

Despite these challenges, Lebanon has made important progress towards a universal social protection system through its 2024 National Social Protection Strategy. Grounded in universality, shock responsiveness, and financial sustainability, the strategy is built around five pillars: social assistance, social insurance, social services, access to education and health, and economic inclusion to ensure protection across the life cycle.

Even prior to this, in April 2023, the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA), in partnership with the European Union (EU), UNICEF, and the ILO, launched the National Disability Allowance (NDA). The introduction of the NDA marked a significant milestone in strengthening Lebanon’s social protection system and advancing a more equitable, rights-based approach accessible throughout the life course. In the same year, the landmark Law No. 319 was adopted, introducing a modern pension scheme.

The EU Social Protection Action, “Contributing to building a rights-based social protection system in Lebanon and consolidating social assistance for the most vulnerable” (2024–2027), jointly implemented with UNICEF, aims to strengthen Lebanon’s evolving social protection system in a comprehensive manner. Building on the NSPS, the ILO and UNICEF support investment in system- and policy-level interventions to advance its implementation. At the programme level, the Action specifically supports the NDA as a flagship rights-based initiative providing social protection to Lebanese and non-Lebanese persons with disabilities. In addition, it promotes progress on pension and social health protection reforms, notably the implementation of the new pension scheme under Law No. 319.

In this context, the ILO works closely with the MoSA, its Rights & Access Programme, the Ministry of Labour, the National Social Security Fund, as well as social partners, organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), civil society, and other development partners.

Within the policy and procedural requirements established by the ILO, the Social Protection Technical Officer will be responsible for providing direct technical support to the above project and contribute to the expected outcomes. The incumbent will assist in promoting ILO policies in the project-related technical areas and other components of the ILO Decent Work Agenda.

The commencement of this position will be subject to funding availability.

Reporting lines

The incumbent will be part of the Social Protection Cluster in Lebanon and report to the Programme Manager and Social Protection Specialist for Lebanon. Additional backstopping and guidance will be provided by the Regional Social Protection Specialist in the Regional Office of Arab States (ROAS). The incumbent will also be expected to engage with relevant colleagues and technical experts working on social protection in the ROAS and the Universal Social Protection Department in HQ.

Description of Duties

1. Assist the Programme Manager in the implementation of the project by providing technical inputs, planning, monitoring and evaluation of project activities.  Ensure conformity with ILO policies and project strategies, ILO programming guidelines and action programs, and Office procedures and practices.

2. Under the guidance of the Programme Manager, ensure day-to-day management of contracts and implementation agreements and the timely delivery of funds/budget, in line with ILO policies and procedures.

3. Under the guidance of the Programme Manager, ensure effective day-to-day line management of national staff under the incumbent’s responsibility.

4. Provide technical advice and support on social protection reforms to project staff and relevant ministries, social security institutions, social partners, and other relevant institutions and stakeholders, in line with international labour and social security standards and principles. Promote non-discrimination, disability inclusion and gender responsiveness in all aspects of the project

5. Support social dialogue, capacity-building, and partnerships activities to ensure meaningful engagement and participation of government, workers’ and employers’ representatives, representatives of OPDs and civil society organisations throughout the design, implementation, and monitoring of social protection policies, programmes, and schemes.

6. Conceptualise and/or conduct research and integrate technical inputs for country analyses, reports and publications related to the project and prepare discussion and briefing notes.

7. Under the guidance of the Programme Manager, maintain close liaison with governments, workers' and employers' organizations, and UN/non-governmental organizations. Represent the ILO at meetings, seminars, or workshops, and contribute to building and enhancing strategic partnerships and networks.

8. Co-ordinate, promote linkages and share good practices and lessons learnt with other relevant ILO projects, ILO units and external stakeholders.

9. Undertake and help coordinate missions in relation to project implementation.

10. Undertake other duties as required.

Required qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in economic, social science, or related field. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in one of the aforementioned fields or other relevant field with an additional two years of relevant experience, in addition to the required experience stated below, will be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience

At least five years of relevant professional experience, with an emphasis on social protection. Expertise on both contributory and non-contributory schemes and programmes, and international social security standards and principles, is considered an advantage. Experience with national dialogue processes, in particular in the MENA region, is an asset.

Languages

Excellent knowledge of English is required. Working knowledge of Arabic would be a strong asset; French would be an advantage.

Competencies

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

• Ability to provide technical advice and to guide and coordinate the work of external collaborators, general service staff and young professionals in the area of specialization.
• Ability to conceptualise and design research techniques and analyse complex cross-national practices and data sets covering a wide range of issues in the specialized technical field.
• Ability to formulate new concepts and methodologies.
• Ability to draft reports and prepare guidelines relating to programme development and implementation.
• Ability to provide technical support to senior specialists, carrying out research, project formulation and implementation.
• Ability to participate effectively in technical missions and to provide technical inputs for the ILO Decent Work Agenda.
• Excellent analytical skills and knowledge of analytical tools and qualitative and quantitative techniques.
• Good computer skills.
• Ability to organise work processes efficiently and effectively and to pay attention to detail.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and gender-sensitive behaviour and attitudes are also required.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.

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.