BIOFORCE. EMPOWERING HUMANITARIANS. We believe in a world where the needs of people affected by crises are met by committed professionals providing adapted and high quality aid. We are a humanitarian organisation that works in the preparation and response to crises relating to conflict, natural catastrophe, and epidemic. We provide solutions to enable vulnerable populations to have access to efficient and high-quality aid through training, accompanying and structuring of humanitarian actors.  PROJECT BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION.

Tripoli, the second largest city in Lebanon, is currently hosting more than 200,000 refugees and facing major challenges affecting the host communities who already are suffering at both economic and security levels.

The project “Strengthening the capacities of Local Stakeholders of Tripoli for an optimal crisis response” executed by the consortium led by Bioforce, in partnership with Group URD and North LEDA aims to empower local stakeholders by reinforcing their recognition and their ability to better respond and manage recurrent crisis affecting their territory. The project specifically aims at enhancing the capacity of local CSOs and the Municipality to lead a collective, coordinated and appropriate humanitarian response.

In the framework of this project, Bioforce is supporting Tripoli CSOs both in their organizational and collective development. This includes a support to the set-up of a local coordination mechanism between all CSOs of the Northern Governorate.

During the organizational self-assessment implemented by the 17 CSOs part of the project, the lack of coordination between different stakeholders on the Tripolitan territory was clear and highlighted. According to the majority of CSOs the coordination is a need and a necessity especially considering that the sectorial coordination groups in the city are numerous but not very effective.

For this purpose, a workshop was organized gathering around 15 CSOss from North Lebanon to support them in the identification of any collective actions to improve the work among their group, in particular to address coordination maters. During the workshop attendees expressed their will to coordinate and to support the initiation of a coordination network with special attention to the governance and leadership aspects of this network to ensure its survival and sustainability.

OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT.

Based on the above, an expert in networks’ support is needed to develop, in close consultation with the current steering committee of the future network, the institutional form of a coordination structure in terms of mandate, objectives, governance and operationality, accountability and mechanism.

It is expected that the expert proposes 3 possible models encompassing the needs expressed by the CSOs.

SCOPE OF WORK.

Scope of the work of the consultant

1. Carry-out a mapping of existing coordination networks in Tripoli and review of the current set-up and challenges faced with special attention to LHDF in Beirut (Lebanon Humanitarian & Development NGOs Forum), the NGOs platform of Saida and Tashbeek, British Council in Tripoli.
2. To meet and discuss with different stakeholders and hold meetings and discussions with relevant actors: Local NGOs, International NGOs, civil society and other strategic players in addition to Specialists to draw the appropriate network model.
3. Facilitate a workshop with concerned stakeholders. The purpose of the workshop will be to discuss and agree on the type of structure and the governance model for the future network based on the proposed models.
4. Develop and finalize the document including strategy (mission, vision, mandate) coordination mechanism, synergies with other coordination groups, management, legal context.

Expected deliverables and outcomes

• A note on the methodology and process should be submitted within 5 days after signing the contract.
• Findings on existing coordination networks including mandates, governance structure, and challenges.
• Report on the meetings with the different stakeholders and suggestion of 3 network models that could be implemented by the network in Tripoli (including the legal status that could be adopted).
• Training material for the workshop to present and validate a network model.
• Final report that includes a strategy paper and a detailed action plan for the coordination network.

REQUIREMENTS.

• Advanced university degree (Masters and equivalent) in management, political sciences, public administration, international relations, or related field.
• Knowledge and demonstrated experience in networking and coordination mechanisms.
• Knowledge of CHS
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of Lebanese NGOs’ reality, their contexts of intervention and international coordination bodies active in Lebanon.
• Excellent analytical and conceptual thinking.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• At least 2 similar assignments in the past 3 years, preferably in Lebanon.
• Knowledge of the principles of policymaking as well as strategic planning.
• Cultural sensitivity and cross-cultural skills (religion, ethnicity, gender).
• Proficiency in English and Arabic (French is an asset).