Field Officer

1. Background Information:

The Community Organization for Development and Empowerment-TCODE-INITIATE is a Nongovernmental, nonprofit, youth-oriented organization based in Lebanon and dedicated to assisting vulnerable communities through youth inclusion and empowerment. While keeping youth at its focus of its mission, TCODE-INITIATE continually endeavors in creating comprehensive and inclusive programs aimed towards the empowerment of youth, and its concentric circles of influence.

In the process of delivering its Mission TCODE-INITIATE aspires to keeping its status as a hub for youth allowing them to: access a safe space, and acquire knowledge and access to a network of social and political influencers enhancing their social participation in decision making processes.

Strengthening MESO and MICRO Organizations and influencers’ Capacity for Communication and Collaboration to effectively promote and advocate for Palestinian rights in Lebanon: The presence of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon dates back to 1948. Since that time, they have encountered a significant absence of adequate legal status and fundamental civil liberties that would ameliorate their circumstances. Among the rights they are deprived of, property rights stand out prominently, as Palestinian individuals are precluded from exercising property ownership within the Lebanese territory, opening the door for dependency and exploitation. On the other hand, Palestinian's right to work is largely limited. They are largely excluded from many professions and sectors, resulting in high unemployment rates and limited income-generating options. Legal restrictions and discriminatory practices have hindered their ability to secure formal employment, forcing many Palestinians into informal and precarious work situations. Other challenges can be summarized as restrictions to their access to social services such as healthcare, education, and social welfare programs, and restricted freedom of movement.

In addition, in protracted conflicts, violence starts to take new forms and dements. Violence within societal systems engenders a complex interplay of detrimental effects that extend beyond immediate physical harm. These effects can be better understood through the lenses of marginalization, stigmatization, fragmentation, and conditioning.

Marginalization materializes as a consequence of violence when micro-level organizations find themselves grappling to effectively engage with macro-level institutions. This struggle often results in the neglect of their valid concerns and pressing needs, perpetuating a cycle of disempowerment and further entrenching the existing power dynamics.

Stigmatization, another insidious outcome, emerges as misinformation and distorted narratives take root, particularly in contexts such as the discourse surrounding Palestinian rights. Inaccurate portrayals lead to the discrediting of legitimate claims held by certain groups, exacerbating their vulnerability and hindering progress towards resolution.

Furthermore, the ramifications of violence reverberate through fragmentation – a phenomenon characterized by communication breakdowns and a lack of coordination among various organizational tiers. The resulting discord impedes the potential for cohesive action, as different elements within the societal structure fail to synchronize their efforts effectively.

Conditioning, the fourth dimension of these effects, becomes evident as micro-level organizations adapt to an environment where inadequate communication and restricted information exchange have become the norm. Over time, this conditioning stifle their capacity to advocate for their rights, effectively solidifying the status quo that perpetuates the cycle of violence and systemic inequality.

The objective of this project is to enhance the communication and collaboration capabilities of MESO (organizations that have access and outreach to the micro and access and influence to the macro decision makers) and MICRO level organizations, as well as influencers, with the ultimate goal of effectively promoting and advocating for Palestinian rights in Lebanon. The project commences by enhancing INITIATE's internal capacity and subsequently disseminating the newly acquired proficiencies and training to other organizations operating at the MESO and MICRO levels, and with identified influencers. The Capacity-building workshops will enhance communication skills, enabling these organizations to act as effective bridges for information exchange and dialogue, particularly concerning Palestinian rights.

The communication and collaboration challenges primarily stem from communication breakdown and information asymmetry between micro-organizations and larger macro-level institutions, including government agencies and international organizations. Such obstacles hinder the success of development initiatives and the securement of basic human rights.

In response to these challenges, meso-level organizations like INITIATE play a crucial role as intermediaries, bridging the communication gap and facilitating collaboration between local communities and macro-level institutions. Through numerous successful initiatives, especially those focusing on Palestinian rights, INITIATE has demonstrated its expertise in overcoming these barriers.

On another hand, INITIATE has been supporting the endeavors of the Lebanese Palestinian Dialogue Committee, to draft and pass the Palestinian Rights Law in the Lebanese parliament, giving proper, unified, and legal definition of the legal status of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, and enabling them to enjoy basic human rights.

INITIATE aims to foster alliances with influential individuals and groups, to create coordinated advocacy efforts, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and advancing the Palestinian rights track. This addresses the symptom of fragmentation by fostering better coordination and cooperation.

Moreover, the program addresses the challenge of misinformation and inaccurate narratives by developing an online platform to provide accurate information about Palestinian rights and counter harmful narratives. Collaborating with media channels and social media influencers will disseminate accurate messages to counter stigmatization and marginalization.

Additionally, the project engages local communities through town hall meetings and focus groups, addressing concerns and misconceptions. This engagement builds trust and understanding, particularly for Palestinian rights, and counters conditioning that may have resulted from past ineffective communication.

The inclusion of support for the Nohyi al Ard cooperative aims to enhance overall impact and sustainability. By supporting this social initiative that brings grassroots individuals and groups together, the project further addresses symptoms of fragmentation and marginalization by fostering cooperation and empowering marginalized communities to make a positive difference in their community.

1. Purpose of the Contract:                                                                                                                         

The Field Officer is responsible for conducting an influencer mapping exercise as part of the "Strengthening Meso-level Organizations for Effective Communication and Collaboration" project. The mapping aims to identify key influencers, community representatives, and organizations that can support advocacy efforts related to Palestinian rights in Lebanon and other tracks. The Field Officer will play a crucial role in collecting and analyzing data to build a comprehensive influencer database.

1. Tasks:

Data Collection:

• Identify and engage with potential influencers, community representatives, and organizations through various channels, including social media, community meetings, and referrals.
• Conduct interviews and surveys to gather information about the identified influencers, their reach, and their level of engagement in advocacy.

Data Management:

• Build and maintain a structured influencer database, including contact information, areas of expertise…
• Organize collected data for easy access and reference by project stakeholders.

Reporting:

• Weekly reporting on the collected data to identify key influencers and organizations that align with the project's objectives.
• Prepare a comprehensive influencer mapping report, including profiles of identified influencers and their potential contributions to advocacy efforts.

1. Qualifications:

• A bachelor's / high school degree
• Proven experience in data collection / working in a relevant field, such as social work, communications, or advocacy.
• Strong knowledge of the local context and networks in Palestinian camps, especially within the Palestinian rights advocacy space.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proficiency in data collection tools and excel.
• Ability to work independently, meet project deadlines, and adapt to changing circumstances.

1. Timeframe and Location:

This is a two-months contract position based in [North, Beirut, Bekaa, Saida and Tyre], Lebanon.

1. Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit their CV along with a cover letter outlining their relevant experience and explaining their motivation to join the project. Applications can be sent to [email protected].

INITIATE is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.