Area Coordinator

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 Area Coordinator is responsible for providing essential support and coordination for the successful planning, implementation, and monitoring of the "Strengthening Meso-level Organizations for Effective Communication and Collaboration" project, which focuses on enhancing Palestinian rights in Lebanon. Working under the guidance of the Project Manager, the Area Coordinator will play a pivotal role in ensuring project activities are executed efficiently, deadlines are met, and stakeholders are effectively engaged. This position requires excellent organizational, communication, and coordination skills, as well as a strong commitment to the project's goals and objectives.

1. Tasks:

Project Planning and Implementation:

• Assist in the development of detailed project work plans, including activity schedules, timelines, and resource allocation.
• Attending specific training in communication conflict resolution …
• Work closely with the Project Manager to ensure all project activities are executed according to the project plan.
• Coordinate logistics for workshops, training sessions, meetings, and other project-related events.
• Monitor the progress of project activities, identify bottlenecks, and propose solutions for timely completion.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Collaborate with stakeholders, including meso-level and micro-level organizations, local communities, and project partners.
• Facilitate communication between different stakeholders, ensuring effective information flow and collaboration.
• Assist in organizing stakeholder meetings, forums, and coordination sessions.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate records of project activities, including meeting minutes, attendance sheets, and project documentation.
• Support the Project Manager in preparing regular project reports and updates for donors and partners.
• Assist in the collection and documentation of project success stories and lessons learned.

Communication and Outreach:

• Support the development and implementation of the project's communication plan.
• Contribute to content creation for project social media updates, and other communication channels.
• Engage with local communities and stakeholders to ensure their voices are heard and incorporated into project activities.

Capacity Building Workshops:

• Assist in organizing and coordinating capacity-building workshops for meso-level and micro-level organizations, as well as influencers.
• Ensure logistical arrangements, materials, and resources are prepared for training sessions.

Risk Management:

• Identify potential project risks and challenges and report them to the Project Manager.
• Contribute to the development of risk mitigation strategies and contingency plans.

1. Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., international development, project management, social sciences).
• Proven experience in project coordination and implementation, preferably in the context of social development or advocacy projects.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and project management software.
• Knowledge of Palestinian rights issues and the political context in Lebanon is a plus.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and collaborative team environment.
• Fluency in English and Arabic languages is required.

1. Timeframe and Location:

This is a 10 months contract position based in Beirut, North, South and Bekaa.

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.