Career Counsellor Consultancy

INTRODUCTION

The Women’s Programs Association (WPA) is a non-profit non-governmental organization (NGO), legally registered with the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities since 2008. Its mission is to provide support to Palestinian refugee women and youth and other vulnerable groups in Lebanon to develop their capacities, realize their rights, and fulfill their needs. This is achieved through Protection, Education, Livelihood, and Humanitarian Assistance programs implemented in eight Palestinian refugee camps and surroundings throughout Lebanon.

The Women's Programs Association is currently in the process of contracting a Career Counsellor for its project "My Career - My Choice." The project will be implemented in North Lebanon, specifically in Beddawi and Nahr El Bared Palestinian refugee camps at WPA's centers, as well as in Tripoli at the Social Development Center (SDC) of the Ministry of Social Affairs (MOSA) and funded by Secours Islamique France (SIF). The project will run from January 2024 to June 2025.

The overall objective of the project is to empower young women through informed decision-making, enhance their employability, and establish linkages with the private sector in Lebanon. The project aims to target 120 young women between the ages of 18 and 29. These participants will be divided equally into five consecutive cycles, with each cycle lasting six months.

Each cycle will include career counselling sessions, life skills and soft skills training, vocational training, and support in job placement. It is important to note that the cycles will have overlapping activities to ensure a smooth transition and optimal outcomes for the participants.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of WPA’s Livelihood Officer, the Consultant will be responsible to:

• Conduct desk market study and research including market assessment of profitable career opportunities, for job placement and future permanent career opportunities.
• Provide a total of 240 career counselling sessions for 120 young women 18 – 29 years participants, 2 per participants, to conduct a profiling, understand the background and motivation of each participant, propose an action plan to support them achieve their professional goals in line with market needs.
• Determine appropriate assessments and interventions required to assist participants, analyze and interpret career assessment results and incorporate in career counseling/job search coaching sessions.
• Conduct group counseling sessions to help participants make an informed career decision.
• Assist and guide participants through occupational exploration and the career decision-making process.
• Guide and coach participants in self-directed job search strategies. Provide resume/cover letter critiques and interview skills training.
• Engage participants in use of library and on-line resources for researching employers and current employment opportunities.
• Provide counseling and administrative support as required to achieve the project’s goals & objectives.
• Informing participants about potentially helpful career-related opportunities.

Qualifications

• Education: Advanced University degree in Business management, Economics, Social Sciences or any other field relevant to development.
• Experience: Minimum 4 years of previous experience in Business development work and job counselling.
• Have previous experience in career counseling and knowledge of working with vulnerable communities.
• Languages: Excellent command of English and Arabic (speaking and writing).

Skills

• Experience in the private sector, Businesses, and non-profit organizations.
• Knowledgeable about ever-changing trends across all dominant industries.
• Familiarity with obscure yet accessible job opportunities.
• Knowledge of issues relating to women rights, gender, humanitarian, development issues, and protection response.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a supportive technical and communication style.
• Ability to understand the cultural and political environment and to work well with partners including local authorities.
• Understanding the cultural norms, traditions, and the socio-economic situation of North areas.
• Understanding of the structural, social and financial struggles of vulnerable job-seekers
• An understanding of and commitment to SIF’s mission and values
• High analytical skills and data analysis
• Keep up to date with all market developments and needs
• Patience and positive attitude is highly requested
• Strong market and private sector knowledge
• Strong communication skills
• Excellent command of written and oral English and Arabic
• Good Presentation skills