Prevention from Drugs Expert

The insufficient awareness and protection against drug abuse in the community and among the youth is alarming and requires combining efforts of the community and families along with institutions and organizations, to protect the youth and the most vulnerable persons. The existing vulnerabilities in the targeted areas resulting in deteriorating living conditions are also increasing the lack of awareness of vulnerable persons. This is reflected in more reported illegal actions, violence, gender/age/nationality based discrimination, crimes etc. The recently increasing drug abuse in Akkar, irresponsible use of technologies and parenting indicate that the most vulnerable communities are the ones most exposed to exploitation.

I’mpossible is partnering with PCPM under the LHF-funded project to address unmet multi-sectoral needs in Wadi Khaled, Jered El Qaytaa and Sahel Akkar focusing on the most vulnerable populations, children and their caregivers.

As part of this project, I’m Possible will implement targeted awareness campaigns for direct beneficiaries, youth, and community members. These sessions, led by experts, will cover a range of topics including drug prevention. By fostering a supportive environment and providing targeted education and resources, this project will empower youth, the elderly, and PwSN in Akkar to build resilience against community challenges and lay the foundation for a more secure and prosperous future.

Purpose of the position

I’mPossible in partnership with PCPM seeks to engage a Prevention from Drugs Expert who will design and implement a comprehensive awareness and prevention program. The program will aim to support vulnerable groups, including youth, caregivers, persons with disabilities, and community leaders, with awareness sessions on the dangers of substance abuse, raise awareness about available support systems, and promote positive, healthy coping mechanisms.

Key Responsibilities

• Design prevention from drugs program and deliver prevention sessions to youth, caregivers, elderly individuals, and persons with disabilities. The sessions will raise awareness about the risks of drug use and peer pressure, the impact and consequences of addiction on families.
• Develop a full sessions package, based on needs, gaps and priorities, including PowerPoint presentation, handouts, exercises and tools.
• The program should be tailored to equip caregivers with tools to recognize signs of use, communicate effectively, and foster a supportive, drug-free environment while ensuring accessibility and cultural sensitivity.

• Prepare a detailed methodology and work plan indicating how the objectives of the project will be achieved to promote healthy lifestyles, focusing on mental health, and positive coping mechanisms.

• Identify support services available in the area of intervention. Facilitate discussions and encourage participant engagement about available support services. Address underlying causes of substance misuse (socio-economic and other factors).
• Cooperate with I’m Possible team to improve session content and delivery methods.

Deliverables:

• Submit a curriculum for the awareness sessions, tailored to the target groups addressing both education and early intervention strategies. The curriculum should incorporate protection-related issues, multisectoral messages, and inclusive approaches for elderly and PwSN on the following topics:
   - Root causes of substance abuse such as challenges, stress, trauma, and social exclusion.
   - Early signs of addiction and available resources for treatment.
   - Promoting positive coping strategies, healthy behavior, and life skills to prevent misuse of substances.
• Submit a methodology outlining the process and approach for delivering the sessions, with clear objectives, learning outcomes, and strategies for engagement. Use a variety of training methods (e.g. group discussions, role plays, media campaigns etc.) to ensure active participation.
• Develop presentations and training materials, incl. brochures, and interactive activities, ensuring that they are tailored to the specific needs of the targeted groups (separate sessions for youth, parents, caregivers, community leaders).
• Provide daily updates to the protection and project officer on project progress against work plan. Document and share lessons learned with the I’m Possible staff.
• Design a brochure with clear guidance and support pathway, on where to seek a safe space to discuss substance abuse and mental health challenges, reducing stigmatization and promoting open dialogue.
• Submit a final report summarizing the work completed, detailing challenges faced, and offering recommendations for future improvements.

Geographical location of the project

Selected villages in Wadi Khaled, Jered Al Qayteh, and Sahel Akkar unions of municipalities in Akkar.

Duration of the consultancy

A total of 21 working days over 3-4 months between December 2024 and March 2025, including 18 days for the awareness sessions implementations and 3 days for curriculum preparation and reporting.

Qualifications

• Degree in public health, psychology, social sciences or other related fields.

• At least 4 years of experience in the field of drug use prevention or drug dependence treatment, assessment of health institutions and organizations.
• Additional certifications or training in substance abuse prevention, mental health and youth engagement are preferred.
• Proven experience in developing and delivering training programs related to substance abuse prevention and youth empowerment.

• Substantive and linguistic quality of all materials and reports prepared.

• Ability to engage diverse audiences and adapt materials to different learning styles.

• Ability to deliver on tight time frames and meet deadlines within agreed budgets.
• Proficiency in Proficiency in Word, Excel, Power Point, reporting tools, feedback tool…

Competencies

• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Cultural competency and sensitivity to community needs. Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage vulnerable populations and community leaders in a non-judgmental manner.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing conditions and requirements.
• Excellent knowledge of the social, political and economic situation in Lebanon.
• Proven presentation, interpersonal, communication and reporting skills. Ability to work with diverse teams and participants groups.