VSLA Volunteer - Akkar

Overview
CARE established its presence in Lebanon in 2006 and has been responding to the Syrian Crisis since late 2012. Among CARE’s key imperatives is putting people it serves first through implementing cutting edge programming in areas it operates. CARE currently carries out activities in Beirut, Mount Lebanon, Akkar, North Lebanon, South Lebanon, and the Beqaa Valley. CARE implements both emergency and development projects contributing to livelihood, food security, protection, gender, shelter, and water, sanitation, and hygiene. It targets the most vulnerable people and populations, both host communities and refugees. Over the course of 8 years, it has supported over half a million beneficiaries. In Lebanon, CARE’s program strategy for the upcoming years will focus on strengthening and expanding its emergency response and capacity to provide basic assistance services while pursuing development projects in areas of food security and livelihood support, gender, and protection. CARE intends to maintain its presence in all areas of Lebanon. 

VSLA Brief
VSLAiE will provide access to finance and savings for communities which can be crucial in times of emergency when their livelihoods are threatened. Community members can turn to VSLAiE to get loans to buy inputs, or to cover their immediate needs when they face sudden losses due to natural disasters or other emergencies. In addition, VSLAiE can help communities manage risks associated with their daily lives activities. By saving and borrowing collectively, women can also reduce individual risks and access funds to recover income losses. Moreover, VSLAiE builds community cohesion by promoting social capital among the members. This helps build resilience during emergencies by creating a platform for collective action and decision-making. 
Finally, the project understands the importance of volunteers and their contribution to the success of the VSLA groups, including the mentoring and coaching of the VSLA groups; hence, the project will hire Two  Volunteers who are well conversant with local knowledge and context, including engagement with the target communities. 

Objectives 
CARE International in Lebanon (CIL) is seeking two volunteers to work for the VSLAiE Project.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
VSLA Volunteers have a range of responsibilities aimed at fostering VSLA group sustainability through outreach, establishing VSLA groups, and empowering VSLA members. Some key responsibilities may include but not limited to: 

1: Mobilization Activity
• Outreach for potential members that will be interested in becoming VSLA members
• Networking and Resource Linkages
• Provide information on additional training or funding opportunities if available.

2: Establishing Saving Groups 
• Introduce the VSLA concept to the different communities (withing their communities)
• Register interested groups.  
• Introduce and coordinate with the community leaders on VSLA. 

3: Train and Mentor Saving Groups 
• Train the saving groups in line with the VSLA methodology 
• Participate in all the VSLA group meeting as an observer to ensure that the meetings are conducted properly. 
• In coordination with the Field assistant support and coordinate with VSLA groups 

4: Monitoring and Supervision 
• Collect the needed field data to support the Monitoring and Evaluation unit in ensuring that monitoring and evaluation aspects of the project are in line with agreed-upon program strategic goals and objectives.
• Participate in the preparation and documentation of lessons learned.
• Support the collection of appropriate project performance indicators.

5: Feedback and Continuous Improvement:
• Gather feedback from participants to evaluate the effectiveness of training and support.
• Use feedback to improve future training sessions and adjust project plans as necessary.

6: Sustainability and Exit Planning
• Help the VSLA group develop plans for sustaining the association beyond the initial training and support period.
• Assist the group in planning for the project's conclusion and potential transition to self-sufficiency.

7: Documentation and Record-Keeping:
• Teach participants how to keep accurate records of meetings, savings, loans, and repayments.
• Emphasize the importance of transparency and accountability within the VSLA.

Other tasks: 
Other responsibilities & duties as required by the Line Manager.

Volunteer Profile
• Understanding the local language and living in the target community
• Highly engaged in the community and is involved in the social work community especially Akkar
• Excellent communication, ability to attract and influence community in Akkar
• Excellent in outreach to potential members.
• Motivated self-starter who enjoys working in a collaborative
• Experience in community engagement and rural development is a plus.
• Prior skills for VSLA or local women-led groups are encouraged.
• Extensive experience interacting with village and regional leaders and community members.
• Team player with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build strong internal and external relationships and networks. 

PSEA and Child Safeguarding
CARE International in Lebanon is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
CARE International in Lebanon and its employees and stakeholders abide by the CARE International Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) and Child Safeguarding Policies.