Junior Project Manager - Pending Budget Approval

1. General Information

Brief Information on the Project

In partnership with GIZ, the Strengthening Inclusive Local Governance and Vertical Social Cohesion in Lebanon project’s objective is to strengthen inclusive local governance and vertical social cohesion in Lebanon by engaging inhabitants from diverse backgrounds in participatory planning and decision-making processes. The specific objectives are to increase the capacity of local governments and inhabitants to engage in participatory approaches, improve trust and cohesion between local governance structures and the community, and ensure inclusive representation and ownership of service-enhancing initiatives. The project is implemented in Bekaa, South Baalbak, Hasbaya and Mount Lebanon.

2. Context

With Lebanon facing a multi-faceted economic and financial crisis, state institutions at all levels are struggling to ensure service delivery, especially in marginalized localities such as those in the Beqaa, Shouf, and some areas of Mount Lebanon. In the absence of effective state-led initiatives, municipalities have taken the lead in service provision. However, these municipalities often lack the necessary capacities, tools, and skills to manage such projects, particularly without state resources or accountability and transparency measures. Decision-making processes in these municipalities frequently exclude beneficiaries, leading to frustration, dissatisfaction, and eroded trust in local governance structures. This can disrupt peaceful coexistence in mixed communities.

To address these challenges, the Berghof Foundation (BF) is facilitating participatory planning and decision-making processes in 25 municipalities. This approach involves representatives from municipalities, civil society, and local inhabitants working together to identify and prioritize socio-economic needs and projects.

3. The Consultant Shall Provide the Following Work/Service:

1. Project Implementation

• Assist the Project Manager in the implementation of all project activities in Lebanon, including the preparation of content and thematic materials, writing minutes, and providing logistical support.
• Provide support in planning, managing, and reporting on workshops, events, and meetings with municipalities, civil society, and community representatives.
• Assist in facilitating participatory planning and decision-making processes with municipalities and community members.
• Support the development of training materials, workshop content, and presentations as required.

2. Documentation and Reporting

• Ensure proper documentation of all project activities, including workshop reports, field visit summaries, and other relevant records, in both Arabic and English.
• Support in drafting donor reports and ensuring timely submission in coordination with the Project Manager.
• Document lessons learned, success stories, and best practices for use in future project planning and external communications.

3. Research and Publications

• Conduct background research and context analysis on topics related to municipalities, local governance, and social cohesion in Lebanon.
• Contribute to the development and review of project publications, including editing, layout, and translation support for Arabic and English materials.
• Assist in drafting concept notes, background papers, and training materials in collaboration with the PM and project team.

4. Coordination and Communication

• Act as a key point of contact for municipalities, providing technical support and fostering positive relationships with municipal officials and staff.
• Liaise with the Berlin-based Communications Department to develop visibility and outreach materials, ensuring alignment with the project's communication strategy.
• Support coordination with the finance, logistics, and administrative teams on event budgets, contracts, and other operational aspects of the project.

5. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

• Provide support in the implementation of monitoring and evaluation activities, including data collection, analysis, and reporting, in collaboration with the Project Manager and M&E staff.
• Ensure activity data and evaluation findings are properly documented and shared with the project team.

6. Additional Tasks

• Cooperate closely with Berghof Foundation (BF) MENA staff members, project partners, and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of project activities.
• Perform any additional tasks related to the project as requested by the Project Manager or Head of Office.

4. Qualifications of Proposed Staff

General Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor degree in political science, peace studies or related field or relevant work experience in development projects.

Professional Experience:

• At least 3 years of relevant work experience in project management, local governance, or community development in Lebanon.
• Experience working with municipalities, local governance structures, or social cohesion initiatives.
• Proven experience in documentation, reporting, and donor-funded projects is highly desirable.

• Strong understanding of the Lebanese socio-economic and political context, with a focus on municipalities and local governance challenges.

Language Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both Arabic and English are required.

5. Additional Skills

• Strong ability to work collaboratively within a team as well as independently.
• Demonstrated curiosity and empathy, with excellent intercultural communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).

6. Additional Information

• The role requires frequent travel to project locations in the Beqaa, South Baalbek, Hasbaya, and Mount Lebanon regions.
• The successful candidate must demonstrate a commitment to conflict sensitivity, gender inclusivity, and the “do no harm” principle in all project activities