Civil Society Specialist

Background: 

FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research, and technology — creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today's interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 70 countries and all U.S. states and territories.  

FHI 360 seeks qualified candidates only to serve as Civil Society Specialist for the Lebanon Civic Action Accelerator Program, a five-year civil society strengthening program funded by USAID and implemented by FHI 360. The project will support a broad swath of civil society actors, building on prior civil society assistance accomplishments. Planned assistance interventions under this activity will increase the role of beneficiaries in shaping public policy (related to governance, human rights, protection of environment, and others); improve service provision; enhance the technical and administrative capacities of beneficiary organizations; and advance strategic collective action to advance rights and impact public policy.  

Anticipated Start Date: December 2021 or January 2022  

Job Responsibilities:  

Reporting to the Chief of Party, the Civil Society Specialist will contribute to the design and delivery of sub-award and technical assistance interventions in support of rights-based advocacy, policy reform and civic engagement as well as capacity development of emerging and established civil society partners. S/he will coordinate with grants, finance and Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) teams on all program activities, including but not limited to technical and financial reporting, communications and outreach, and liaising with program stakeholders. The Civil Society Specialist serves as a member of the senior management team and also represents the project with key stakeholders working at the national and local level, donors, implementers, private sector, media, and academia. Tasks include but are not limited to: 

• Engage civil society, civic actors, and relevant stakeholders in promoting social justice, democratic reforms, human rights, and better policies; enhancing transparency, governance and accountability; improving local government responsiveness to community priorities and improved service delivery; engaging youth in leadership and democracy; and fostering social dialogue and tolerance  
• Contribute to the design and delivery of sub-award and technical assistance interventions to emerging and established civil society actors in support of rights-based advocacy, policy reform, civic engagement, behavior change, and community mobilization  
• Monitor, track and report on the political context and issues affecting civil society and civil society actions to address emerging priorities; identify trends and opportunities for engagement, program design and learning  
• Provide technical assistance to local civil society organizations and informal civic actors to accelerate rights-based advocacy, strengthen the effectiveness of civic participation and engagement, further innovative solutions to address development challenge  
• Support the grants team in drafting subaward solicitations; disseminating grant opportunities and conducting solicitation workshops; reviewing applications and participating in grant evaluation committees; supporting technical and budget negotiations; leading co-design of project strategies, tactics, and planning; etc.  
• Provide technical support and capacity building of partners through one-on-one mentoring, on-demand technical assistance, group trainings, learning-by-doing and relationship-building activities, delivered virtually and in-person through direct and/or external training delivery 
• Support the adaptation and production of guidelines and tools as well as technical and material assistance to support partner development and sustainability 
• Facilitate multi-stakeholder workshops, communities of practice, networking opportunities, and dialogue sessions among change makers and decision-makers 
• Coordinate with the monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) team on all related activities including monitoring partner performance for quality MEL, capturing success stories and learning, MEL planning and reporting. 
• Participate in designing and facilitating civil society networking opportunities to enhance communication, learning and collaborative action 
• Assist in the development of annual work plans, monthly and bi-annual reports 
• Ensure compliance with donor requirements and organizational policies and procedures 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelors’ degree with at least 7 years of relevant experience or a Master’s degree with at least 5 years of relevant experience, preferably in international development, human rights, community development or a related field 
• Demonstrated capacities in leadership, partnership building, management, teambuilding, effective communication, and budget management 
• Track record in designing, managing, and implementing grants and/or capacity building interventions aimed at strengthening civil society work in Lebanon with an international development organization or non-governmental organization (experience with USAID preferred) 
• Experience in designing and implementing programs utilizing the human rights-based approach, gender, and social inclusion concepts  
• Strong knowledge of materials development, training, coaching, and mentoring of local partners  
• Ability to navigate politically sensitive subjects and contexts and maintain constructive relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders 
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, transmit her/his analysis effectively to partners and colleagues, and capacity to influence, motivate, and collaborate with others 
• Fluency in English and Arabic with strong written and verbal communication skills required 
• Competency in Microsoft Office/Teams/SharePoint and other online tools for engagement, virtual learning, or training platforms a plus 
• Must be authorized to work in Lebanon

This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.  

FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself. We offer competitive compensation and an outstanding benefit package.  

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable law.  

FHI 360 welcomes diversity among its staff and encourages members of any marginalized or underrepresented group to apply for any position for which they believe they are qualified. 

Qualified candidates from outside Beirut are especially encouraged to apply.