Community Engagement Officer

Through INARA, USAID seeks to increase the supply of electricity generation at the community level and to increase the cost-effectiveness, eco-friendliness, sustainability, and reliability of power supply, while clarifying and strengthening the enabling environment for renewable energy-based electrical power generation.

The project will run for 5 years and started in September 2021. The position is based in Beirut, Lebanon. This position will start on December 2021 as a consultancy contract, and then shift to a full-time employee contract after a trial period contingent on performance and USAID approval.

Role and Responsibilities

Overview summary statement of position. The Community Engagement Officer will report to the COP.

The Community Engagement Officer will play an integral role in the integration of INARA interventions within selected communities in Lebanon.  This includes: identifying, selecting and mapping community needs as they relate to Renewable Energy; building the capacity of communities to engage in reducing energy consumption; and maximizing investments. The officer will engage directly with stakeholder and beneficiaries, including municipalities and help build bridges and create partnerships between Lebanese communities and the diaspora.

The position is responsible for the following:

Outreach, Liaison & Representation

• Represent INARA during outreach and liaison with local relevant actors, including RMF, municipalities, stakeholders, and other.  
• Act as INARA’s focal point for capacity building, developing a professional working relationship with partner/s, local authorities as needed
• Engage with Communication and Outreach officer in providing community updates, progress reports, community engagement strategies 
• Oversee work plan implementation within selected communities, develop progress reports and flag challenges, delays and possible risk factors
• Organize community engagement sessions, trainings, and discussions to ensure community participation in decision making processes.

Coordination & Support

• Support in the mapping, identifying, and assessing initial capacity of potential municipalities
• Coordinate closely with partner organization/s on implementation plan and deliverables including selection criteria for municipalities 
• Conduct a training needs assessment and support capacity building efforts as needed within each community 
• Work in close collaboration with INARA technical and management staff
• Support all research and assessments on communities as they relate to RE
• Engage in identifying mechanisms for supporting diaspora interventions including building partnerships with local municipalities, private sector, and encouraging local buy in for INARA’s intervention  

  Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social studies, communications, or related field.  
• At least 5 to 7 years of experience
• Experience in working in the field with local communities.
• Fulent in English and Arabic