PROJECT REFERRALS FOCAL PERSON AND COMMUNICATION OFFICER

A. ORGANIZATION AND PROJECT BACKGROUND

The World Rehabilitation Fund, Inc. (WRF) is an international humanitarian non-profit organization headquartered in New York, United States of America.

In Lebanon, the programs of WRF started in the early 1980s to support governmental, civil society, and professional nation-wide and community-based efforts to enhance the prevention of disabilities, and to address the protection, rehabilitation, and inclusion needs of persons with disabilities. This is achieved through direct provision of assistance services, capacity building of all concerned, development of policies and systems, advocacy, and resource mobilization.

WRF/Lebanon is currently implementing a Project titled “Filling Assistance Gaps in Basic Rehabilitation Services for Syrian Refugees with Disabilities and their Peers in Host Communities in Lebanon”. This Project, extending through September 2024, is made possible through a Cooperative Agreement by the United States Department of State's Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration as a Gift of the United States Government.

B. JOB PURPOSE

The Project Referrals Focal Person and Communication Officer will assume the following responsibilities:

1. Lead efforts to upgrade and enhance the Project's referral systems and related processes in consultation with relevant team members, stakeholders, and by incorporating sectoral experiences and practices.
2. Monitor, document, and follow up on referrals within the Project framework.
3. Coordinate input from all concerned parties to advance appropriate and effective referral processes and pathways for the benefit of Project beneficiaries and persons with disabilities in need, ensuring prevention of duplication and optimal use of opportunities and resources.
4. Utilize effective reporting on ActivityInfo® and employ RIMS and other referral platforms.

Additionally, they will be responsible for:

• Developing and upgrading the Project's communication strategy and plan, and enhancing the communication-related capabilities of the Project Team.
• Leading, coordinating, and assisting, as appropriate, in active two-way communication with Project beneficiaries, concerned communities, UNHCR, other relevant UN agencies, INGOs, local CSOs, professional service providers, and other stakeholders. The Officer will support in the management the Project’s social media and lead and support Project efforts in advocacy and to expand awareness and understanding of health promotion, prevention of disability, and disease prevention. Furthermore, the Officer will support Project activities aimed at raising awareness and advocating for the rights and needs of persons with disabilities.

The Officer will report to the Project Operations Director.

C. KEY TASKS:

 Assessment and Planning:

• Conducting desk reviews of available assessments, surveys, and reports concerning Persons With Disabilities, as well as past and current interventions and programs.
• Assisting in the development of assistance response plans based on the Project's set targets, indicators, deliverables, priorities, and selection criteria.

1. Project Referrals:

• Collaborating with concerned Project staff to develop, communicate, and manage a "Referral Control & Reporting System," along with referral guidelines and procedures.
• Monitoring, documenting, and following up on Project referrals to ensure timely and effective processing.
• Providing support in managing both internal and external (incoming and outgoing) referrals and expediting referral processes.
• Producing quarterly reports for the Inter-Agency Referral Monitoring System to track and evaluate referral outcomes.
• Regularly updating the Inter-Sector Service Mapping and utilizing it as a primary source of information for referral advice.
• Leading, coordinating, and supporting, as appropriate, initiatives to integrate into inter-sector referral systems (such as RIMS), enhancing collaboration and efficiency.

1. Project Communication, Advocacy, and Awareness:

• Developing the Communication Strategy and its implementation plan for the Project.
• Drafting and ensuring the production and dissemination of Project-related communication and awareness materials.
• Ensuring a continuous update of the WRF website, social media platforms, and related materials.
• Producing Project charts, fact sheets, and presentations as needed.
• Building and maintaining a database of Project stakeholders.
• Staying informed on publications and updates related to Project sectors and targeted populations, and sharing relevant information with the Project team and concerned parties accordingly.
• Collecting and disseminating health promotion and disease prevention awareness materials, particularly related to COVID-19 and Cholera, from recognized entities (e.g., MOPH, WHO, UNICEF).
• Supporting advocacy and awareness efforts and activities targeting Project beneficiaries, concerned communities, INGOs, local CSOs, local professional service providers, and other stakeholders.

1. Project Tools and Reporting:

• Preparing and supporting the development of targeted, periodic, and as-needed Project reports.
• Assisting in identifying and documenting lessons learned and success stories.
• Ensuring that information on progress, challenges, and lessons learned, as produced by the Project's Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Team, is documented and shared proactively, effectively, and in accordance with Project management directives.
• Regularly reporting on progress, achievements, and challenges, as required.
• Contributing to the development or enhancement of data collection tools, and assisting in data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Providing support in implementing and assisting in the development of data collection and processing solutions through data collection platforms (e.g., Open Data Kits-ODK), such as KOBO Toolbox.
• Assisting in drafting Project policies and systems to align with Project requirements.

1. Project Implementation:

• Liaising and coordinating with project partners and stakeholders to foster strong working relationships with all concerned parties.
• Undertaking any additional duties as requested by project management, as needed and appropriate.