Governance Consultant

JIBAL
 

2. Background and objectives of the consultancy

JIBAL is a not-for-profit association that champions environmental and social justice principles. We envision a society centered on principles of reciprocity, recognition, and equitable redistribution. The work intertwines socio-cultural and ecological perspectives to promote a holistic approach to societal development. JIBAL promotes sustainability in all its aspects – in the built and natural environments, in human societies, and in economic and social policies – by developing and implementing different activities such as workshops, training, and applied research projects. JIBAL receives its funding mainly from international donors.

Jibal started in January 2021, in collaboration with Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation, a two-year project aimed at promoting food sovereignty and increased food security in Lebanon. The project aims at: 

• Supporting the transition towards a circular economy, local and sustainable agriculture, of farmers within a short distance from Beirut (neighbouring Mount-Lebanon and Bekaa).
• Initiating a process of direct and affordable sales from these farmers to the inhabitants of vulnerable urban neighbourhoods within the radius of Beirut blast.

JIBAL is looking for an governance consultant to support building the governance structure of a social grocery that functions as a cooperative.

3. Scope of work

The scope of work includes the following tasks that will be conducted in close collaboration with the Jibal team and members of the social grocery:

• Research and presentation of other examples of consumers coop to the social grocery management to learn from existing/successful models.
• Facilitate a discussion with grocery members to understand their expectations and concerns.
• Assess the existing structure of grocery and its members, roles, decision-making, capacity, etc.
• Support the governance system establishment of the coop in close collaboration with its members.
• Coach the coop members as they implement the governance system.
• Attend meetings and brainstorming sessions with SAUFF project team.

1. Workplan upon consultancy signature

2. Research and presentation of other consumers’ coop

3. Assessment of the coop structure

4. Governance structure

5. Final report which include chapters of all activities implemented including coaching results

5. Timeframe

• 10 full working days over a period of 5 months (April – August 2022)

6. Qualifications of consultant

• Solid operational and technical knowledge in relation to cooperative/participative governance.
• Good understanding of existing functional and successful cooperatives.
• Proven experience capacity building and coaching.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills.
• Good operational writing skills.

The consultant will work under the supervision of the Project Manager.

8. Confidentiality

All content and documents of the assignment are to be treated confidentially and may not be shared outside of the Jibal team, unless explicit agreement was given by the supervisors.