Re-advertise: Advisor for social cohesion and participative planning processes (Crisis, Conflict, Disaster) - ACE

Job Profile

1. Required qualifications, competences and experience

Qualifications

• Education/training: University qualification (Master) in sociology, social sciences, peace and conflict studies or related field to participatory planning processes/social cohesion or conflict sensitive project management

Professional experience

• 5-7 years’ professional experience, strong expertise in conceptualising and moderating participatory planning processes at the local level with local authorities and civil society actors
• Experience in context- and conflict sensitive capacity development and firm knowledge in different approaches for citizen dialogue and multi-stakeholder approaches
• Experience in conducting peace and conflict assessments
• Experience with conflict management, social cohesion measures and how to link them to other thematical areas (food, agriculture, SME support) is an advantage

Other knowledge, additional competences

• fluent written and oral knowledge of Arabic and English
• strong knowledge of Lebanese context (working with Lebanese local authorities and CSOs) and ease in dealing with culturally and politically sensitive topics
• Regional experience in West Bekaa, Zahle and Mount Lebanon is a plus
• willingness to upskill as required by the tasks to be performed – corresponding measures are agreed with management

1. Responsibilities

The Advisor: Crisis, Conflict, Disaster (incl. Emergency Aid, Peace, Security, Flight and Migration) is responsible for

• facilitating participatory planning processes with representatives of the municipal administration and formalised and unformalised civil society, as well as concrete implementation of low-threshold community initiatives to promote social cohesion
• providing continuous process consulting / coaching on participatory planning and needs assessment mechanisms
• ensuring continuous communication with all stakeholders for expectation management and transparency of the social cohesion activities
• developing capacity development measures for civil society actors & municipalities that focus on citizen dialogue and management of multi-stakeholder dialogue & conflict management together with training providers
• Facilitating meetings and exchanges between different municipalities for knowledge exchange on good practices

The Advisor: Crisis, Conflict, Disaster (incl. Emergency Aid, Peace, Security, Flight and Migration) performs the following tasks:

1. Tasks

1. Management responsibility

The Advisor: Crisis, Conflict, Disaster (incl. Emergency Aid, Peace, Security, Flight and Migration):

• coordinates and facilitates the onboarding/setting up and relationship building process between civil society actors and local administration and carries out meetings, workshops and related activities required for developing and implementing social cohesion measures
• supports project partners (CSO, CBO, municipalities) in the identification of needs and existing plans and in the participatory development of selection criteria to develop and prioritize activities together
• is responsible for conceptualizing the capacity development approach, the vision and action plans with partners (CSO, CBO, municipalities) to strengthen transparent and accountable public action
• gives orientation to national and international advisors in carrying out their work related to activities of the social cohesion component
• assists the head of component for social cohesion and the project manager in organisational and management questions related to the social cohesion component (e.g. management of local subsidies)
• regularly consults with the GIZ officer responsible for the contract and cooperation on all project activities

1. Professional advisory services

The Advisor Crisis, Conflict, Disaster (incl. Emergency Aid, Peace, Security, Flight and Migration):

• advises partner institution(s) on participatory planning processes, identifying needs, developing concepts and strategies, and provides technical input
• Supports the head of component for social cohesion in aligning the project’s services with the partner’s needs
• contributes to preparing and implementing the coordination process, joint project activities and work in the regions
• formulates terms of reference and selects and supervises third parties in the course of supporting participatory planning and social cohesion activities
• monitors the development and implementation of participatory plans and activities in close consultation with counterparts
• develops and organises quality assurance measures and suggests necessary changes, improvements and initiatives

1. Networking and cooperation

The Advisor Crisis, Conflict, Disaster (incl. Emergency Aid, Peace, Security, Flight and Migration):

• ensures cooperation, regular contact and dialogue with partners; carries out PR work and cooperates with local CSOs,CBOs, municipalities and individuals in the project environment and with other projects to improve and maintain good working relationships
• communicates local interests and efforts, forwards these and encourages sharing ideas and information for the benefit of the project
• travels in the project regions (especially West Bekaa, Zahle and Mount Lebanon) regularly, in accordance with project requirements

1. Knowledge management

The Advisor Crisis, Conflict, Disaster (incl. Emergency Aid, Peace, Security, Flight and Migration):

• compiles information on participatory planning processes and ensures knowledge transfer
• develops strategies and technical concepts related to the component
• draws up reports and presentation documents
• formulates appropriate input related to participatory planning for various project reports including annual reports, and contributes to the other reports required by the programme manager and GIZ Head Office

Project Description:

The situation in Lebanon is characterized by a structural economic and financial crisis and by the effects of the Covid 19 pandemic and the explosion in the port of Beirut in August 2020. The focus of the new Transitional Development Assistance project is to strengthen the socio-economic resilience of vulnerable groups in Bekaa and Mount Lebanon. This is done along three fields of action (1) strengthening agriculture, (2) promoting MSMEs and start-ups, and (3) promoting social cohesion at the local level