Legal and Advocacy Consultant

Title: Legal and Advocacy Consultant

Project: Community Mobilization for CL and GBV

Background Information

The Community Organization for Development and Empowerment-TCODE-INITIATE is a Nongovernmental, nonprofit, youth oriented organization based in Lebanon and dedicated to assisting vulnerable communities through youth inclusion and empowerment. While keeping youth at its focus of its mission, TCODE-INITIATE continually endeavors in creating comprehensive and inclusive programs aimed towards the empowerment of youth, and its concentric circles of influence.

In the process of delivering its Mission TCODE-INITIATE aspires to keeping its status as a hub for youth allowing them to: access a safe space, and acquire knowledge and access to a network of social and political influencers enhancing their social participation in decision making processes.

Objectives:

• Overall Objective: To contribute to significant improvements in the Lebanese legal and policy framework related to child labor, leading to a measurable reduction in child labor cases and enhanced protection for vulnerable children.
• Specific Objectives:
  1. Child Labor Study: Conduct an in-depth assessment of child labor in Lebanon, including a desk review of existing studies/policies, comprehensive analysis of the problem, and identification of gaps, to inform advocacy efforts.
  2. Policy/Law Development: Develop recommendations and draft a policy paper, normative paper, a new law proposal, or proposal for adjustments to existing laws to advance child labor protection.
  3. Advocacy Plan: Design and implement a comprehensive advocacy plan to promote the proposed policy or legal reform, engaging key stakeholders and building strategic alliances.
  4. Advocacy Impact: Achieve measurable advocacy outcomes as outlined in the Key Indicators.

Scope of Work:

Phase 1: Child Labor Assessment

• Desk Review: Analyze existing research, legal documents, and policies related to child labor in Lebanon.
• Key Informant Interviews: Conduct interviews with relevant stakeholders, including government officials, UN agencies, NGOs, child protection experts, and community representatives to understand perspectives, challenges, and opportunities.
• Data Analysis and Report: Compile findings into a comprehensive report, highlighting root causes, contributing factors, gaps in the legal framework, and evidence-based recommendations.

Phase 2: Policy/Law Development

• Consultation and Collaboration: Work with INITIATE to select a priority advocacy focus based on the assessment findings.
• Legal Research: Conduct in-depth legal research on national and international child labor laws and conventions.
• Drafting: Prepare a policy paper, normative paper, new law proposal, or proposed adjustments to current laws, incorporating best practices and stakeholder feedback.

Phase 3: Advocacy Plan and Implementation

• Stakeholder Mapping and Power Analysis: Identify key decision-makers, influencers, potential allies, and potential opposition to the proposed advocacy. Analyze their positions and influence.
• Advocacy Strategy: Develop an advocacy plan with clear goals, objectives, target audiences, key messages, and tactics (e.g., meetings, media engagement, coalition-building).
• Implementation and Monitoring: Execute the advocacy plan, track progress, and adapt strategies as needed.

Phase 4: Key Indicators

• Achieve the Key Indicators outlined in the brief for tracking advocacy impact.

Deliverables:

• Child Labor Assessment Report
• Drafted Policy/Normative Paper or Law Proposal
• Advocacy Plan Document
• Regular progress reports and a final report summarizing accomplishments, challenges, and recommendations.
• Training for INITIATE on advocacy and creation of an advocacy manual

Expected Days of Engagement: An estimated 63 days from recruitment to end of 2026 ( with more emphasis on the beginning stages)

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in law, public policy, social sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in legal research, policy analysis, and advocacy, specifically in child rights and child labor issues.
• Expertise in the Lebanese legal system, international child labor conventions, and human rights.
• Excellent research, writing, and communication skills in Arabic and English.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Timeline:

• Develop a detailed work plan outlining timelines and key deliverables.

How to Apply

Interested individuals should submit the following:

• CV highlighting relevant experience
• Cover letter outlining interest and suitability for the role
• A Financial and Technical Proposal

Applications should be sent to: [email protected]

Deadline for applications: 9/May/2024