Community Grants Officer

Purpose of the PositionARK Group, is a development consultancy committed to empowering local communities and beneficiaries in conflict, post-conflict, and fragile areas through the provision of evidence-based programmatic interventions, policy recommendations and training services. ARK's approach relies on combining mixed-methods research with strong, consistent engagement with local communities and stakeholders to bridge the gap between the aspirations of local communities and the priorities of governmental and multilateral actors, thus informing the design and implementation of relevant programming. Utilising innovative quantitative and qualitative social science methodologies to generate data, we analyse and synthesise results, brief clients and beneficiaries, deliver interventions and measure impact. ARK will be delivering on behalf of DFID a multi-year programme in Lebanon in support of Palestinian youth. This programme will improve their social and economic participation, as well as enhance the youth role in governance whilst reducing the likelihood of young Palestinians resorting to negative coping strategies. Whilst this position is subject to funding, ARK is currently delivering this programme, which has been underway for a number of years. The highly innovative, Palestinian-designed programme has delivered demonstrable impact within the camps and contributed to both Palestinian welfare and the stability of Lebanon. Major Responsibilities • Reach out to youth in the Palestinian camps and gatherings and support them in drafting grant proposals and managing grants, in coordination with Deputy Programme Manager / Grants Manager.• Coordinate with Grants Manager on the contractual issues, programmatic logic and compliance of grantees.• Follow up and monitor grants submitted by youth groups in the Palestinian camps and gatherings.• Manage a team of 2-3 Community Liaison Officers in the respective camp/ gathering and monitor their work.• Continuously engage with community members, youth activists, UNRWA, youth groups, CSOs, Factions, and other relevant stakeholders at the camp level.• Support Feld Officers in implementing camp specific activities.• Provide relevant data to the M&E team.• Follow-up on political, security, and socio-economic developments in the camp and its surroundings. • Support with the organisation of workshops and attend workshops when deemed necessary.• Lead the community on identifying priority issues and organising advocacy campaigns when relevant. • Organise town hall meetings and public debate sessions between decision-makers, youth and community on issues of public interest.• Supervise the distribution of Qalam Rasas magazine and any other print material.• Monitor activities conducted by other parties in the camps and the gatherings.• Monitor issues of public opinion inside the camps and gatherings.• Promote good governance practices including transparency, civic participation, accountability, etc.• Follow-up on various media platforms in the camps including Facebook pages and Whatsapp groups.• Build and maintain a strong network of interlocutors, including local authorities, informal leaders, NGOs and CSOs, etc. Requirements: • A minimum of two years’ experience in the development field, with a focus on youth and governance• Bachelor’s degree in development studies, political studies, sociology or any related field. • Native Arabic speaker with full English professional fluency. • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and proven ability to negotiate• Proven analytical skills • Ability to work in a team and under pressure