Project Coordinator - Towards Increased Protection For Mdw In Lebanon

Migrant domestic workers (MDW) in Lebanon face widespread human rights violations and poor protection caused by a flawed sponsorship system, among other violations, that transforms the status of migrant workers to victims of trafficking as well as by the weak Lebanese protection framework which renders migrant workers constantly at risk of abuse. Lebanon has a high number of migrant workers from various countries throughout the world. These workers are exposed to various forms of discrimination and other human rights violations due to misconceptions and an absence of protective legal and administrative. The lack of legal protection is further compounded for migrant workers within the sponsorship system, otherwise known as the kafala system. Lebanon has yet to ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families because it may contradict with Lebanon’s current immigration control policies and the overall system. The system is based on administrative rules and legal regulations found in the Lebanese Criminal Code, the 1962 Law and Ministry of Labor requirements and do not take into consideration the MDW’s rights as per international standards. The system allows the employer to act as the main authority regarding the migrants’ immigration status when the state is the duty bearer and should be entirely responsible for immigration matters. In addition, the lack of monitoring and the absence of a complaints mechanism facilitate the MDW’s exploitation. Therefore there is an essential need to develop appropriate legal frameworks for the enjoyment of the rights to work and to just and favorable conditions of work to all migrant workers especially domestic workers as well as to regulate labor relations with special reference to domestic workers and to increase protections for this vulnerable group. Mechanisms for monitoring the rights of domestic workers should be established, in reference to international human rights and specifically the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families. ALEF, as a human rights based advocacy organisation, has a long record in monitoring, defending and educating on human rights with a special focus on vulnerable groups. Through its past and current projects, ALEF has always focused on MDW as being one of the most vulnerable groups in terms of human rights violations in general and specifically in relation to protection concerns. ALEF’s work focuses mainly on advocacy and awareness raising based on fact finding and referring to international principles of human rights. The project’s goal is to raise awareness on migrant workers’ issues and enhance and support already existing protection mechanisms as well as lobby for more protection and reforms on the embassies, GSO and MOL level.    -Position Summary The Project Coordinator oversees the implementation of the project and is responsible for the achievement of the project’s objectives.     -Duties and Responsibilities To oversee the project’s implementation, reporting, monitoring and evaluation. To assist in the overall financial management of the project. To maintain calendar of project activities including trainings and events schedules, staff and other meetings. To assist in mapping relevant stakeholders and coordinate with them on project activities To coordinate the project activities with the partners To assist in preparing and implementing project trainings and oversee other project activities. To discuss findings and recommendations arising from the field with the Programs Manager and projects Assistant. To set up and maintain project files, electronic files, project Library and other resources To delegate tasks and responsibilities to the projects assistant when needed and with PM’s agreement. To maintain and Organize project folders filing system To perform any other responsibility that is requested by the Programs Manager and that is aligned with the position’s and project’s scope. To support the organization’s overall work when possible.   - Qualifications/ Requested Profile:  Relevant university degree or equivalent experience in similar projects Good knowledge in Human Rights field Experience in working in the field Knowledge of the situation of Migrant domestic workers in Lebanon Proficiency in MS Office skills Knowledge of local laws and regulations Good organizational and managerial skills Good training/facilitation skills Fluency in written and spoken Arabic and English Strong communication skills – written and verbal Able to work under pressure and in emergency situations Team player Motivated