Male Engagement Officer

BACKGROUND: The International Rescue Committee is an international organization specializing in emergency and humanitarian programming. In response to the influx of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, the IRC started a Women’s Protection and Empowerment (WPE) programme in 2012 with programme strategies implemented in various locations in the Northern and Beka’a Governorates. In early 2014, the WPE programme also expanded to the Tripoli 5 region. In addition, as part of its Economic Recovery and Development (ERD) program, IRC delivers monthly cash grants to pay for rent, health care, utility bills, and education to hundreds of vulnerable refugee and Lebanese families in Akkar. In 2013 the IRC Cash Programme developed and monitored a Financial Management Training supported by the IRC Women Empowerment Programme. Women are trained on notions and guidance on how to manage household income and expenditures and how to make savings. The Gender Discussion Group (GDG) Series is designed to invite couples to reflect on the char¬acteristics of a successful household and build skills that will help them transform that vision into reality. While the discussion series focus on household financial well-being and budgeting, communication and negotiation skills, themes related to gender roles and violence are woven throughout the sessions. Participants engage in dialogue about their own attitudes and beliefs regarding financial decision making, women’s significant contributions to the household, and alternatives to using violence as a means of asserting power and control. SCOPE OF WORK:  The Male Engagement Officer, as a team member of the IRC’s Women’s Protection and Empowerment (WPE) team in Akkar, will work closely with the WPE Manager and other members of the WPE team to adapt existing materials and implement the Gender Discussion Groups with women participating in the financial management training and their spouses or other male decision makers in their household. In addition, the Male Engagement officer will support the efforts of the WPE team to engage community leaders and men in the community to enhance the protection of women and girls. Who this position reports to: WPE Manager Who this position works with: Caseworkers, Community Mobilizers, WPE Senior Officers, ERD team SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The EA$E Officer is specifically responsible for the following tasks: Gender Discussion Groups - Review existing IRC materials and adapt them to the context incorporating feedback from participants - Closely collaborate with the ERD team to mobilize participants and organize the Gender Discussion Groups- Co-facilitate the Discussion Group Series with FMT participants and their spouses or other decision-makers within the household - Ensure consistent monitoring and evaluation of the Discussion Group Series through end-of-session surveys as well as baseline and final evaluation surveys. - Participate in Learning opportunities around Gender Discussion Group Series in the region, including by shadowing facilitators in the IRC Jordan country program- Actively address challenges in program implementation and propose solutions to the WPE manager - Closely coordinate with the IRC Economic Recovery and Development Cash Assistance Manager and program officer- Create detailed weekly and monthly work plans and compile weekly reports in collaboration with GDG co-facilitator Women Protection and Empowerment - Work closely with the WPE Manager and Community Mobilizers to devise strategies to engage men and boys in community mobilization efforts aimed at creating a protective environment for women and girls - Act as the focal point of contact with municipalities and other key local leaders- Conduct focus group discussions with men and boys to gather information about safety and security of women and girls in their community and existing protection mechanisms - Participate in community mapping and safety planning exercises as part of the general community mobilization initiative- Lead discussions with men and boys about women and girls’ safety and protection, in close collaboration with the rest of the WPE team- Facilitate trainings/round tables with key local leaders and community members on GBV, protection principles, safe referrals- Attend staff meetings and training as required. - Other duties as assigned by the supervisor to enable and develop IRC programmes. Professional Standards• All IRC staff are required to adhere to THE IRC Way Standards for Professional Conduct and the IRC country employment policies. REQUIREMENTS: • Clear understanding of gender inequality, and issues surrounding violence against women and girls;• Proven experience in facilitating discussions, trainings and focus group discussions at the community level• Experience working with displaced communities to identify and respond to needs of community members• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; experience engaging community leaders and other stakeholders • Positive and professional attitude, able to organize, maintain composure and prioritize work under pressure, work overtime when necessary and be able to coordinate multiple tasks and maintain attention to detail;• Ability to work as a member of a team essential;• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Word and Excel.• Fluency in Arabic required.• Bachelor’s degree in social work, community development, social behavioural sciences or related field preferred;• Ability to communicate in English and write clear and concise reports in English strongly preferred. WORK ENVIRONMENT: Staff will be based in Qubayat and provide services to selected locations across Akkar. Occasional travel to Beirut may occur.