Local Environment Expert - HRR002 - Central Bekaa - Position Funded by UNHCR at the Union of Municipalities in Central Bekaa

**UNHCR is supporting the advertisement of the Local Environment Expert position at the Union of Municipalities in Central Bekaa.**

Background

Under the Lebanon Crisis Response Plan (LCRP) 2017-2020, the Ministry of Environment (MoE) has established an Environment Task Force (ETF) which aims at mainstreaming environmental concerns in the different sectors of the LCRP. The ETF is working in close coordination with the MoE’s Service of Regional Departments and Environmental Police and other related Government institutions and is also coordinating with key UN agencies to respond to the environmental impacts of the Syrian crisis in Lebanon.

The ETF is building upon Environmental Assessment of the Syrian Conflict and Priority Interventions (EASC)  which was conducted by MoE in 2014, as well as other pilot studies conducted later through the ETF, to identify priority environmental issues at local level. The ETF is supported by UN agencies and other donors to ensure its continuous functioning; the main support is provided by UNHCR, UNICEF, the Embassy of Switzerland, UNDP and UN-Environment and in coordination with all LCRP sectors, to advance its mandate. 

The Litani basin is considered among the most critical environmental hotspots in Lebanon, where the environmental impacts of the Syrian crisis are adding up to several other chronic environmental concerns. 

In collaboration with UNDP, UNICEF, UNHCR and the Swiss Embassy and in coordination with the MoIM and the Bekaa Governor, the LCRP/ETF at MoE will cooperate with priority unions of municipalities/ municipalities in the Litani basin to identify and implement needed response to the environmental impact of the Syrian crisis.

Objective and Scope of Work

The LCRP/ETF at MoE is seeking to recruit three local environmental experts to support environmental response to the Syrian crisis in 5 Unions of Municipalities in the Bekaa (Sahel, Bouhayra, Central Bekaa, East Zahle, Zahle Caza) and in the Municipality of Zahle as well as other priority Municipalities in Zahle and West Bekaa Cazas. The overall scope of work is to support in identifying the most pressing environmental needs resulting from the Syrian crisis and their related interventions, raising awareness of local authorities and community groups, support environmental trainings for municipal police and municipal council members, and support the implementation of local/regional environmental interventions in response to the environmental impacts of the Syrian crisis.

The expert will work under the technical supervision of the LCRP/ETF at MoE and the supervision of the Head of Union of Municipalities of Central Bekaa. This particular Local Environmental expert position will be stationed at the offices of the Central Bekaa Union of Municipalities, but will also be responsible for Zahle Caza Union of Municipalities and East Zahle Union of Municipalities. He will work in close liaison with UNHCR and other related agencies. 

Functions and Key Results Expected

Identifying and planning for environmental interventions under the LCRP’s Strategic Objective 4: “Reinforce Lebanon’s economic, social and environmental stability” and its Impact 6: “Mitigated Environmental Impact of the Syrian crisis to avoid further degradation of the natural eco-system and ensure its long-term sustainability”

• In depth assessments at the level of Central Bekaa, East Zahle and Zahle caza UoMs.
• Desktop reviews of existing studies and assessments, Field assessments, Focus group discussions with relevant stakeholders.
• Identify ongoing environmental and sustainable development initiatives in the geographical area of intervention. 
• Establish a database of on-going environmental initiatives including those   related to the environmental impacts of the Syrian crisis. 

Develop and support the implementation of at least 4 Project proposals for selected priority interventions for Central Bekaa, East Zahle and Zahle caza UoMs

• Develop at least 4 project proposals to respond to priority environmental impact of the Syrian crisis in coordination with all concerned stakeholders
• Ensure close coordination with the different services of the Ministry of Environment and other concerned ministries, UN agencies (UNICEF, UNHCR, UNDP and others) as well as other local authorities, unions of municipalities.
• Coordinate with civil society including groups of citizens, local NGO’s, religious leaders, etc. 
• Coordinate with all ongoing local initiatives such as the UNHCR / ANERA Solid Waste Management project, Qaraoun Lake Pollution Prevention (MoE/World Bank), LHSP (MOSA/UNDP), Sustainable Land Management (MoE/UNDP), Local Development in Litani River Basin (ESFD/EU), Solid Waste Management Project (OMSAR/EU), Balabi-Cap (USAID) and others as appropriate.

Support the implementation of capacity development activities including trainings and awareness on environmental management for Central Bekaa, East Zahle and Zahle caza UoMs

• Provide administrative, logistics and technical support for the planning and delivery of trainings for Central Bekaa, East Zahle and Zahle caza UoMs. 
• Develop and conduct awareness campaigns, and support those existing or planned under the LCRP, to inform and engage all community groups in the selection, planning and implementation of interventions
• Support lessons learnt initiatives on community engagement for behaviour change on environmental issues.
• Support the ETF and MoE regional office in Bekaa in punctually communicating information and advice on national policy, legislative and normative developments at national level to local environmental actors and initiatives.
• Map environment related initiatives under the LCRP in Central Bekaa, East Zahle and Zahle caza UoMs. and join efforts with ETF and MoE regional office to advise on and support lessons learnt efforts of local actors. This to reach a longer term positive impact on the environmental situation in the targeted area,

Duration and Salary

• The duration of the contract will be 12 months.
• There is a possibility that the contract will be extended depending on performance.
• The salary range is between 1,500 USD and 2,000 USD
• This position is fully funded by UNHCR at the Union of Municipalities in Central Bekaa