Retention Support Facilitator - Jabal Mohsen / Mankoubin

CRS-EIE Project (Terms of Reference)

1. Background

The Alawite Islamic Charity Association (AICA) is implementing a CRS-funded Education in Emergency (EiE) project to support displaced Syrian children and vulnerable host communities in North Lebanon, mainly in Jabal Mohsen. This initiative aims to provide structured learning opportunities, enhance child protection, and ensure household stability through integrated education and well-being interventions.

To ensure the effective operation and implementation of the CRS-funded Education in Emergency (EiE) project, AICA seeks 3 qualified candidates for the position of Retention Support Facilitator (RSF) to enhance student retention among displaced Syrian children and vulnerable host communities in North Lebanon. The RSF will play a critical role in engaging displaced Syrian, supporting educators, and smoothen learning continuity in a tailored Education guideline while these children remain in Lebanon.

The Retention Support Facilitator will work directly with students, peer facilitators, the project team, and parents to maintain the children's academic perception, enhance educational engagement, and provide psychosocial support. RSFs will deliver tailored learning support through a 2-hour instructional module, three days per week, integrating the Syrian curriculum while introducing Lebanese language components and key academic topics. This approach aims to ensure children are academically engaged and introduce key language and components in case children may consider integration into the Lebanese education system in the following academic year.

Each 2-hour session will be complemented with 1 hour of recreational activity (provided by the recreational facilitator) to create a relaxed and engaging learning environment, allowing children to release stress and absorb academic content more effectively.

Students will be placed in structured learning cycles based on their academic level:

Cycle 1: Grades 1, 2, and 3

Cycle 2: Grades 4, 5, and 6

Cycle 3: Grades 7, 8, and 9

RSFs may take full classes or cover specific subjects as determined in coordination with the Center Coordinator and in alignment with the project schedule and needs. This role aligns with CRS’s EiE priorities, ensuring inclusive, high-quality learning opportunities for children affected by displacement and crisis.

2. Key Responsibilities

A. Student Support:

Identify through observation, assessments, and consultations with center staff and parents, the children relevant to attend the RS support.

Develop and implement individualized support plans tailored to the unique needs of students in community centers, addressing academic, social, and emotional challenges if requested.

Provide one-on-one and small group tutoring sessions within the community center to improve academic performance and build confidence.

Assist in the implementation of community center activities and engagement programs 

Facilitate learning support aligned with EIE guidelines

B. Parental and Community Engagement:

Work closely with parents/caregivers who visit community centers to address external factors affecting student challenges, such as family risks or lack of resources. This process is supported by qualified personnel at AICA from the "health or protection team" in full coordination with the center coordinator and the PM.

Organize workshops if needed for parents and visiting students at the community center to emphasize the importance of education and provide guidance on supporting their children’s learning.

Build strong relationships with community center staff and local stakeholders to create a supportive network for students and their families.

C. Collaboration with Staff:

Collaborate with community center team and other facilitators to identify struggling students and adapt teaching strategies for inclusive education.

Conduct regular counseling sessions for students experiencing distress.

Provide guidance to community center staff on effective ways to engage students and foster a positive learning environment.

Share updates and progress reports with community center leadership and relevant stakeholders to ensure alignment and support.

D. Monitoring and Evaluation:

Track daily attendance, academic performance, and behavioral progress of supported students who participate in community center programs.

Document success stories, challenges, and lessons learned from working with students in community centers to inform program improvement.

Prepare regular reports to share with community center coordinators and AICA's PM to be shared with student's caregivers and sector working groups and /or MEHE and/or CRS if needed.

E. Advocacy and Awareness:

Advocate for inclusive practices and support systems within community centers

Promote the integration of educational support programs within community centers to ensure students have access to resources that enhance their learning and retention

3. Qualifications & Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in education and social development related field (Mathematics, Arabic Literature, French/English Literature, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, psychology, social sciences/humanities, specialized education, or social animation) or relevant degree

Minimum of 2 years of experience in teaching, counseling, or student support roles, preferably with school students and NGO experience

Strong understanding of barriers to student retention and effective intervention strategies for Cycles 1, 2, and 3.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to engage with students, parents, and other facilitators.

Ability to manage sensitive situations with professionalism and empathy

Proficiency in Arabic and English is a MUST; French is an advantage.

Patient, compassionate, and committed to student success.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Passionate about education and inclusive practices.

Priority to community members from Jabal Mohsen

4. Duration

5 Months, monthly fees of 250$/month where each facilitator will facilitate sessions for 2 classes where each will receive 2hrs/session over 3 times a week, totaling 12 hrs./week.

Monthly salary is subject to 8.5% Non-Residential Tax deduction as per Lebanese labor law

5. Reporting Line & Supervision

RSFs will report weekly to his/her Center Coordinator and/or the PM

Performance will be evaluated monthly based on:

Student engagement metrics (attendance, dropout rates, feedback).

Effectiveness of learning support.

Compliance with AICA, CRS, and education sector policies.

The Retention Support Facilitator role is critical in ensuring the successful implementation of AICA’s CRS-funded EIE project. The selected candidate will play a key role in community engagement, service coordination, and compliance with humanitarian best practices.