Occupational Therapist

Background to LUPD:

LUPD is a national non-governmental organization. LUPD is committed to advocating for a society built on principles of social justice, human rights, equality, and solidarity. LUPD work is based on the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Respect for difference, dignity and autonomy, and respect for person’s capacities / Accessibility / Non-discrimination / Participation and inclusion / Equal opportunities for women, men and everybody.

LUPD was keen on gender in its training programs, outreach, rehabilitation, employment and follow-up projects that we have carried out for the past three decades. The percentage of females exceeds males by a slight difference in total (54% females, 46% males), even though Females with disabilities are more likely to be marginalized by the family, the local environment and society, which required greater efforts by the implementing program teams, in addition to mitigating violence against WGwDs.

The multiple crises in Lebanon have aggravated pre-existing vulnerabilities and a challenging humanitarian situation for the most vulnerable Lebanese, as well as for different refugees in Lebanon, and for migrant workers. Consequently, they disproportionately affect people with disabilities. LUPD’s programs have responded, providing emergency relief and rehabilitation for refugees, promoting inclusive, accessible schools and access to employment, engaging people with disabilities in local decision making and monitoring progress on disability rights across the country.

Job Overview:

Inclusion officers aim to reduce discrimination, fight for equal access to services, promote positive attitudes, and ensure all project activities are free of obstacles and challenges for the access of the persons with disabilities.

Objectives of the role:

As an inclusion officer, you'll aim to promote good relations and practices towards people with disabilities within the project activities and the targeted area. You may work within community services, supporting people with disabilities and delivering diversity workshops to community’ members, staff and volunteers.

The role can involve the development, monitoring and review of the project strategies designed to ensure the proper enabling for the different activities. And providing the needed consultation for the activities that target people with disabilities to ensure full participation.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide and implement equality, diversity & inclusion advice and guidance with reference to relevant legislation and working collaboratively with the project team.
• Play a lead role to respond to staff needs for improving their knowledge of inclusion.
• Research, develop and deliver action plans, taking responsibility for key end results to support the adaptation of the tools within the cash assistance, vocational training, employment, cash-for-work, PSS, and social cohesion activities under this project.
• Plan and implement in direct collaboration with the Program manager training module to communicate equality, diversity and inclusion principles and tips for the selected organizations in addition for the newly recruited staff and members of the community as appropriate. This may include close working with other team members and/or the selected organizations, private sector, and municipalities team.
• Make a constructive and proactive contribution to the implementation and formulation of tips of adaptation of the used curriculum under this project.
• Produce reports providing advice/ creative solutions for consideration to mainstreaming disability inclusion. 
• Conduct Functional Capacity Assessment during the identification phase.
• Work on the adaptation of the job description of the beneficiaries from the cash-for-work in the community kitchens, as well as during the employment phase.
• Other duties as assigned by the program manager.

Skills, Competencies and Qualifications:

• Bachelor degree in Special education, Human Rights, Law, social work or other related field.
• 3 years’ professional experience in disability inclusion programs.
• Commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Cultural sensitivity.
• Experience of building relationships with key stakeholders and decision makers.
• The ability to build the trust of community groups.
• Negotiation and persuasion skills.
• The ability to work as part of a team.
• Conflict-resolution skills.
• Self-motivation and an ability to use initiative.
• Good report-writing ability.
• Presentation and training skills.
• Flexibility and the ability to work across all levels and meet changing requirements.
• Initiative, capacity to organize and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in teams, openness to respond positively to different points of view and criticisms regarding their individual performance, as well as make necessary adjustments.
• Ability to evaluate written materials.
• Fluent in Arabic and very good knowledge of English.
• Good computer skills including MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Belief in LUPD’s mission and vision.
• Respect for PSEA Policy.