Localization Officer (i.e. Community-Led Projects Officer)

Assignment 

Acted conducts several projects in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Beirut Mount Lebanon Governorate, implementing site management and coordination activities complemented with in-kind distribution of core relief items and the delivery of emergency shelter and WASH services. 

Site management includes community-led projects: The displaced populations themselves, along with local volunteers and grassroots initiatives, are integral to the success of localisation. By involving them directly in decision-making and service delivery, humanitarian interventions become more inclusive and reflective of community needs. They also serve as a bridge between external actors and the broader population, ensuring that assistance is culturally appropriate, locally owned and promotes social cohesion. Grassroot initiatives provide critical services and often act as intermediaries between international actors and affected populations. They are key to ensuring interventions are context-specific and responsive to the nuanced needs of displaced populations.  

This job description focuses on the importance of community engagement (CE) and the right of displaced individuals to actively participate in decisions that affect their lives. One key aspect of CE is the implementation of Community-Led Projects (CLPs), which empower affected populations by involving them in project decisions and transferring ownership of assets to the community. CLPs contribute to community empowerment, self-reliance, and cohesion, especially when integrated into the Site Management and Coordination (SMC) Area-Based Approach. These initiatives are integral to localization efforts and play a critical role in enhancing accountability in displacement responses.  

The Community-Led Projects Officer is a key position responsible for facilitating the planning, implementation, and monitoring of community-led initiatives within a site management and coordination framework. The officer will work closely with community members, local partners, and other stakeholders to ensure that CLPs are community-driven and contribute to the overall effectiveness and localization of the humanitarian response. 

Job purpose 

The primary role of the Community-Led Projects Officer is to support the successful identification, design, implementation, and evaluation of CLPs within the broader context of site management and coordination efforts. The officer will facilitate the meaningful participation of the affected population in decision-making processes, ensuring that CLPs reflect community priorities and enhance local ownership of the humanitarian response. The officer will also be responsible for ensuring that CLPs align with site management goals, enhance community resilience, and contribute to long-term sustainability. 

Functions and Responsibilities 

A. Community Engagement and Participation 

Contribute to the identification, design, and implementation of Community-Led Projects (CLPs) through consultation with affected populations and in close coordination with the Acted SMC teams. This should include the use of Acted’s local aid actors mapping among other tools, as well as global CCCM tip sheets and guidelines.  

Ensure that all CLPs are multisectoral and inclusive, addressing the needs of vulnerable groups within the community, including displaced women heads of households, older persons, persons with disabilities, as well as discriminated, underserved and marginalized populations. 

Facilitate the establishment and ongoing support of community-based committees and groups responsible for overseeing and managing CLPs. 

Promote community ownership of the projects, ensuring active participation from the community throughout the project cycle. 

B. Project Management and Coordination 

Coordinate the planning, implementation, and monitoring of CLPs in close collaboration with the Site Manager, SMC team, and relevant humanitarian partners. 

Work with local authorities, community leaders, and implementing partners to ensure effective coordination and integration of CLPs within broader site management efforts. 

Ensure that CLPs are designed in line with humanitarian standards, Lebanon laws, and best practices, with a focus on community empowerment and sustainability. 

Develop detailed work plans, budgets, and project timelines for CLPs, ensuring they are realistic, timely, and in line with the needs of the affected population. 

Support in the drafting and management of contractual documents between Acted and the community for the implementation of the selected initiatives. 

Ensure contractual modalities are adapted to grassroot organisations’ capacities and mandate, while remaining compliant with donor demands (sub grants, service contracts, donations).  

Ensure day-to-day mentorship of community-led projects, and meeting regularly with each based on an agreed upon schedule. 

Provide timely quality control on the CLPs supporting documentation for expenses as per contractual requirements, creating needed checklist and maintaining appropriate level of follow up to ensure improvement 

Ensure that the reporting guidelines, formats, and deadlines for each CLP is communicated clearly, and followed up on to ensure compliance and adherence.   

Maintain CLP files and records and ensure proper filing and archiving of sub grantees documentation 

Ensure proper transfer of sub grantees supporting documents to the finance department 

C. Capacity strengthening and Coaching  

Mobilise and organize capacity-strengthening support to community members, local partners, and SMC staff involved in CLPs, ensuring they have the necessary skills to manage and sustain projects independently. 

Work with Acted departments on the development of training and coaching materials and sessions on key topics such as project management, community participation, and the roles and responsibilities of community committees. 

Promote the development of leadership within the community to ensure long-term sustainability of CLPs. 

Act as focal point to the community on any administrative and compliance matter related to the initiatives, offering support and guidance as needed after consultation with relevant Acted departments, and flagging any concerns or risk to line management. 

D. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting 

Regularly monitor and evaluate the progress, quality and impact of CLPs, ensuring they meet the set objectives and that the community's needs are being addressed. 

Ensure that CLPs are adaptable and able to respond to changing needs, challenges, and opportunities. 

Prepare and submit timely reports on CLPs as requested by line management, including progress updates, impact assessments, challenges faced and lessons learned. 

Identify and document best practices and challenges to inform future program strategies. 

Support the Project Manager, and the Project Development and Finance departments with contractual donor reporting requirements.  

E. Coordination and Advocacy 

In close coordination with the SMC team, contribute to liaison between community members, the Site Manager, and external stakeholders (NGOs, UN agencies, local authorities) to ensure alignment of CLPs with broader humanitarian strategies and priorities. 

Advocate for the inclusion of community-led approaches in all aspects of site management and coordination efforts. 

Support the localization of humanitarian response by ensuring that CLPs align with broader localization objectives and strategies. 

F. Other: 

Identify and report critical issues to line management 

Conduct any other task assigned by line management  

Qualifications and Skills 

Essential: 

Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Humanitarian Affairs, or a related field. 

At least 3 years of experience in the humanitarian sector, with a focus on community engagement, site management, or coordination. 

Demonstrated experience in designing and managing community-led projects, particularly in an emergency or post-conflict setting. 

Strong understanding of community empowerment, participatory approaches, and the localization of humanitarian response. 

Proven ability to engage and build relationships with diverse community groups, including vulnerable and marginalized populations. 

Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to work in a multi-stakeholder environment. 

Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously. 

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other relevant software. 

Desirable: 

Experience working in complex humanitarian emergencies or displacement settings. 

Familiarity with Site Management and Coordination (SMC) standards, Sphere Standards, and other relevant humanitarian guidelines. 

Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation tools and techniques for community-led initiatives. 

Fluency in Arabic and English. 

Core Competencies 

Accountability: Takes responsibility for own actions and ensures commitments are met. 

Communication: Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. 

Leadership: Ability to lead and motivate teams, including community groups, to achieve project goals. 

Problem-Solving: Proactive in identifying challenges and finding practical solutions. 

Collaboration: Works effectively with others, including local stakeholders, implementing partners, and affected populations. 

Adaptability: Ability to work in a dynamic and rapidly changing environment. 

The position requires a dynamic and proactive individual who can effectively support and empower communities, contributing to meaningful and sustainable humanitarian responses in complex emergency contexts.