Project Officer - BRIDGE

General background:

Asmae is a French international solidarity NGO specializing in child development. It is independent, non-religious, non-political, and open to everyone. Created in 1980 by Sister Emmanuelle following her experience with garbage collectors in Egypt’s slums, Asmae keeps on respecting its founder’s values and methods: listening and proximity, pragmatism, respect for differences, professionalism, and reciprocity.

Asmae has been working in Lebanon since 1986 (a local coordination office opened in 2005). Asmae is currently working in partnership with local organizations in the fields of education, child protection, youth empowerment, and livelihoods. Disability and Gender mainstreaming are also some of Asmae’s priorities during the implementation of the project. These projects are reaching different areas in Lebanon including Beirut, North, South, and Bekaa.

BRIDGE background

The BRIDGE for Youth Program (Boosting Resilient Innovation for Development, Growth, and Empowerment) is a two-year project led by Asmae – Association Soeur Emmanuelle, in partnership with the Farah Social Foundation (FSF), and proposed for funding by the Citi Foundation.

The program will empower 150 vulnerable youth (Lebanese and Syrian refugees, aged 14–25) in Beirut and the Bekaa governorate (Bar Elias, Keb Elias, Khyara, and Taalabaya). It combines:

• Economic empowerment: vocational training, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and digital skills (including ICDL certification).
• Social cohesion: youth committees, inter-community exchanges, advocacy, and peacebuilding initiatives.
• Sustainability: strengthening FSF’s organizational and technical capacities for long-term impact.

BRIDGE responds to Lebanon’s severe socio-economic crisis and the aftermath of the 2024 war, which left youth facing high unemployment, displacement, and growing sectarian tensions. By bridging economic opportunities with social stability, BRIDGE enables youth to become independent, resilient changemakers, contributing to more inclusive and peaceful communities.

Project Officer Role:

In the framework of Asmae’s Country Strategy, the Project Officer will be in charge of the implementation of BRIDGE in Beirut and West Bekaa . As such, s/he will be responsible for the overall coordination, monitoring, and reporting of the project, and be the project’s main focal point for partners.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND JOB DESCRIPTION:

In line with Asmae’s values and response mode, the Project Officer will be in charge of the following:

Operational project management

• Ensure the smooth planning and organization of activities with the partners within the timeframe and in accordance with contractual commitments; 
• Organize project preparation workshop(s) and project events in close cooperation with the partners;
• Daily detailed follow-up with partners
• Support partner in the implementation of activities and strengthen their management-monitoring-evaluation-reporting capacities;
• Organize and/or facilitate regular meetings with the partner (networking, steering committees, etc.);
• Ensure Asmae’s operational tools are used (partner evaluation form, partnership agreement, action plan, monitoring and evaluation dashboard, etc.);
• Establish a close collaboration and coordination with the Technical Advisors/ consultants to follow up the technical activities of the partners
• Lead the capacity-strengthening activities with the partners (in-house and outsourced), and maintain close coordination with different stakeholders involved in these activities.
• Work Closely with the MEL Officer, lead on data collection tools, and gather and centralize information on project activities; to update regularly the M&E tools
• Prepare narrative progress and reports in line with the format and time schedule indicated by the donor;
• Contribute to the project's evaluations internally and externally.
• Perform regular field visits to the partners’ locations and implementation sites (2-3 times a week)
• Support the Operations and Partnerships Manager where needed\

Budget management

• Ensure compliance with the procedures and budgetary framework of the project;
• Ensure adherence to the administrative time schedule of financing agreements (transfer of Asmae funds, transfer of partner funds, deadlines for reports, deadlines for the performance of financial audits, etc.);
• Carry out financial and administrative monitoring of partners, together with the Senior Administration & Finance Officer;
• Contribute to monthly budget monitoring in accordance with the validation procedure (budget-line spending, flexibility between items, expenditure projections to the end of the project);
• Contribute to budgeting for amendments;
• Contribute to financial reports intended for the donor(s);
• Ensures that records are kept in accordance with the established procedures
• Contribute to preparations for, and support the Administration & Finance Officer in financial audits.

Other

• Participate and actively contribute in team meetings and seminars organized by Asmae;
• Participate in meeting with the donor(s) if requested;
• Support monitoring missions undertaken by headquarters;
• Represent the organization at meetings and in other activities;
• Contribute to the development of communication tools;
• Follow the local security and safety rules and procedures and participate in the security context analysis.
• Organize the regular steering committee meeting.
• Represent Asmae in external meetings and working groups if asked by the line management and after receiving the Country Director’s approval
• Support in assuming responsibilities and ensuring continuity in the absence of any Project Officer, effectively filling any operational gaps as needed
• Any administrative tasks entrusted by the Head of Programs and/or the Country Representative (i.e.: organization of meetings or workshops).

ACCOUNTABILITY

Project Officer Reports directly to the OPM

PROFILE

Education / Experience

• BA/S or equivalent in social science, management, international development or other relevant field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience working with NGOs in project management
• Experience working in socio-economic development, vocational training, entrepreneurship, social cohesion and youth is critical
• Experience in crosscutting activities, including, protection, gender, inclusion, youth participation, social stability, and civic engagement is a plus.

Professional skills:

• Good reporting skills (Donor reporting experience is mandatory).
• Strong communication skills, with good understanding of relevant cross-cultural issues.
• Technical knowledge is required (youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, advocacy and peace building)
• Adherence to the protection and gender standards.
• Deep knowledge in monitoring and evaluations work.
• Positive, respectful attitude and collaborative approach to problem-solving.
• Demonstrated attention to detail; ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently as well as cooperatively with team members.
• Fluency in English (writing and oral) and Arabic is essential. French is a plus.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Duration: Two years (probation: 3 months)

Starting date: 1st of January

Contract: FTC

Location: Beirut

Other benefits: Transportation, Medical Insurance, NSSF