Legal Expert in Public-Public Partnership- LCSP-Short-Term Technical Advisor

About Chemonics

Chemonics International is an international development company based in Washington, D.C. Our mission is to promote meaningful change around the world to help people live healthier, more productive and more independent lives. Since 1975 we have worked in 149 countries around the world, and currently implement 113 contracts in 68 countries. Our main partner is the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), but we occasionally work with foreign donors as well. We have over 600 staff based in our Washington, DC office and over 3000 staff in our project offices around the world.

1. Project Background

The Lebanon Community Support Program (CSP) is a multi-year project funded by USAID to support municipalities and underserved and vulnerable communities in providing better services and enhanced economic opportunities to improve lives and reduce tensions that contribute to conflict and violence, primarily in Lebanon’s North, South, and Beqaa regions. Under Task Order No. 3 (TO 3), the project provides technical assistance to municipalities, civil society organizations (CSOs), the private sector, or other entities to increase capacity and ensure sustainable impact in providing key essential services. The main objective of this 5-year task order is to support Component 3 (Capacity Building) of the CSP Program by delivering technical assistance to enhance the sustainability of CSP interventions under Component 1 (Community Stabilization Support) and Component 2 (Community Development Support), and if required, under future Task Orders.

2.  Summary of Position

The Legal Expert in Public-Public Partnership will be responsible for drafting a Public-Public Partnership (PubPubPar) agreement between the water establishments, municipalities, and the union of municipalities. The agreement aims to authorize the municipalities and union to collect fees and perform maintenance on behalf of the water establishments. The legal expert will be responsible for negotiating with the municipalities, union, and water establishments, amending the agreement based on the negotiations, and finalizing the document for signature.

3.  Specific Duties and Responsibilities​​​​​​

The legal expert will be responsible for the following:

• Background Review: The legal expert will thoroughly review the partnership agreement document previously developed by a USAID project along with the existing legal framework, regulations, and relevant documentation pertaining to water establishments, municipalities, and unions of municipalities. This will include studying the specific laws governing PubPubPar and fee collection within the jurisdiction.
• Consultation and Coordination: The legal expert will engage in consultations with representatives from the water establishments, municipalities, and union of municipalities to understand their respective needs, concerns, and objectives. Regular coordination meetings will be held to ensure effective communication throughout the drafting process.
• Customizing the PubPubPar Agreement/s: Based on the consultations and coordination, the legal expert will customize the previously developed PubPubPar template to the stakeholders needs. This customized agreement will outline the roles, responsibilities, and rights of the water establishments, municipalities, and union in relation to fee collection and maintenance activities. The agreement should comply with the applicable laws and regulations.
• Negotiations: The legal expert will engage in negotiations with the municipalities, union, and water establishments to address any concerns, clarify provisions, and ensure consensus on the terms of the agreement. This may involve multiple rounds of negotiations and revisions to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.

• Agreement Amendments: Based on the negotiations and feedback received, the legal expert will make necessary amendments to the draft agreement/s. These amendments will reflect the agreed-upon changes and ensure that the final document accurately captures the intentions and interests of all parties involved.

• Finalization and Signatures: Once all parties are satisfied with the revised agreement, the legal expert will finalize the document, ensuring its legal accuracy and compliance. The final agreement will be prepared for signature by the authorized representatives of the water establishments, municipalities, and union of municipalities.

4.  Minimum Qualifications

• Legal Expertise: The expert should possess a strong background in legal matters, with a focus on contract law, public-private partnerships, and relevant legislation governing water establishments, municipalities, and unions of municipalities.
• Negotiation Skills: The expert should demonstrate excellent negotiation skills and the ability to navigate complex discussions with multiple stakeholders.
• Communication and Collaboration: The expert should possess strong communication and collaboration skills to effectively engage with representatives from water establishments, municipalities, and unions of municipalities. They should be able to convey complex legal concepts in a clear and understandable manner and foster a cooperative working environment.
• Attention to Detail: The expert should exhibit meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy and precision in drafting the agreements. They should have the ability to identify potential legal risks, gaps, or inconsistencies and address them appropriately.
• Time Management: The expert should have excellent time management skills to adhere to project timelines and deliverables. They should be able to work efficiently and effectively, ensuring that all necessary tasks are completed within the agreed-upon timeframe.
• The expert should be fluent in spoken and written Arabic required.

5. Eligibility Criteria:

Interested individual experts shall have the capacity to enter into a short-term technical assistance (STTA) contract and shall have a satisfactory performance record and record of integrity and business ethics.

6.  Ineligible Experts:

• Government employees.
• Individual experts that appear on the List of Parties Excluded from Federal Procurement and Non-Procurement Programs.

7.  Place of Assignment :

The expert will be liaising with CSP TO 3 team at CSP offices in Sin-El-Fil and will be traveling to project field locations when.

8. Reporting:

The expert will be reporting to CSP TO3 Director.  

Chemonics is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants that can legally work in Lebanon will be considered for employment based on their qualifications without discrimination.