Municipal Studies-Expert-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.

As part of its sustainability plan for the Knowledge Management Portal (KMP), CSP/TO3 has transferred the KMP to Notre Dame University’s (NDU) online library. This initiative ensures that the resources are publicly accessible and utilized for educational and training purposes. CSP is collaborating with NDU, specifically with the Lifelong Learning Center (LLC), to design and implement a comprehensive training program targeting municipalities, NGOs, and public administration students. The program includes the development of a “Professional Diploma in Municipal Studies,” specialized training courses, and the creation of an institutional framework to manage these initiatives effectively.

2.  Summary of Position

CSP is establishing a pool of experts to design and deliver specialized training courses on various aspects of municipal governance. Experts selected for this pool will play a key role in building the capacity of municipal staff across Lebanon by sharing their knowledge and expertise.

We are currently seeking trainers/experts in the following areas:

• Municipal Financial Management: Budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting.
• Public Procurement: Legal and procedural frameworks for transparent procurement.
• Crisis Management: Strategic planning, managing displacement, resettlement challenges and response mechanisms for municipal-level crises.
• Disaster Management: Emergency preparedness and disaster risk reduction.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Leveraging private sector investment for municipal projects.
• Urban Planning: Sustainable development and land use management for municipalities.
• Community Engagement: Promoting active participation of citizens in municipal decision-making.
• Municipal Management: Best practices in municipal leadership, operations, and service provision to improve efficiency and governance.
• Municipal Legal Frameworks: Understanding Lebanese municipal law, legal responsibilities, and regulatory compliance.
• Local Economic Development: Strategies for boosting local economies through municipal initiatives, tourism, and SME support.
• Digital Transformation in Municipalities: Integrating technology for smarter city management, e-governance, and digital public services.
• Other Topics: Applicants are encouraged to propose other relevant topics related to municipal studies that could benefit municipalities and communities in Lebanon.

3.  Minimum Qualifications

• • Relevant degrees in their subject area.
  • At least 8 years of professional experience in municipal governance, public administration, or related fields.
  • Previous experience delivering trainings or workshops, particularly in the context of Lebanon.
  • Strong understanding of Lebanese municipal law and governance structures.
  • Fluency in Arabic (spoken and written).

4. Eligibility Criteria:

• • Legally eligible to work in Lebanon.
  • Not employed by the Lebanese government.
  • Be available to deliver trainings across different regions in Lebanon, depending on the project needs.
  • Have the capacity to provide independent consulting services.
  • Be able to commit to the project’s schedule and requirements.

5.  Place of Assignment :

Trainings will be conducted across various regions in Lebanon, depending on the specific needs of the program. Trainers should be available to travel to different venues as required. The training sessions may occur in Lebanon’s North, South, Beqaa, or other regions, as determined by the project schedule.

6.  Place of Assignment :Duration of the Assignment

7. Reporting:

The Expert will be reporting to the TO3 Director, or equivalent.

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.