Local Development Lead

PROJECT OVERVIEW

ECODIT will soon begin implementation of the USAID Lebanon Diverting Waste by Encouraging Reuse and Recycling (DWERR) Activity (the Project), a five-year project that will establish sustainable and replicable integrated solid waste diversion and valorization solutions in different rural areas in Lebanon, leading to improved social and economic well-being for Lebanon’s population. Working concomitantly with municipalities, local communities and the private sector, the Project will (1) develop sustainable composting value chains for organic waste, and strengthen existing recycling value chains (RVCs) for inert recyclable materials in select municipalities serving as pilots initially, and then support replication by other municipalities across Lebanon building on lessons learned from the pilots; and (2) implement integrated Solid Waste Management (SWM) solutions for unions or clusters of municipalities.  

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direction of the project’s Chief of Party (COP), the Local Development Lead will:

• Design and manage the selection of target municipalities for the year 1 pilots and of clusters / unions of municipalities for implementing integrated SWM solutions in Years 2-5; 
• Co-manage (with ECODIT subcontractors) the implementation of the proposed pilots and their replication; 
• Design and manage the demand-driven rolling program for municipalities to apply for and receive assistance to replicate successful pilots; 
• Lead assistance to municipalities to engage communities and secure buy-in for SWM projects;
• Manage all municipal and community engagement and capacity building activities;
• Support the COP in managing the technical aspects of the Activity, including preparing progress reports and performance deliverables;
• Serve as Acting COP in the COP’s absence and as requested; and
• Supervise Field Coordinators.

The Local Development Lead will be based in Beirut, and will be expected to travel regularly and frequently to other locations throughout Lebanon to execute the above duties and responsibilities.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Master’s degree in international development, environmental management, public administration, local development, or equivalent. A Bachelor’s degree with 10 years of relevant work experience can be substituted for a Master’s degree;
• At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in implementing municipal capacity building and community engagement projects and liaising with local elected officials. Familiarity with SWM issues a plus;
• Prior experience in a lead management or technical position with one or more USAID projects a plus;
• Demonstrated strong organizational and teamwork skills; 
• Demonstrated professional oral and writing skills in English and Arabic; and
• Demonstrated ability to interact regularly and professionally with municipal/local government officials, local development professionals, civil society, and local communities on service delivery or similar issues.