Private Sector Engagement Specialist

Lebanon Reforestation Initiative Terms of Reference Private Sector Engagement Specialist   I. INTRODUCTION Project Background Information The Lebanon Reforestation Initiative (LRI) is a project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by the United States Forest Service (USFS) that provides technical assistance and institutional support for sustainable native tree reforestation and wildfire management in support of community stability and social cohesion. With administrative offices in Beirut, LRI technical experts manage a multi-year work program of activities throughout Lebanon in collaboration with grassroots organizations and local communities. Private Sector Engagement Specialist Building on its successful pilot experience in attracting private sector funding for reforestation and landscape restoration projects, LRI will replicate such public-private partnerships for planting activities, and convene private sector partners to fund community reforestation projects throughout the country using innovative funding models that bring together interested donors with successful reforestation groups, nursery and outplanting practitioners, and committed municipalities and communities.  LRI also continues to pursue the formation of a private sector-led funding mechanism through which future efforts can be channeled.    II. PURPOSE OF THE JOB LRI seeks a full-time Private Sector Engagement Specialist to work together with LRI staff to help engage private sector companies and business associations in reforestation activities and to assist in the development of a private sector funding mechanism. The Specialist is expected to perform the following duties: Convening private sector companies and business associations to fund community reforestation projects throughout the country using innovative funding models that bring together interested donors with successful reforestation groups, nursery and outplanting practitioners, and committed municipalities and communities; Coordinating other donor–funded planting initiatives, linking them to the biocorridors to the maximum possible extent; Fundraising, networking, and outreach to the Lebanese diaspora communities, the Lebanese private sector, and other donors to raise interest, funding, and educational awareness for ongoing reforestation efforts in Lebanon; Assisting and coordinating the establishment of reforestation funding mechanism; Coordinating with LRI’s mapping team on the development of online funding mechanism that enables new and ongoing support from the private sector, diaspora contributors, and other donors; Representing the LRI before high-profile domestic and international audiences for foundation outreach and marketing; Advising the Cooperative of Native Tree Producers of Lebanon and LRI technical staff to improve business planning for the Cooperative; and Any other related activities and assistance that may reasonably be required. III. EXPECTED DELIVERABLES  In close coordination with the LRI’s Project Director, LRI communication and outreach specialist, LRI’s mapping team, and other LRI component managers, the Private Sector Engagement Specialist will develop a private sector engagement strategy for LRI and will lead in the development of a reforestation funding mechanism in coordination with partners. IV. REQUIREMENTS The Private Sector Engagement Specialist should possess the following competencies, skills, and experience: Advanced degree in business administration, fundraising, marketing, international affairs, or related field; At least eight years of experience in business development at a NGO or private sector entity; Proven successful fundraising and outreach record in a professional setting; Demonstrated high-level contacts and familiarity with philanthropic and cultural communities/associations in Lebanon, the United States, and elsewhere; Familiarity with corporate environmental marketing, corporate social responsibility, payment for ecological services, green marketing, etc., a decided advantage; Experience with Internet-based outreach and fundraising; Superior oral communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills; Excellent time management skills; English and Arabic fluency; and Ability to travel internationally, especially between Lebanon and the United States. V. Contact Information For further information or to submit a letter of interest and accompanying curriculum vitae, preferably by Friday, November 13, 2015, please contact:  Lebanon Reforestation Initiative       info@lri-lb.org