Legal Expert, Baladi Capacity-Building Project (Baladi Cap), Lebanon

Legal Expert, BALADI Capacity-Building Project (BALADI CAP), Lebanon   Project Summary: The Building Alliances for Local Advancement, Development and Investment Project (BALADI) aims to improve public service delivery in Lebanon at the local and regional level, promote community participation in local governance decision-making, increase access to reliable and affordable public services, and support participatory and accountable local governance. BALADI CAP is a four year, USAID-funded project that will complement the activities of the BALADI Project by providing organizational capacity assessments and capacity-building assistance to local civil society organizations selected to support partner municipalities in the implementation of joint municipal/CSO projects. **Please note: Only Lebanese citizens are eligible for this position.**   Position Summary:The Legal Expert will assist the BALADI CAP team to review and amend the internal by-laws of beneficiary CSOs, according to targets and outputs outlined in each CSO’s Action Plan, as designed by BALADI CAP and approved by the CSO. Specific tasks under this assignment will include. The Level of Effort (LOE) for this assignment is up to 5 days per CSO with an estimated 14 CSOs that may require assistance.  The final number of CSOs to receive assistance will be determined by BALADI CAP based upon the needs identified for each CSO partner. The period of performance for this assignment is from May – August, 2014, with the option for an extension in subsequent years, as needed.  Completion of the assignment tasks will take place primarily in Beirut, but may also include meetings in the headquarters of targeted CSOs in different Lebanese regions, as may be required. Responsibilities: Careful examination of the results of an Institutional Capacity Assessment of each targeted CSO and the institutional development targets, outputs and activities, as set out in its respective Action Plan. Build relationships and meet with the BALADI CAP team to gain a better understanding of targets, outputs and activities for each CSO to effectively chart its course of action. Actual amendment of targeted CSO by-laws to achieve targets and outputs laid down in individual CSO Action Plans to ensure compliance with international standards and local best practices. Meet with the Board or Chair of each targeted CSO to explain and ensure the buy-in and ownership of changes suggested by BALADI CAP, especially in the fields of governance and financial management. Finalize amendments to each CSO’s by-laws for submission to the CSO’s Board for approval and, consequently, to the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities for approval of the amendments and/or establishment of a new NGO.  Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in law from a Lebanese University. License to practice law in Lebanon with a minimum of seven years of legal practice experience. Minimum of seven years of experience in NGO management/consulting in Lebanon. Demonstrated knowledge of international best practices in NGO governance.   Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.