Program Assistant

  REPUBLIC OF LEBANON   MINISTRY OF SOCIAL AFFAIRS   National Volunteer Service Program (NVSP)   TERMS OF REFERENCE   Program Assistant   VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT     I- Introduction:   The Government of Lebanon has allocated a US$2 million grant attributed by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank), acting as administrator of funds provided by the State and Peace-Building Fund (SPF) to the Ministry of Social Affairs. The purpose of the grant is to strengthen the Ministry of Social Affairs (MOSA) capacity in developing a strategy to empower youth and promote civic service engagement across the country. In particular, at the central level MOSA will develop and scale up nascent volunteerism activities by developing the institutional and governance structure for volunteerism in the country; strengthening capacity of the MOSA, NGOs, universities, schools and volunteers based on public-private partnerships; and expanding opportunities for volunteerism.   II- Objectives:   The National Volunteer Service Programme (NVSP), partly funded by this grant, aims at promoting social cohesion across communities and regions through increased youth civic engagement in communities outside of their own. Over the medium term, the NVSP is expected to: (i) enhance cross-confessional understanding in Lebanon and therefore work towards building a more cohesive and stable society; (ii) provide youth with skills for better integration into the labour market and a means by which to serve communities; and (iii) strengthen the NGO sector particularly its “voluntary” role. The objective will be achieved by expanding opportunities for meaningful volunteering, developing the institutional capacity of the MOSA, NGOs, and universities to effectively utilize volunteers, and building the capacity of youth to become active volunteers and to contribute to communities.   III. Objectives of the Assignment:   The Ministry of Social Affairs will contract a Program Assistant for an expected period of 3 years, on an annually renewable contract basis, based on satisfactory performance of the consultant. The assignment will be based at MOSA. The main objective of the assignment is to provide support and assistance in various aspects of administrative management of the Program. The Program Assistant will report directly to the Project Manager. IV. Scope of Work: Under the supervision of the project manager, the incumbent is expected to undertake the following duties:  Provide necessary assistance and support to the NVSP team and contracted consultants in the implementation of their tasks for the achievement of program results  Ensure logistical arrangements for the prompt and effective implementation of the team’s activities as well as for all kinds of consultants’ missions  Assume overall responsibility for administrative matters of a more general nature such as registry and maintenance of project files and records  Maintain records on all project personnel and local consultants and their respective status in accordance with accepted policies and procedures  Organize meetings, workshops and focus groups and take minutes of meetings  Ensure an efficient and fast circulation of external correspondence  Make inventory of office supplies (once a month) and after approval of the Project Manager send and follow-up orders  Organize the delivery of goods, suppliers and equipment acquired during Project activity;  Assist Program Manager and Coordinator in maintaining database and on-line portal  Fulfill and execute additional functions related to the held position, necessary to implement and to reach Program objectives  Submit monthly report to Project Manager on achieved tasks.   V. Qualifications: Education:  University Degree  At least 2 years of experience in administrative work or other relevant area is required  Preferably with good knowledge of the public sector in Lebanon and its overall structure, operations and policy objectives  Knowledge and practical experience in volunteer mobilization  Preferable experience with international organizations, government agencies, nongovernment associations, donors and private agencies.   Skills & Abilities:  Proficiency in Microsoft and internet applications (database, Word, PowerPoint, other)  Strong Arabic, English language skills (verbal and written); French is an asset  Ability to motivate and promote collaboration amongst diverse teams and team members  Ability to work well independently and on a team  Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds  Availability, dependability, and willingness to be flexible  Enthusiastic and positive attitude toward helping others  Strong communication skills   Interested candidates are invited to send their CVs and a motivation letter to the following e-mail address: nvsp.mosa@gmail.com not later than May 18, 2012. Only selected candidates will be contacted for interviews.