Terms of Reference (ToR) – Legal Consultancy Services

1. Background

Secours Islamique France (SIF) is a Non-Governmental Organization of international solidarity based in France. Founded in 1991, SIF is an apolitical neutral organization whose objective is to provide immediate and long-term support to vulnerable population affected by natural disasters, armed conflicts and other types of crisis. SIF has been present in Lebanon since 2012, implementing projects aiming at providing assistance to the Syrian refugee populations affected by the conflict in Lebanon as well as Vulnerable Lebanese host community. Through child protection projects, basic assistance and food security, SIF contributes to the improvement of the well-being of the children and their families. 

SIF-Lebanon mission requires the services of a law firm operating in Beirut Lebanon to provide legal consultancy and allied services.

2. Objective

To ensure Secours Islamique France (SIF) operates in full compliance with national laws and regulations by providing accurate legal advice, validating official documents and contracts, and supporting the organization in all legal and administrative procedures. The Legal Advisor’s role is to protect SIF’s legal interests, minimize risks, and facilitate smooth coordination with governmental and legal entities.

3. Scope of Work

The Legal advisor provide their services based on the following needs:

Work and residency permits:

• Handles administrative procedure related to work permit in MOL
• Handles with the guarantee deposit and withdrawal at the Bank and GS
• Handles with the residency permit issuing and renewal
• Handles with the all kinds of visa issuing and renewal (work, visit, transit, etc.)

NSSF & Tax issue:

• Research into the tax regime: rationale and application of the exemptions from taxation, rules covering expatriate staff and compulsory deductions from wages, rents or other benefits, taxation on the import of goods
• Make sure that our payroll is in line and accurate with the yearly taxation.
• Declaration with local tax authority (tax declarations, certification of accounting to the Ministry of Finance (MOF), etc.)
• Handles in NSSF applications for new joiners, Leavers, end of service reimbursements
• Handles in monthly & annual NSSF Report including payments to NSSF & family allowance withdrawal
• Provide us with any updates and amendments related to NSSF and tax promptly
• Handles in NSSF medical declaration and reimbursement notifications

Medical issue:

• Consultation on specific authorizations to the practice of medicine in the country
• Specific consultation on the supply of treatment involving opiate / based medicines / psychotropic drugs

Legal watch:

• Assess the practical and theoretical risks arising from the implementation of a project some of which may imply contravening the requirements of national Law
• Make a legal watch concerning changes to the legal regulations applicable to SIF’s activities (repeal, amendment, or new law) and ask for an interpretation in terms of impact on the SIF’s activities in particular in the area of taxation (exemption from tax or double taxation, etc.)
• Compatibility with the local law:
• Align and Check the compatibility of the provisions in any type of contract with the requirements of national Law
• Review of contracts: hiring, purchasing, with suppliers, service providers
• Align Internal Regulation whenever updated from HQ with the national law
• Informs us with all updates regarding the labor law promptly

Human Resources:

• Check that HR tools comply with national provisions and regulations: compliance with human resources management, conditions of employment, staff contracts, assessment of policy on the employment of national staff, obligations to make declarations about staff (tax, employer’s contribution, social security etc.)
• Advices and assists Human Resources whenever needed on legal matter related to employees’ disputes and mass termination.

Logistics:

• Draft, review, and validate contracts and agreements related to SIF operations (e.g., MOUs, lease agreements, service & consultancy contracts). and reviewing of contracts and agreements related to SIF Operations (MOUs, lease agreement & consultancy contracts)
• Provide legal consultations, advice, and research related to operational activities, including compliance with procurement and supply chain regulations.
• Support the Logistics Department in major contract negotiations, ensuring fairness, compliance, and risk mitigation.
• Assist in intellectual property matters (e.g., trademark registrations, licensing, and protection of SIF’s brand and assets).
• Advise on customs, import/export legal requirements, and clearance procedures when applicable to SIF operations.

Litigation:

• Prevent and manage legal risks and disputes
• Represents and defends SIF in courts in case of any legal disputes including but not limited to magistrate, civil, labor, tribunal, sessions and all high courts in Lebanon whether it is related to cases filed by SIF against consultants, contractors, suppliers, subcontractors, employees and others or vice versa.
• Timely referral to reputable legal PR actioner when unable to provide legal supports in a particular area of law required by SIF

4. Duration & Timeline

- Initial one-year contract, with the possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory performance, mutual agreement, and continued operational requirements.

5. Required Qualifications

• Registered legal firm holding an active Tax ID, VAT registration, and valid commercial registration.
• Officially registered with the Beirut Bar Association.
• Established operational office located in Lebanon.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience practicing before the High Court and providing legal consultancy to international development organizations.
• Detailed company profile including information on shareholders, partners, and controlling parties (names, national IDs, Bar IDs, titles, shareholding percentages, CVs, and relevant credentials).

6. Reporting & Coordination

The Legal Advisor will work with the Admin, HR, logistics departments with some communication with our Head of Mission.

All communications shall be conducted via email. However, in urgent or exceptional cases, the designated SIF representatives may contact the Legal Advisor by phone for immediate advice, provided that the call is subsequently followed by an email summarizing the discussion and requesting written confirmation from the Legal Advisor.

7. Payment Terms

- Payment will be made on quarterly basis.
- Additional Fees related to work and residency permits, NSSF, taxes will be paid upon billing.