Project Support Coordinator

The Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) in Lebanon is the primary government institution responsible for the development and implementation of social policies, programs, and the provision of services aimed at promoting social welfare, inclusion, and protection, particularly for vulnerable and marginalized populations in Lebanon.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled. In Lebanon, UNFPA has been active in Lebanon since 1993, focusing on three key areas: ending preventable maternal deaths, addressing unmet needs for family planning, and combating gender-based violence and harmful practices. In a country facing complex humanitarian and economic challenges, UNFPA plays a crucial role in strengthening sexual and reproductive health services, supporting youth empowerment, and promoting gender equality.

UNFPA in Lebanon maintains a longstanding partnership with MoSA, recognizing MoSA's crucial role in social protection and service provision across the country. This collaboration is multifaceted, primarily focusing on enhancing social welfare, particularly for vulnerable populations, and addressing critical issues such as gender-based violence (GBV) and the needs of older persons.

Key aspects of the joint MoSA-UNFPA work include:

- Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Response: UNFPA co-chairs the Gender-Based Violence Working Group (GBV-WG) with MoSA and UNHCR.

- Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Services: UNFPA collaborates with MoSA, alongside the Social Workers' Syndicate, to improve access to sexual and reproductive healthcare, especially in underserved communities. 

- National Strategies and Policy Development: UNFPA works with MoSA on developing and implementing national strategies. A notable example is their partnership on the National Strategy for Older Persons in Lebanon (2020-2030) and the National Strategy for the Rights and Persons with Disabilities in Lebanon.

To strengthen MoSA’s leadership in disability inclusion and social protection, UNFPA Country Office in Lebanon is seeking to recruit a consultant to support MoSA in its comprehensive disability agenda, including the implementation of joint UNFPA-MoSA activities, coordination with external partners, and enhancement of service standards for contracted NGOs.

This requires the:

Support to MoSA:

- Supporting in the organization of the launch event of the National Strategy for the Rights and Persons with Disabilities.

- Supporting the entities working on disability at MoSA in the planning, execution, and reporting of disability-related programs.

- Assisting in the follow-up and documentation of UNFPA-supported interventions targeting persons with disabilities.

- Providing technical inputs to ensure that programs are aligned with the principles of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the National Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Lebanon.

Coordination and Programmatic Follow-Up on UNFPA-supported projects with MoSA:

- Ensure timely implementation of UNFPA-supported activities as outlined in the Annual Workplan (AWP) between UNFPA and MoSA.

- Monitor progress and ensure the timely attainment of the AWP targets.

- Organize relevant steering committees on specific projects 

- Coordinate the UNFPA-supported capacity development activities provided to MoSA staff (assessments, capacity-development)

The consultant will support MoSA in implementing UNFPA-MoSA joint activities while also serving as a comprehensive advisor on all disability-related engagements of the ministry, including partnerships with other stakeholders and the enhancement of service delivery standards for contracted NGOs.

The main scope of work of the consultant will be:

- Inception meeting to clarify terms of consultancy with UNFPA and MoSA relevant focal points.

- Delivery of brief 2-3 pages inception report detailing the consultant’s understanding of the required tasks and the proposed approach to work on the requirements of the consultancy.

Support to the Disability efforts at MoSA: 

- National Strategy for Persons with Disabilities: Support in the coordination and logistical support of the launch event.

- Support MoSA’s Disability Department in the development of implementation plans and tools for disability-related programs.

- Work closely with the MoSA team and hired consultants to review and update the standards of services for NGOs contracted by MoSA to deliver specialized services for persons with disabilities. 

- Support MoSA in developing tools and guidelines to monitor and evaluate NGO compliance with updated service standards.

- Support ongoing MoSA disability related initiatives regarding updating the scope of services, classifications, standards, digitization, etc.

- Provide technical and operational support for all disability-related initiatives and activities undertaken by MoSA, including those outside the UNFPA-MoSA Annual Workplan, to ensure a cohesive and inclusive approach to disability programming.

Support in Implementation of Annual Workplan (AWP)

- Monitor the timely execution of activities listed in the signed AWP between UNFPA and MoSA.

- Coordinate with MoSA departments to identify challenges and support resolution.

- Assist in tracking the progress of targets set in the AWP using agreed indicators.

Coordination With External Partners on Disability Issues

- Engage with international organizations, local NGOs, and other government entities working on disability inclusion to foster partnerships and align efforts with MoSA’s priorities.  

- Represent MoSA in disability-related meetings, forums, and working groups with external partners.  

- Document and report on outcomes of external engagements to inform MoSA’s disability strategy and programming.

Coordination on Joint Capacity Development activities and conducting joint studies and assessments:

- Coordinate the implementation of capacity development activities for MoSA staff.

- Liaise with MoSA focal points on UNFPA-supported studies and assessments.

The Consultant should fulfill the following requirements: 

Education:

A second-level degree in Social Sciences, Social Work, Public Policy, or Public Health.

Experience: 

Minimum of 3 years of experience in projects related social policy, development, public policy, institutional capacity development, or disability

Technical expertise related to disability inclusion, the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

Experience in working with public institutions and the United Nations

Demonstrated ability to manage and coordinate diverse disability-related initiatives across multiple stakeholders, including government, NGOs, and international partners.

Strong knowledge of the national Lebanese context, and the situation of vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities.

Language and other skills: Proficiency in oral and written Arabic and English