Social Mobilizer Or Communication Specialist

The Swiss Cooperation Strategy Middle East 2015-2018 had defined the Water Sector as one of the three pillars of intervention. Thus, the Swiss Cooperation Program office Beirut will contribute to an improved access to water and sanitation services in Lebanon at the central and regional level through different modalities. One of these being the direct implemented project in the Bekaa Valley. The project will be implemented over three years in close collaboration with the Bekaa Water Establishment BWE.  The Swiss Embassy’s approach to enhance resilient, sustainable, and conflict sensitive water management builds up on four principal lines of intervention: Support of BWE in its daily operations with regard to integrated and sustainable management of water resources. Contribution to more equitable access to drinking water for Lebanese host communities and Syrian refugees. Support to managing Waste Water Treatment Plants in an effective and environmentally sound manner Contribute to improved water quality and safe drinking water in the Bekaa Valley. A local team is being recruited to implement the activities of the project and will be based in Zahle office. Almost all the activities encompass many aspects with regard to the social, cultural, and political diversity in the region. It is an important aspect to address local characteristics in particular and to implement a conflict-sensitive approach. The project office/ Zahle is seeking a Lebanese Social Engineer, Social Mobilizer or similar with sound knowledge of the cultural, political, social, and historic environment in the Bekaa valley. This position will ensure that Conflict Sensitivity, Diversity, Governance, and Protection are integrated during the design and implementation phase. Tasks include but are not limited to: Assist the project team in the following issues: Project preparation and implementation Conduct a desk review and consultations to better understand the context in Bekaa valley (demographic-socio-economy-political-conflicts-water services). Conduct field visits and meetings with various beneficiaries, stakeholders, organizations, companies involved in the water and wastewater sector to better understand the situation.   Assist in conducting social, conflict assessments and analysis with regard to the activities of the project and ensure a conflict sensitive approach. Based on the context specificity, guide the decision of the WASH projects to be implemented. This will be in terms of location, beneficiaries, stakeholders (public and private), sustainability, implication on the existing structures and dynamics. Help in designing and implementing strategies and appropriate methods to achieve desired results of the water activities. This includes awareness campaigns, communication and community mobilization activities. Collaborate with the project team and BWE in the development of the project implementation strategy/methodology, and ensure the social soft aspects of the project implementation are carried out accordingly. Identify and supervise specialist who could contribute to awareness campaigns, communication and community mobilization tasks when needed. Check project activities prior to implementation for social aspects and smooth implementation procedures. Carry out further tasks as instructed by her/his superior officer(s). Reporting and Site Correspondence: S/He shall report directly to the Head of project Office/Zahle. S/He shall work closely with the project team including the consultants when it’s relevant. Develop and prepare progress reports (monthly bases).  Competencies Highly motivated Skills in undertaking conflict and context analysis and developing conflict sensitive programmes. Strong social, communication, and networking skills especially with public institutions, municipalities, local stakeholders and NGOs. Tolerant and show neutrality and impartiality towards different cultural, social, political groups. Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and accurately. Talented in mediation and negotiation among different groups. Experienced in participatory planning and facilitation of related workshops. Flexible in the schedule and willingness to work sometimes during afternoons and weekends. Good reporting skills. Willing to travel regularly to the project sites and to The International Cooperation Division office in Beirut. Priority will be given to applicants residing in the Bekaa Valley.  Education and Knowledge: University degree in a field of social sciences as for instance Peace and Conflict, political sciences, communication, international relations, sociology, or ethnology. Understanding of Conflict Sensitivity and Do No Harm approaches. Knowledge in Gender, and Good Governance themes. Background in the field of Water Resources Management is desirable. Good knowledge of the Lebanese context and Bekaa specifically with emphasis on the water/ wastewater sector and public institutions. Demonstrate working experience in similar context.  Computers: word, excel, power point, internet. Excellent Arabic and English skills required.         Only short listed candidates will be contacted. Experience required:  5 to 10 years’ experience in social, conflict-sensitive, governance programme management. Previous experience in mainstreaming social , governance and conflict-sensitive into the program activities.   LANGUAGES Arabic: Fluent English: Fluent French: an asset Period: The planned duration for the assignment is 12 months, extendable until the end of the project (30.03. 2019). Submission guidelines: An updated CV (in English) with at least 3 professional references and their full contacts (name, organization/company, position, telephone number, email address) A Motivation letter (in English)   Cover letter required? Yes