Oti Lebanon Project Development Specialist

The Lebanon Civic Support Initiative (LCSI) project is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), through a contract with Chemonics International. The project provides cash and in-kind grants to a variety of institutions in Lebanon, including international and Lebanese non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community based organizations, or informal groups, to implement project activities.  Responsibilities:  Identify potential grantees, and work with them to design and develop grant concepts and activities, through networking and outreach, under the supervision of the Chief of Party.  Proactively identify and conceptualize potential activities that are appropriate to respond to the current political situation and OTI Lebanon’s program goals. Analyze and evaluate grant applications, proposals and grant agreement/award documents to ensure consistency with program goals and objectives.   Develop and finalize multiple grants in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. Provide technical assistance to grantees and potential grantees during the grant development and implementation phases in coordination with other staff.  Analyze the rapidly changing political environment and contribute to the OTI Lebanon program’s strategy review process. Evaluate grants progress, and coordinate with grantees and other OTI Lebanon program staff to ensure that monitoring and evaluation data and final reports are provided and are satisfactory. As needs dictate, the Chief of Party may assign ad hoc special tasks and duties to the Program Development Specialist as required. Qualifications:  Strong organizational, management and administrative skills, preferably with respect to report writing and monitoring and evaluation. Demonstrated analytical ability and understanding of local and regional political context, with ability to think creatively in conceptualizing grant activities. Proven knowledge of local and international NGOs and community-based organizations implementing relevant activities and programs in Lebanon. An up-to-date understanding and knowledge of the political environment and social conditions inLebanon. Experience working with local organizations on project design and assessing technical and programmatic capacities. Patience, good humor, and an ability to get along well with other team members, sometimes in demanding and/or busy circumstances. Experience working with other donor-funded projects, preferably USAID. Field experience with NGOs preferably in Lebanon, and experience monitoring and evaluating field projects. Ability/willingness to travel throughout the country on a regular basis. At least three years of relevant experience in design, implementation and management of donor-funded community development projects.