Technical Officer/Innovations for Change

Background: 

FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research and technology — creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today's interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 70 countries and all U.S. states and territories.  

FHI 360 seeks qualified candidates only to serve as a Technical Officer/Innovations for Change for the Lebanon Civic Action Accelerator Program, a five-year civil society strengthening program funded by USAID and implemented by FHI 360. The project will support a broad swath of civil society actors, building on prior civil society assistance accomplishments. Planned assistance interventions under this activity will increase the role of beneficiaries in shaping public policy (related to governance, human rights, protection of environment, and others); improve service provision; enhance the technical and administrative capacities of beneficiary organizations; and advance strategic collective action to advance rights and impact public policy.  

Anticipated Start Date: December 2021 or January 2022  

Job Responsibilities:  

Reporting to the Civil Society Specialist, the Technical Officer/Innovations for Change will support the design and delivery of sub-award and technical assistance interventions that accelerate civil society and civic actors’ efforts to advance rights-based advocacy, policy reform and civic engagement as well as the capacity development of emerging and established civil society partners. Tasks include but are not limited to: 

• Contribute to the design and delivery of technical assistance interventions that enhance partner capabilities to plan and implement effective programs; that further tactical and strategic innovations in program design and delivery; ensures compliant operations, strengthened systems and sustainable civil society partners 
• Coordinate with grants, finance and Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) teams on all program activities, including but not limited to technical and financial reporting, communications and outreach, and liaising with program stakeholders 
• Coordinate the design and implementation of participatory curricula, interactive training interventions, coaching and mentoring support, and customized technical assistance for partners; monitor the quality of this support and troubleshoot as needed 
• Adapt as needed FHI 360 / USAID capacity assessment tools to the Lebanese context; coordinate with staff and consultants on implementing the tools; monitor how assessments are conducted as well as action plans and technical assistance (TA) are defined; coordinate with MEL team on assessment data tracking; and follow progress of partners throughout the capacity building cycle and adapt responses as required 
• Contribute to internal and external-facing project efforts to identify, apply, and disseminate learning from innovations in relevant sectors including advocacy and rights, behavior change, civic engagement, and others.  
• Identify needs for external service providers (expert consultants and/or sub-contractors) to provide specialized assistance and contribute to the drafting of scopes and selection of external service providers; co-design and/or review the content of any relevant material produced by subcontractors or consultants; monitor performance of external service providers to ensure quality program delivery to partners 
• Monitor and report on the organizations’ progress on achieving organizational capacity development benchmarks, identify potential weaknesses and make necessary adjustments to close gaps 
• Support project efforts to coordinate sector-wide capacity development services, including the identification of other services providers and implementers  
• Coordinate with the grants team in drafting subaward solicitations; disseminating grant opportunities and conducting solicitation workshops; reviewing applications and participating in grant evaluation committees supporting technical and budget negotiations; leading co-design of project strategies, tactics, and planning; etc.  
• Facilitate civil society networking opportunities to enhance communication, learning and collaborative action 
• Document successes, lessons learned and challenges in implementation; report on project activities and results; assist in the development of the annual work plans, monthly and bi-annual reports, as well as monitoring and evaluation plans and other reporting requirements as requested 
• Ensure compliance with donor requirements and organizational policies and procedures. 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree or its international equivalent in international affairs, international development, public administration or a related field. Master’s degree or its international equivalent a plus 
• At least 5 years working in fields related to civil society, social enterprises, digital skills, technology solutions, project design and/or capacity-building 
• Experience in design, facilitation and delivery of training and mentoring or an equivalent combination of education and experience preferred 
• Track record in supporting civil society actors in at least two of the following topics: organizational development, strategic planning, project design, rights-based advocacy, coalition building, outreach and communications, data visualization, civic engagement,  
• Proven project management skills including, monitoring and evaluation and report writing 
• Knowledge of civil society, governance, organizational strengthening, advocacy, rule of law, or other related democracy and governance sectors  
• Experience with gender equality and inclusion (GESI) mainstreaming approaches, do no harm and/or positive youth development a plus 
• Familiarity with USAID programming, rules and regulations preferred 
• Proven interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work with diverse teams and partners 
• Professional proficiency in English and Arabic, with excellent oral and written communications skills 
• Familiarity with Microsoft software, online education platforms,  and networking tools desired 
• Must be authorized to work in Lebanon

This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.  

FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself. We offer competitive compensation and an outstanding benefit package.  

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable law.  

FHI 360 welcomes diversity among its staff and encourages members of any marginalized or underrepresented group to apply for any position for which they believe they are qualified. 

Qualified candidates from outside Beirut are especially encouraged to apply.