CSO Legal Coaching and Crisis Preparedness Trainer

Background:  

The Lebanese Center for Human Rights (CLDH) is a local non-profit, non-partisan Lebanese human rights organization based in Beirut. CLDH was created in 2006 by the Franco-Lebanese Movement SOLIDA (Support for Lebanese Detained Arbitrarily), which has been active since 1996 in the struggle against arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance and the impunity of those perpetrating gross human rights violations.  CLDH monitors the human rights situation in Lebanon, fights enforced disappearance, impunity, arbitrary detention and racism and rehabilitates the victims of torture. CLDH regularly organizes press conferences, workshops and advocacy meetings on human rights issues in Lebanon and collects, records and documents human rights abuses in reports and press releases. CLDH team on the ground supports initiatives aimed at determining the fate of all missing persons in Lebanon. CLDH regularly follows up on numerous cases of arbitrary detention and torture in Lebanon in coordination with Lebanese and international organizations, and with the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention WGAD and the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture. CLDH currently has 4 offices: Dora, Bauchrieh, Beqaa and Tripoli. 

Program Profile: 

This Program is an inspiring and innovative program that puts rights holders in the driving seat, while supporting the movement to an impactful and sustainable fight for its rights in 12 countries. In Lebanon, a vibrant community scene would lobby and advocate for economic and social justice. Despite progress, challenges prevail in a highly restrictive legal environment. The program will give voice, leadership and bounding to a community of qualified activists fighting to advance a common agenda in Lebanon. The Community of Action (CoA) will foster the growth of grassroots organizations and knowledge-sharing within the community. The program will encompass: i) Tailored organizational capacity-building, ii) Targeted individual skills development iii) Micro-project funding allowing community impact and learning through action. The program will be piloted by a project team hosted and benefiting from organizational support from the Lebanese Center for Human Rights (CLDH), designated as the host organization (HO). The program will directly benefit 10 grassroot organizations, a minimum of 15 queer activists and, indirectly, contribute to uphold the rights of the whole community in the region. 

Activity 1.3.3 is divided to 2 sub activities focuses on mentoring and guiding Communities of Action (CoAs) step by step toward legal registration and enhanced crisis preparedness. 

Recognizing the need for sustainable organizational growth in the challenging context of Lebanon, the activity will include: 

Crisis Preparedness Training: A 3-day workshop on February 17, 18, 19 2025 to provide CoAs with knowledge and skills on organizational crisis preparedness, including legal and financial management in times of crisis, business continuity plan, contingency plan SOPs, programmatic adaptations in light of external developments. 

Legal Coaching: A four-month coaching program (April–July 2025) that provides step-by-step guidance to CoAs, with legal professionals assisting nine out of eleven CoAs in completing their registration process.  

Scope of Work 
The activity will encompass the following: 

Crisis Preparedness Training (Organizational) 

A 3-day training (17-18-19 February 2025) focused on equipping CoAs with the knowledge for financial and legal management in times of crisis, business continuity plan, contingency plan SOPs, navigating the legal landscape in Lebanon. 

Interactive training methods such as group discussions, case studies, and role-playing simulations to ensure active engagement. 

Legal Coaching Program 

Personalized coaching sessions with legal professionals for nine CoA initiatives to facilitate their registration process as. 

Follow-up and support for CoAs over four months (April–July 2025) to ensure progress and address challenges in real-time. (flexible timing, deliverable based) 

Deliverables 

For Crisis Preparedness Training:  

Training agenda and materials, including presentations, handouts, and guidance documents. 

Post-training report with participant feedback and recommendations for future sessions. 

Pre- and post-training surveys to measure the impact of the sessions. (ENG+AR) 

For Legal Coaching Program:  

Progress updates for all CoA receiving coaching and their registration status. 

Final report summarizing outcomes, challenges, and recommendations for ongoing legal support. 

Qualifications 

Proven experience in conducting organizational capacity-building workshops in Lebanon. 

In-depth understanding of legal requirements and processes for CSO registration in Lebanon. 

Expertise in crisis preparedness and sustainability for grassroots organizations. 

Knowledge of Lebanon’s cultural and legal context. 

Prior experience in work and conducting training to LGBTQ+ community members 

Fluency in both Arabic and English (in written and spoken) 

Timeframe 

Crisis Preparedness Training: February 17,18, 19, 2025 

Legal Coaching Program: April–July 2025 (4 months).  Total of 2 1-hour coaching meetings per initiative, and follow up with guidance via work line/email till they are registered 

Preparatory work: January-February 2025 (coordination and material development). 

Reporting: End of February for the first training, August 2025 (final report submission). 

Location 
TBD (To be determined)