Consultant: Haretna Waste Management and Community Activities - Saida - South Lebanon

Project Background

Funded by AFD – the French Development Agency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, the HARETNA project is implemented by NRC in partnership with COSV, TEC, and RDFL to foster economic recovery across three urban neighborhoods in Lebanon while reducing gender inequalities. The project aims to strengthen social cohesion, improve access to essential services, protect human rights, and enhance livelihood opportunities. Central to its model is a community-driven neighborhood approach that empowers residents to actively identify priorities and propose context-specific solutions for the recovery and development of their communities.

A core component of the project, led by COSV and partenrs, focuses on improving environmental health and overall quality of life through the promotion of sustainable waste management practices. This includes the identification, incubation, and strengthening of community-based enterprises responsible for waste collection and awareness-raising activities. In parallel, COSV leads the activation of community centers through a range of inclusive activities and events designed to strengthen social ties and reinforce community engagement. To ensure effective delivery, targeted technical and operational support is required to guide these enterprises, monitor their performance, and enhance their sustainability. This also entails continuous follow-up on community activities and close collaboration with the Neighborhood Action Groups (NAGs) to ensure strong local ownership, participation, and long-term impact.

Objectives of the Consultancy

The consultant will provide hands-on guidance, technical assistance, and continuous follow-up with community enterprises to ensure the effective delivery of waste management services, compliance with agreed standards, and alignment with overall project objectives. In parallel, the consultant will monitor the implementation of community activities and events and support the development and operationalization of a robust exit strategy to ensure that community centers remain functional and sustainable beyond the project’s duration. Furthermore, the consultant will act as a key liaison between COSV, the community enterprises, and local stakeholders, facilitating coordination, addressing emerging challenges, and fostering effective communication to strengthen collaboration and community ownership.

Scope of Work and Responsibilities

The Consultant shall undertake the following responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary focal point and liaison between COSV and the assigned enterprise(s), ensuring smooth communication and coordination.
• Ensure full compliance with the agreed waste management activities and contractual obligations of each enterprise.
• Closely monitor the weekly implementation of enterprise operations, ensuring service quality in terms of timeliness, cleanliness, efficiency, and safety standards.
• Proactively identify operational challenges, propose timely and practical solutions, and escalate unresolved issues to COSV when necessary.
• Facilitate and coordinate regular meetings between COSV and the enterprises to ensure alignment on priorities, progress, and expectations.
• Contribute to the development, review, and periodic adjustment of enterprise work plans, including timelines and deliverables.
• Collect, document, and systematically share relevant data, including photos, community feedback, lessons learned, and emerging best practices.
• Follow up with the service provider responsible for organizing community events and activities to ensure timely and quality implementation.
• Propose relevant community events and activities in consultation with the Neighborhood Action Groups (NAGs), ensuring alignment with community needs and priorities.
• Monitor and support the implementation of Community Capital Workshops (CCWs), ensuring their outputs effectively inform the development of the exit strategy for community centers.
• Prepare and submit a comprehensive report outlining the proposed exit strategy for the community centers, based on CCW findings and stakeholder consultations.
• Submit regular (monthly) progress reports highlighting key achievements, challenges, observations, and actionable recommendations.
• Gather and analyze feedback from beneficiaries and local residents to assess satisfaction levels and identify areas for improvement.
• Recommend and propose enhancements to strengthen the long-term impact, sustainability, and income-generating potential of the supported enterprises.

Deliverables

Progress report - Monthly basis

Documentation of lessons learned and best practices - Quarterly basis

Updated enterprise work plans and operational tools - Upon Request

Records of coordination meetings - Ongoing

Community and beneficiary feedback reports - Quarterly basis

Final Report - Last Month

Duration and level of effort

The assignment will run for the duration of the community enterprise component (12 months; June 2026 to May 2027) of the Haretna Project, with consultants expected to dedicate sufficient time each week to provide consistent support and monitoring.

Reporting and Supervision

The consultant will report directly to the COSV Project coordinator and will work closely with other COSV staff and consortium partners.

Qualifications and Experience

The consultant must have the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, social sciences or any related fields. A master’s degree is a plus.
• Able to go to the filed at least twice per week, and follow up closely with each enterprise.
• Proven experience (min three years) in consulting, facilitation, reporting and problem-solving.
• Ability to engage with diverse community stakeholders.
• Good reporting, documentation, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of sustainability and business development approaches is an asset.
• Able to communicate in both English and Arabic languages.