Grade: P3
Vacancy no.: BEY/DC/P/2024/07
Publication date: 25 April 2024
Application deadline (midnight local time): 13 May 2024
Job ID: 11888
Department: RO-Arab States/DWT-Beirut
Organization Unit: RO-Arab States/DWT-Beirut
Location: Beirut
Contract type: Fixed Term
Contract duration: 12 months
Under article 4.2, paragraph (e) of the Staff Regulations, the filling of vacancies in technical cooperation projects does not fall under Annex I of the Staff Regulations and is made by direct selection by the Director-General.
In order to support the best informed process in the filling of the present vacancy by direct selection, the ILO invites interested candidates to submit their candidature online by the above date.
Technical cooperation appointments are not expected to lead to a career in the ILO and they do not carry any expectation of renewal or conversion to any other type of appointment in the Organization. A one-year fixed-term contract will be given. Extensions of technical cooperation contracts are subject to various elements including the following: availability of funds, continuing need of the functions and satisfactory conduct and performance.
The following are eligible to apply:
- ILO Internal candidates in accordance with paragraphs 31 and 32 of Annex I of the Staff Regulations.
- External candidates.
The ILO values diversity among its staff and welcomes applications from qualified female candidates. We also encourage applicants with disabilities. If you are unable to complete our online application form due to a disability, please send an email to ilojobs@ilo.org.
Introduction
Lebanon is currently facing a compounded crisis that is affecting the countryโs social, political, economic, financial, and fiscal stability. Rising inflation and unemployment rates have led to a large increase in income vulnerability. Lebanonโs national social protection system is extremely weak, with significant policy, legislative and institutional gaps that leave large segments of the population without any support. In this context, while short-term and emergency measures are needed to provide immediate relief to thousands of people, a paradigm shift from the current fragmented social protection programs and measures into a universal, rights-based, and inclusive system is essential, in line with Lebanonโs international and national commitments.
The ILO has been providing technical assistance to the government of Lebanon on the development of a National Social Protection Strategy, in collaboration with UNICEF and coordination with the Ministry of Social Affairs. The ILO also promotes social dialogue amongst its tripartite partners and supports them in their efforts to identify reforms required to close social security gaps, including extension of social insurance coverage, improving the adequacy of benefits including the recent reform of the End-of-service Indemnity (EOSI) into an old-age, disability and survivorsโ pension scheme and introducing universal healthcare, as well as assisting in the establishment of a national Social Protection Floor (SPF) in the country.
The ILO pursues engagement in these areas through a range of development cooperation projects including a partnership with UNICEF and the EU, and a new collaboration with FCDO. As part of these collaborations, ILO has committed to 1) supporting the GoL in development, operationalization and implementation of the National Social Protection Strategy, on 2) support to designing, implementing and institutionalizing a National Disability Allowance scheme, as part of a national Social Protection Floor, on 3) advancing the approval and implementation of key reforms under the NSPS, particularly on pension, social health protection, and building of the national social assistance system infrastructure, and 4) working with social partners, state actors, civil society organizations and think tanks/researchers, on capacity development program, as well as research, dialogue and advocacy around social protection reforms and establishment of social grants.
Reporting Lines
Under the guidance and supervision of the Programme Manager and Social Protection Specialist for Lebanon and technical backstopping of the Regional Social Security Specialist in the Regional Office of Arab States (ROAS), the incumbent will provide strategic, programmatic and planning support, as well as operational guidance related to the development and implementation of social protection projects in Lebanon.
The officer will work closely with the project team and will engage with all staff and/or technical experts working on social protection activities in the ILO Lebanon office, Regional office and Social Protection Department in HQ.
Description of Duties
- Assist the Programme Manager in the implementation of the project by providing technical inputs, ensuring effective coordination, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of project activities. Ensure conformity with ILO policies and project strategies, ILO programming guidelines, and country/action programs, and Office procedures and practices.
- Under the guidance of the responsible supervisor, ensure day to day management and timely delivery of funds/budget assigned to the Social Protection DC project activities under his/her responsibility.
- Produce analytical reports and policy briefs on the topic of social protection, coordinate and directly provide technical assistance to ILO constituents as required for the project delivery across its different components.
- Under the guidance of the responsible supervisor, ensure effective day-to-day line management of national staff assigned under his/her responsibility.
- Provide technical inputs and advice to the relevant ministries, social partners, national social security institutions, decentralized authorities, and other relevant institutions and national stakeholders, in close collaboration with agencies and development partners, regarding both social security and social assistance reforms, in line with international labour standards.
- Support social dialogue and capacity development processes to ensure active engagement and participation of all relevant stakeholders in the design and implementation of social security and social protection reforms. Support the development and implementation of the social security communication, awareness raising and behavioural change campaigns.
Description of Duties (continued)
- Assist the Programme Manager in identifying training needs and conduct training workshops and meetings for the tripartite partners, NGOs, other agencies, target groups and staff as appropriate to reinforce the professional capabilities. Participate in training seminars and workshops as a resource person.
- Represent the Office at meetings, seminars and evaluations and build and enhance strategic partnerships and networks of government policymakers, other UN agencies and development partners, workersโ and employersโ organizations, and civil society organizations in the area of social protection and social security. Undertake and help coordinate field missions on selected topics following ILO established guidelines, manuals and standards.
- Undertake other duties as required.
Required qualifications
Education
An advanced university degree (Masterโs or equivalent) in social science, economics or related fields.
A first-level university degree (Bachelorโs or equivalent) in one of the afore-mentioned fields or other relevant field with an additional two years of relevant experience, in addition to the required experience stated below, will be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
Experience
At least five years of relevant professional experience with thematic emphasis on social protection. The following areas of expertise would be considered an advantage:
- Experience with social assistance and contributory social insurance systems
- Experience with national dialogue processes and implementation of public sector reform initiatives
- Exposure to social protection systems in MENA
Languages
- Excellent command of English is required.
- French and Arabic would be an advantage.
Competencies
In addition to the ILO core competencies [Integrity and transparency, Sensitivity to diversity, Orientation to learning and knowledge sharing, Client orientation, Communication, Orientation to change, Takes responsibility for performance, Quality orientation, Collaboration], this position requires:
- Ability to provide technical advice and to guide and coordinate the work of external collaborators, general service staff and young professionals in the area of specialization.
- Ability to conceptualise and design research techniques and analyse complex cross-national practices and data sets covering a wide range of issues in the specialized technical field.
- Ability to formulate new concepts and methodologies.