Introduction

Responding to the continuing Syrian refugee crisis, now compounded by the financial crisis and the COVID-19 outbreak, the Employment Intensive Infrastructure Programme in Lebanon (EIIP) aims to create jobs for vulnerable Lebanese host community members and Syrian refugees through construction and maintenance of locally prioritised infrastructure, where Local Resource-Based Technology (LRBT) and Decent Work strategies are chief strategies. ILO is leading project implementation, working in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Ministry of Social Affairs and in coordination with participating municipalities and relevant technical line ministries. Funding is provided by the German government through the KfW Development Bank.

Decent work principles is a key differentiator for the EIIP compared to other similar interventions. This will continue to be promoted and strengthened during the course of the project. A focus on decent work and security has helped to secure participation of women and workers with disabilities (both Lebanese and Syrian).

The project is comprised of two complementary components:

(i)         Direct employment creation using EIIP, Local Resource based Technology and Decent Work principles for sustainable infrastructure development, environmental works and maintenance of public assets.

(ii)        Enhancing capacity for job creation and asset management with the Ministry of Labour (MoL), the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) and the private sector and participating municipalities.

Introduction (continued)

The Project will, while creating quality infrastructure, directly create mid- to long-term job opportunities for Lebanese (in particular skilled labour in the construction sector) as well as temporary work opportunities for Lebanese jobseekers (semi-skilled) and Syrian refugees.

The main purpose of the position is to assist in community engagement activities in the field, monitoring of social and Environmental Safeguard measures and application of local resource based techniques.

The assignment involves close collaboration with municipalities, contractors and the EIIP Technical team. 

The official will be assigned specific project site(s) mainly in Bekaa and Mount Lebanon.

Reporting lines

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Technical Advisor, the incumbent will report directly on progress and delivery of results to the Senior Environmental and Social Safeguard Coordinator. The incumbent will work in close collaboration with all members of the EIIP team, in particular the Engineering Team and the ESSF compliance team.

This position is for a short period of time, 6 months, non-renewable for parental leave coverage.

Description of Duties

1. Assist in the daily monitoring of work conditions on assigned EIIP construction sites, ensuring adherence to the Environmental and Social Safeguard Framework, with focus on Decent Work principles, Local Resource Based approaches, and environmental standards.

2. Assist in the daily communication and coordination with local authorities.

3. In close coordination with the ESSF Compliance team, monitor recruitment and payment processes for workers, double check and facilitate transfer of employment information from contractor’s muster roll to ILO the Office.

4. Under the guidance and in close coordination with the ILO engineer provide technical support and on-the-job training on decent work principles and local resource-based technology, and monitor that outputs are delivered by contractors on time, to the agreed quality and within budget.

5. Under the guidance the Senior ESSF Coordinator undertake data collection and simple surveys.

6. Help identify issues, blockages, misunderstandings, or other possible misgivings occurring at community level and provide suggestions for/undertake corrective actions and facilitate the complaints mechanism and report to Senior ESSF Coordinator any grievances.

Description of Duties (continued)

7. Assist in coordination with relevant SDC's of the Ministry of Social Affairs and facilitate linkages with other potential national partners (including Organizations of Persons with Disabilities).

8. Assist in organising community meetings and awareness-raising activities and training relating to the Social & Environmental Safeguards framework and local resource-based techniques to ensure these are put into practice throughout the EIIP program.

9. Participate in the preparation and conduct of seminars, workshops and training at municipal and project levels with a view to increasing required skills and knowledge.

10. Support and promote the effective inclusion component (targeting women and Persons with Disabilities) in the infrastructure works.

11. Participate in relevant meetings, evaluations, assessments, evaluations, workshops etc.

12. Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor.

Required qualifications

Education

A degree or diploma in Civil Engineering or related field from tertiary education is required.

Experience

• Minimum 2 years work experience including civil works supervision.
• Good knowledge of EIIP local resource based approaches would be considered an advantage.
• Knowledge of Lebanese labour law and ILO Decent Work principles as it pertains to the construction sector (knowledge of EIIP Social Safeguards Framework would be considered an advantage).
• Experience of facilitating and organizing meetings, seminars and on the job training at local level (eg for municipal officials, project beneficiaries etc.)  
• Ability to use MS Office software programs.
• Previous experience involving the UN or other international organisations would be considered an advantage;

Languages

Excellent command of English and Arabic.

Competencies

• Ability to work well in a team, with good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision, and take initiative and responsibility.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, good computer skills. 

• Strong organizational abilities, ability to work to tight deadlines, and ability to respond to urgent requests from team members, contractors, local authorities and community members. 

• Ability to deal with people from different cultures and different religious background with tact and diplomacy and to build strong working relationships. 

• Good knowledge and understanding of the local context and challenges in the project areas of operation.
• Good awareness of current environment and local surrounds, ability to interpret project information, and ability to identify, analyse and address problems with implementation.

optional section (if needed)

Candidates assessed by the Panel and considered to be eligible for appointment but who are not selected for this vacant post may be offered an assignment to another position at the same or lower grade provided that they meet the minimum qualifications required.