Social Protection Officer

Introduction

The ILO implements in Lebanon a significant programme of work in the social protection sector. This programme is closely aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and includes cooperation with a range of UN partners. The programme includes major components related to supporting reforms of the national social protection system as well as response to the Syria refugee crisis.

To this end, the ILO has been supporting the government of Lebanon and its social partners in legislative and institutional reforms to sustain and enhance adequate social protection coverage to the population, in line with reforms outlined under the National Social Protection Strategy and as part of different development assistance programs. As part of its technical assistance, the ILO conducts various studies and analyses towards supporting evidence-based policymaking on social security in Lebanon.

Under the PROSPECTS partnership, and specifically under its Social Protection pillar, the ILO will: a) develop policy analysis, advocacy, and technical support to build a comprehensive and coordinated social protection system as part of the National Social Protection Strategy (NSPS); b) promote private-public partnership and insurance-based models for host communities and refugees to support extension of health coverage to vulnerable populations; and support enhanced "nexus" coordination and capacity of humanitarian and development actors for inclusive, integrated and rights-based contributory and non-contributory social protection approaches.

Under a new partnership on Social Security with FCDO, ILO is also providing technical assistance to the Government of Lebanon towards various social security and institutional reforms, including on generating evidence and policy recommendations towards sustainable health financing and universal health coverage.

Reporting Lines

The National Social Protection Officer will work under the direct supervision of the Social Protection Programme Manager and Specialist for Lebanon, in close coordination with PROSPECTS Regional Chief Technical Adviser. The incumbent will receive technical backstopping by the Senior Social Protection Specialist for the ILO office for the Arab States in Beirut. The position will be based in the ILO Regional Office for Arab States in Beirut, Lebanon.

Description of Duties

1. Work in close collaboration with partners towards the effective planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of ILO project activities in Lebanon, in conformity with ILO policies and project strategies, programming guidelines, and administrative and financial procedures, and in collaboration with project partners. These activities include working on Social Protection system reform, Social Health Protection policy and extension modalities to excluded vulnerable groups, including refugees.

2. Participate in technical activities on social insurance and healthcare coverage in Lebanon for policy, piloting of interventions, research and data collection purposes. Prepare and regularly update the assigned components of the projects’ work plan, monitoring plan and technical progress reports in close coordination with ILO PROSPECTS and FCDO teams and relevant Social Protection officers for the Arab states. Follow-up on delayed documents, clarify information, and answer questions about clearance and processing requirements to support successful completion of agreed activities. 

3. Lead in the preparation of initial drafts and provide technical inputs to specific components of reports, policy/thematic briefs, research outputs and other information and knowledge product.

4. Set-up and coordinate successful partnerships with implementers, collaborators, and consultants, including preparation of Terms of Reference and contractual requirements and process, regular coordination, and follow-up on submission of deliverables including coordination with team members to ensure necessary technical feedback is provided and deliverables are in line with the requirements of the assignment.

5. Initiate and organize social dialogue processes, meetings, seminars, and workshops to ensure active engagement and participation of all relevant stakeholders in the design and implementation of social insurance reforms. This includes the following: drafting concept notes, invitation letters, agenda, preparation of technical background documents and reports, and preparation of presentations.

Description of Duties (continued)

6. Liaise and communicate with focal points at governments, workers' and employers' organizations, UN organizations and other partners working under the PROSPECTS programme, research institutions and civil society organizations which are involved in the field of social protection in Lebanon. Visit project sites mainly to Social Security institutions/NSSF, Ministries of Labour and Social Affairs, and parliamentary committees.

7. Provide inputs to initiatives and programs for SOCPRO, including ILO’s Flagship Program on Building Social Protection Floors for All, and to the semi-annual / annual OBW reports.

8. Support identification of emerging opportunities in the social protection space that are consistent with PROSPECTS vision. Assist in drafting follow-up phases of the project and provide the necessary support for related fund-raising initiatives, particularly related to social protection.

9. Draft in, or translate into, local language(s) news releases, official correspondence, statements and other public information material.

10. Other related duties as assigned.

Required qualifications

Education

First level university degree in Economics, Public Health, Social Policy, or other relevant fields.

An advanced degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Economics or Health Economics/Policy, or other relevant fields would be a strong advantage.

Experience

At least two years of professional work experience on socioeconomic and/or health policies in Lebanon.

Proven experience in conducting policy-oriented research and analyses, is required.

Experience in social protection, social insurance and/or knowledge of health insurance schemes, including in agriculture or in the informal economy is an advantage.

Relevant professional experience implementing and/or supporting development projects.

Experience in working with government institutions in Lebanon is an asset.

Languages

Excellent command of English and Arabic.

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:

Knowledge and Technical competencies:

• Knowledge of programme and budget, project administration and evaluation concepts and procedures.
• Proven ability to implement projects in cooperation with project partners and key stakeholders
• Proven ability to use analytical tools and qualitative research methods. Knowledge of quantitative research methods is an asset.
• Proven ability to guide and coordinate the work of external collaborators, general service staff and young professionals in the area of specialization.
• Good understanding of the local economic and political context of Lebanon and the refugee situation.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to draft reports and prepare guidelines relating to programme development and implementation and good drafting skills.
• Ability to develop clear strategic goals consistent with the programme’s objectives, and to design and synthesise strategies for programme development.

Competencies (continued)

• Excellent project administration and management skills.
• Excellent analytical and computer skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write accurate reports and to coordinate effectively to obtain cooperation and input from partners.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and gender-sensitive behaviour and attitudes are also required.
• Proven ability to take ownership of all responsibilities, to act with integrity and transparency by maintaining social, ethical and organisational norms, and to meet all commitments within the prescribed time, cost and quality standards.
• Proven commitment to a rights-based approach.

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.