Project Officer/Advocacy Initiatives

Background:

FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions in the fields of health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research, and technology. FHI 360 serves more than 70 countries and all U.S. states and territories. In Lebanon, FHI 360 is implementing the USAID-funded Lebanon Civic Action Accelerator Program (LEB-CAAP), which aims to enhance civil society responsiveness to locally driven demands to accelerate inclusive rights-based policies, practices, and services through a combination of grants, technical assistance, and partnerships. This $16M program began in July 2021 and will continue through June 2026. To learn more about our program offerings, visit https://daleel-madani.org/civil-society-directory/fhi-360 and our social media pages on Facebook and Instagram @lebcaap.

Job Responsibilities:

The Project Officer/Advocacy Initiatives will contribute to the design, implementation and management of interventions that advance rights-based advocacy, strategic collective action, and civic engagement. Tasks include but are not limited to:

• Contribute to the design of technical support and grant opportunities that advance rights, behavior change, civic engagement and dialogue with decision-makers at the community and national levels
• Contribute to coaching short-listed grant applicants and facilitation of sessions to finalize project design to incorporate HRBA and GESI, as well as in strategic advocacy planning, innovative change methodologies and outreach efforts
• Manage the workplans of grantees and partners to ensure their compliance with their project design, submission of quality deliverables, and meeting deadlines
• Coordinate with the grants, MEL, Communications, and Capacity Strengthening teams in monitoring and reporting on grantee activities, conducting site visits and events; identifying capacity strengthening needs, identifying and facilitating networking and learning opportunities; and lead on the development of success stories
• Provide partners with technical assistance to develop, implement, and monitor their advocacy and civic engagement activities through technical consultations, training and/or mentoring on advocacy planning, stakeholder engagement, action planning, community mobilization, and project management.
• Coordinate on technical assistance, research and learning initiatives, including implementation of pre/post advocacy and inclusion assessments of grantees and monitoring progress and reporting on impact
• Coordinate with the Capacity Strengthening team to identify other areas for partner improvement and support in the implementation of the relevant technical consultations, training and/or mentoring sessions.
• Network with civil society actors at the local, regional, and national level and monitor priorities, trends and opportunities for engagement
• Participate in designing and facilitating civil society networking opportunities to enhance communication, learning and collaborative action
• Support the grants team in drafting subaward solicitations; disseminating grant opportunities and conducting solicitation workshops; reviewing applications and participating in grant evaluation committees; participate in technical and budget negotiations; contribute to co-design of project strategies, tactics, and planning; etc.
• Document successes, lessons learned and challenges in implementation; report on project activities and results; assist in the development of the annual work plans, monthly and bi-annual reports, as well as monitoring and evaluation plans and other reporting requirements as requested
• Coordinate programmatic, operational and logistical requirements needed to ensure effective implementation of assigned LEB-CAAP interventions and events.
• Ensure compliance with donor requirements and organizational policies and procedures

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or its international equivalent in law, human rights, political science, international development, social sciences or a related field. Master’s degree or its international equivalent a plus;
• At least five (5) years of hands-on experience working with civil society on policy reform, rights-based advocacy, and/or civic engagement either within a Lebanese civil society or international organization
• Demonstrated experience in democracy and governance, human rights programming, strategic advocacy, communications campaigns, and/or community mobilization required, including an in-depth understanding of Lebanese civil society’s efforts to advance political, economic, social and human rights.
• Extensive track record in program planning, project management, coordination and implementation of advocacy projects and outreach initiatives
• Involvement in networks, coalitions or multi-sector initiatives, including with media, private sector, academia, syndicates, preferred
• Practical understanding and application of GESI mainstreaming approaches, do no harm and/or PYD a plus
• Understanding of cost principles, program budgeting, and monitoring spending against project plans
• Familiarity with USAID programming, rules and regulations preferred
• Proven interpersonal, communication, facilitation, and public speaking skills and the ability to work with diverse teams and partners
• Professional proficiency in English and Arabic, with excellent oral and written communications skills
• Familiarity with Microsoft software and networking tools desired

This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself. We offer competitive compensation and an outstanding benefit package. FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable law. FHI 360 welcomes diversity among its staff and encourages members of any marginalized or underrepresented group to apply for any position for which they believe they are qualified.