LHIF Access, Safety, and Coordination Adviser Lebanon - National Position

BACKGROUND

The Lebanon Humanitarian INGO Forum (LHIF) is an informal, independent coordinating body comprised of 59 international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) that are working to address the needs of vulnerable individuals, families, and communities throughout Lebanon. LHIF was formed in October 2012. 

The purpose of LHIF is to facilitate our members' work by efficiently and effectively addressing key issues of common interest. LHIF facilitates coordination among members by identifying strategic issues of concern, advocating for common positions with a unified and consistent voice, engaging and representing the forum with external stakeholders and sharing information. LHIF also facilitates the representation of INGOs in response leadership bodies and works to enhance the engagement of NGOs in response planning and coordination mechanisms at both Beirut and regional levels.

With increasing challenges in the operational context, LHIF continues to be regularly engaged in ensuring humanitarian access and keeping members informed on rapid shifts in the enabling environment for aid at regional levels.  The worsening social and economic conditions in Lebanon are impacting all levels of society and presenting varying challenges for the INGO community as they address the increasing needs of beneficiaries throughout Lebanon in general. Maintaining humanitarian space is difficult due to a number of different factors including Covid-19 lockdowns, complex regulatory requirements and a rapid deterioration of the economy more broadly.

LHIF is represented by an elected Steering Committee and has been supported by a full-time Secretariat since October 2013. The Access, Safety and Coordination Advisor will be part of the LHIF secretariat, matrix managed by its Country Coordinator and hosted by [a LHIF member] in Beirut.

DESCRIPTION

SCOPE OF WORK:

In collaboration with the LHIF steering committee, LHIF Regional Focal Points (RFPs) and LHIF members’, the Access, Safety and Coordination Advisor (ASC) will be responsible for identifying, analyzing, and mitigating risk in order to facilitate improved humanitarian access in Lebanon. The LHIF ASC, will collate relevant information at local level by co-convening regional LHIF meetings, analyze operational trends, share relevant information, and provide context updates and raise awareness about risks related to humanitarian access. In collaboration with the LHIF Country Coordinator and the Steering Committee, she/he will be responsible for the implementation of advocacy activities related to access and INGO operations.  The role should seek to support the LNGO/partner organizations of LHIF members where possible and relevant and will maintain a continued close working arrangement.

Monitoring and Analysis 

• Compile monthly stats related to access and operational challenges, tracking incidents and highlighting & analyzing trends in Lebanon and across regions of operation.
• Submit regular contextual updates, included rapid updates, as needed to LHIF SC and CD group.
• Conduct regular Risk Assessments and develop scenario planning for programme continuity.
• Follow up directly with LHIF members to ensure proper analysis and reporting of incidents impacting negatively on NGO operations and delivery.

Humanitarian access

• Identify barriers to access and support LHIF members in developing mitigation strategies. 
• Constantly monitor available sources to collect, compile and report information including incidents and trends pertinent to humanitarian access.
• Support LHIF members to develop and implement community engagement strategies that promote acceptance and access.

Networking and coordination

• Act as a focal point for networking with relevant stakeholders including relevant ministries and key administrations.
• Coordinate LHIF engagement in tandem on other platforms related to access and security.
• Coordinate LHIF members positioning and action on specific access and security issues that would need to be addressed.
• Utilize information from SLT and ensure information shared with members is concise and relevant.

Consultation and orientation

• Develop tools and advisory services informed by LHIF member programming, in order to support better aid delivery, particularly for smaller organizations with less resources.  Share resources and best models between NGOs as relevant and per approved standards

• Provide technical advice to LHIF via RFPs or at CD/HoM-level when required.

REQUIREMENTS

• A minimum of 7 years-experience of analyzing Humanitarian access in a non-profit organization within international humanitarian assistance programs.
• Ability to gain a precise understanding of the various local, regional, country, and international policies, operational positions, and interactions, providing clear dynamic briefings and analysis of given and unfolding contextual and political situations when they occur.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate at all levels, establish information and info sharing networks, and coordinate with country authorities international organizations, UNDSS – SLT and local NGOs. 
• Ability to formulate and communicate analysis of a changing security and operational environment. 
• Excellent written and verbal English and Arabic skills are essential.
• Regional experience is strongly preferred.
• Lebanese national position.

Extra Information 

Location: Lebanon - Beirut 

Reports to: LHIF Country Coordinator and LHIF Steering Committee 

Duration: 12 months

Salary Band: According to NRC Salary Scale

This position is open to Lebanese Nationals Only