Social Stability Associate

Contract

This is a UNV International Youth contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Youth contracts.

The impact of the Syria crisis on Lebanon is reaching a scale unprecedented in the history of complex, refugee-driven emergencies. The crisis is not only challenging the country’s existing social and economic infrastructure, it also brings to Lebanon a new set of disparities, cleavages and tensions that threaten to undermine Lebanon’s delicate social and political stability.With the protracted nature of the crisis, refugees are living in poverty, accumulating debt and making tough choices to reduce costs, with negative consequences for quality of shelter, access to health, clean water and education opportunities. Furthermore, areas with the highest concentration of refugees, North Lebanon and the Bekaa valley, are among the poorest and most underserved regions of Lebanon. Even before the crisis, social services, infrastructure and livelihood opportunities were inadequate. Now, increased refugee populations are putting enormous pressure on water, sanitation, education and health care systems, with critical consequences for Lebanon’s natural and environmental resources. Furthermore, this dynamic is unfolding within the context of a socio-economic crisis in Lebanon where on 17 October 2019, nation-wide protests erupted throughout the country, coinciding with a major economic and financial crisis. The unfolding crisis presents new challenges which are resulting in further difficulties for both vulnerable Lebanese and Syrian refugees in terms of livelihoods, food security, and health care (including mental health). In the medium to longer-term, the number of vulnerable families is likely to rise and the situation for those already living in poverty will worsen. The unpredictability and fluidity of the situation is affecting the crisis response. The International UN Youth Volunteer will be a member of the UNDP Coordination Unit, which is responsible for UNDP’s leadership on the stabilization dimension of the crisis and recovery response. The Coordination unit plays a key role in ensuring the stabilization aspect of the crisis response in Lebanon by supporting partners to mitigate tensions and prevent conflict resulting from the profound impact of the crisis on local communities, including between refugees and hosting communities. UNDP’s role ranges from monitoring and analysing tensions between communities, to coordination of refugee and host community response at local and national level, and engaging in strategic partnerships which emphasize institution and resilience building. All of these interventions aim to unpack and address causes of community tensions such as competition for access to cash, jobs and services.

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Inter-Agency Coordinator, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: • Support to the Tension Monitoring System: o assist to deliver products and processes related to preventing conflict at a sector, part-ner, and programme level; o As a part of the Team, support the Unit in ensuring that conflict and tension analysis feeds into relevant response mechanisms. • Support UNDP in mainstreaming conflict sensitivity and social stability in the UNDP-led sectors (Livelihoods, Energy and Social Stability) under the Lebanon Cri-sis Recovery Plan (LCRP): o Assist in organizing working group meetings of relevant working groups, core groups and task forces of the livelihoods and the social stability sectors; o contribute to the planning and implementation process of the sectors including review of partners’ periodic reports; programmatic recommendations, timely identification of needed changes and risks, etc.; o assist with follow-up on adequate reporting by supporting use of activity info and/or other reporting systems by partners and supporting quality control of data; • Support to strategic partnerships for stability and conflict prevention in the refugee and host community response: o contribute to fostering more strategic partnerships at local and national level; o participate in relevant meetings with Government, NGOs, UN and donors; o assist in outreach to partners, particularly of INGOs and LNGOs;

The UN Youth Volunteer will work closely with the Sector Coordinators (livelihoods and social stability) as well as with the Conflict Analysis and Mainstreaming Officer and with the Area Coordination Officers and benefit from hands-on support and ample learning opportunities from the team as well as the immediate supervisor.

Accountability Adaptability and Flexibility Client Orientation Commitment and Motivation Commitment to Continuous Learning Communication Creativity Knowledge Sharing Managing Performance Planning and Organizing Professionalism Respect for Diversity

(up to three years) and/or demonstrated interest in peace building, conflict prevention and resolution, conflict analysis, social cohesion, providing research or policy analysis and engaging in partnerships; • Good written and spoken communication skills with experience or interest in analysis and report writing and succinct briefings and presentations would be highly regarded; • Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded;

The UN Security System in Lebanon is divided into two UN areas of operation. One is the southern area of the country which lies to the south of Litani River (SLR) under the responsibility of the peace keeping force (UNIFIL) according to the UN resolution 1701/2006. The rest of the country is called North Litani River (NLR). Rafik Hariri International airport is located in the southern suburbs of Beirut, less than 10km away from downtown. A taxi from the airport to downtown Beirut cost around $10-15 and make sure to agree on the price before stepping into the taxi. It is advisable to book the taxi in advance (ROMENA can assist with this). All public transportation vehicles in Lebanon have a red license plate. For transportation within Beirut, you have three options: “service” car (taxi off the street with a lower cost than the private taxi), private taxi or minibus. However, only taxis are securely advised to use as a mean of transportation. Lebanon has a Mediterranean climate - hot and dry in summer (June to August), cool and rainy in winter (December to February). In summer humidity is very high along the coast and daytime temperatures average 30°C, with night temperatures not much lower. Winter is mild, with daytime temperatures averaging 15°C. In the mountains, summer days are moderately hot (26°C on average) and the nights cool. Winters are cold, with snowfall above 1300m. The minimum lease duration in Lebanon is generally a half or one year, where tenants usually have to pay a one or several months’ rent in advance. In addition, an amount of one month rent is usually required by the landlord as a security deposit in case of property damage. Additionally, tenants who sign a one-year contract has the right to hold onto the property for three consecutive years. Thereafter, the landlord is entitled to end the contract, or to renegotiate. For rental contracts with a diplomatic clause, individuals have the right to terminate the lease before the end of the agreement. In the event of early termination of the lease, the landlord shall reimburse the tenant the monetary value of the remaining months of the contract. Your rental amount will most probably not cover electricity, telephone, Internet, or cable television service. These are all additional charges, which you should consider when calculating your monthly budget. In addition to the rent, expect to pay common charges for the building, which cover the electricity of the common areas of the building, fees for the concierge and fuel for the generator. This is subject to negotiation with landlord.

Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for services. Staff can use credit card or cash, Lebanese Pounds and USD, to pay for the services. Most hospitals are well equipped, and doctors are generally well qualified. Also, most medical staff speak both French and English. Upon arrival, you may purchase a SIM card from any of the two main cell phone providers in the country: Touch and Alfa. Although you might find it challenging to find fast Internet in Lebanon, there are many internet providers in Lebanon that offer DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) and wireless internet services. The standard DSL monthly subscription prices vary depending on the speed and the monthly consumption (in GB) you select. For meetings and official activities taking place in Lebanon, normal business attire is expected. During the rainy season, the pavements can become a bit slippery and so, if walking to and from the Office ensure you have shoes with a decent grip.

Further information can be found here: UN staff Orientation Handbook https://lebanon.un.org/sites/default/files/2021-05/STAFF%20ORIENTATION_FINAL_May2021.pdf.