Institutional Development and Community Committees Advisor

The Assistance Coordination Unit (ACU) announces the availability of the following position in Syria:

Contract Type: Service Contract Contract Duration: 9 months starting from September 1st

Work Location: Aleppo, with regular visits to Hama and Homs since project activities are based in these three locations.

Project Overview: Among the development projects being worked on by ACU is the project to support inclusive and effective local communities, which aims to activate and empower neighborhood committees and enhance their role in participation and accountability through practical training and continuous guidance so that they can identify community priorities, involve residents and coordinate service initiatives.

The main objective of the position:

Governance of neighborhood committees in the targeted areas, ensuring the principles of participation and transparency in decision-making and developing the internal work environment. Building the committees' capacity to identify needs and priorities and design initiatives. Enabling the committees to play a positive role in conflict resolution and promoting social peace. Strengthening accountability mechanisms, community oversight, and complaint mechanisms. Establishing an operational mechanism to ensure the committees' continued effective and flexible functioning after the project's completion.

Responsibilities:

Main outputs:

10 neighborhood committees (5 in Aleppo, 3 in Homs, and 2 in Hama) with a structured organization and clear policies outlining roles and responsibilities.

Ensuring neighborhood representation through the committees in decision-making processes and establishing a link between residents and local authorities. Activating community complaint and oversight mechanisms. Identifying neighborhood needs, prioritizing them, and formulating them into service initiatives. Promoting the reintegration of returnees, supporting peaceful coexistence, and strengthening community trust in the targeted neighborhoods.

Main tasks:

Develop a suitable work plan to achieve the desired results according to the project timeline and budget. Prepare training materials, tools, posters, and publications to be used in the required activities. Continuously monitor the performance of the committees and their outputs through ongoing coaching, using appropriate tools to ensure the committees fulfill their tasks, correct errors, and address any challenges they may encounter.

Design a system for receiving and tracking complaints and suggestions in a way that ensures security, privacy, and responsible handling of sensitive information. Participate in the process of identifying needs, prioritizing them, formulating service initiatives, and implementing them to ensure fair participation of the committees and community engagement through suggestions and feedback. Build the capacity of the committees in community reconciliation and conflict resolution. Maintain continuous coordination with the project manager. Issue a report summarizing the implemented activities, work mechanisms, and outputs for each of the targeted neighborhoods.

Qualifications (Education/Work Experience):

Must hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field.

Experience:

Must have at least 5 years of professional experience, including at least 3 years of experience working with civil society organizations. Proven and relevant professional experience in institutional and community development. A good understanding of the humanitarian context, particularly of grants related to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). A good understanding of the Syrian context and the conditions of the local community. Experience in training and preparing workshops and other required materials. Experience in developing and leading strategic plans and facilitating dialogue and discussions. Arabic: Native speaker English: Excellent

Core and technical competencies:

1. Core Competencies:

Planning and Organization Technical Awareness Analytical Skills Research Skills

2. Technical Competencies:

A sound understanding of humanitarian work standards and human rights. A thorough understanding of institutional work standards, rights, and obligations.

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