Social Protection & Cash Expert

Job Posting Organization:
NORCAP is an organization dedicated to improving aid for individuals affected by crises and climate change. Established with a mission to enhance humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding efforts, NORCAP collaborates with various partners at local, national, and international levels to address the needs of vulnerable populations. The organization focuses on supporting initiatives that empower people, improving impact through joint projects, and strengthening the global system through leadership and policy development. NORCAP operates in multiple countries, working closely with local authorities and organizations to ensure effective responses to crises, particularly in Lebanon, where it partners with the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) to address ongoing challenges.

Job Overview:
The Social Protection & Cash Expert role is a 24-month position based in Beirut, Lebanon, embedded within the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA). The expert will report to the LRP General Supervisor on Cash Working Group (CWG) matters and to the Advisor to the Minister regarding social assistance and social protection linkages. The primary function of this role is to chair the CWG on behalf of MoSA, ensuring the integration of social protection approaches and strengthening coordination across various committees. The expert will provide technical support, translate research into actionable recommendations, and facilitate partnerships among stakeholders involved in social protection and cash programming. This position is crucial for advancing coherent social protection programming in Lebanon, particularly in the context of the ongoing crises affecting the country.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Social Protection & Cash Expert will be responsible for several key duties, including:

• Chairing the Cash Working Group on behalf of MoSA, ensuring effective integration of social protection approaches.
• Strengthening coordination across the CWG and Social Assistance Committee (SAC) to promote alignment and joint planning.
• Providing technical support and guidance to the SAC Secretariat, particularly regarding cash and voucher assistance (CVA) and the implementation of the National Social Protection Plan.
• Translating evidence and research into actionable recommendations, guidelines, and strategic documents.
• Supporting the development of technical and operational CVA guidance that aligns with national social protection priorities.
• Facilitating partnerships between MoSA, UN agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders involved in social protection and cash programming.
• Contributing to national dialogue and planning processes to enhance coherent social protection programming.
• Mentoring MoSA staff to ensure long-term skills transfer and a smooth institutional handover.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Social Protection & Cash Expert position should possess the following qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in a relevant field such as social policy, economics, international development, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in coordinating efforts across humanitarian and development actors.
• Experience working with government institutions, particularly in complex or crisis-affected contexts.
• Strong technical expertise in the design and implementation of cash and voucher assistance (CVA), including harmonization and systems strengthening.
• Experience in mentoring, capacity development, and the creation of guidance or training materials.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage a diverse range of actors.
• Lebanese nationality is required to ensure context-relevant and locally grounded expertise.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as social policy, economics, international development, or a similar area of study. This advanced degree is essential to equip the candidate with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively address the complexities of social protection and cash programming in a crisis-affected context.

Experience:
Candidates should have substantial experience in the field, particularly in coordinating efforts among humanitarian and development actors. Experience working with government institutions in complex or crisis-affected contexts is highly desirable. Additionally, candidates should have a proven track record in cash and voucher assistance (CVA) design and implementation, as well as experience in mentoring and capacity development.

Languages:
The position requires proficiency in Arabic, as it is essential for effective communication within the local context. Knowledge of English is also mandatory, as it is often used in international collaboration and documentation. Additional languages may be considered an asset but are not mandatory for this role.

Additional Notes:
The Social Protection & Cash Expert position is a full-time role with a contract duration of 24 months. The organization values diversity, equity, and inclusion, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, or disability. NORCAP reserves the right to conduct a full background check on shortlisted candidates, and an approved health certificate will be required prior to the commencement of the contract. Feedback will be provided to all applicants within four weeks after the closing date of the advertisement.