National Social Security Economist

Introduction

Lebanon is currently facing a compounded crisis that is affecting the country’s social, political, economic, financial, and fiscal stability. Rising inflation and unemployment rates have led to a large increase in income vulnerability. Lebanon’s national social protection system is extremely weak, with significant policy, legislative and institutional gaps that leave large segments of the population without any support. In this context, while short-term and emergency measures are needed to provide immediate relief to thousands of people, a paradigm shift from the current fragmented social protection programs and measures into a universal, rights-based, and inclusive system is essential, in line with Lebanon’s international and national commitments.

Even prior to the crisis, the social protection system was characterized by vast coverage gaps and inadequate benefits, with limited impact on inequality and on reduction of income vulnerability.  The impact of the economic crisis on all social insurance and mutual funds was dramatic, putting the financial sustainability of these funds at great risk. The country also has weak labour market institutions, coupled with a deficient demand for labour and low levels of job creation, particularly in high productivity/high value-added sectors. Other structural challenges, compounded by the recent financial and economic crisis have hindered progress towards full and productive employment in the country and led to spikes in unemployment rates.

To this end, the ILO has been supporting the government of Lebanon, NSSF and MOL, and its social partners in legislative and institutional reforms to sustain and enhance adequate social insurance coverage to the population, including on health, pension and unemployment insurance, in line with reforms outlined under the National Social Protection Strategy and as part of different development assistance programs. As part of its technical assistance, the ILO conducts various studies, including quantitative analyses, financial and actuarial assessments, and government budget reviews towards supporting evidence-based policymaking on social security in Lebanon.

Under the new EU-ILO partnership “ENABLE”, the ILO will also work on strengthening linkages between social protection and employment activation initiatives. It will support a system of referrals to employment-related services and skills training for enhanced employability, while providing access to short-term employment in local employment intensive infrastructure programmes.

Reporting Lines

The National Social Security Economist will work under the direct supervision of the Social Protection Officer for Lebanon, in coordination with the ENABLE project manager. The incumbent will receive technical backstopping by the Senior Social Protection Specialist for the ILO office for the Arab States in Beirut. The position will be based in the ILO Regional Office for Arab States in Beirut, Lebanon.

Description of Duties

1. Work in close collaboration with partners towards the effective planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of ILO project activities on social insurance and the linkages between social protection and Employment Activation Programs in Lebanon, in conformity with ILO policies and project strategies, programming guidelines, and administrative and financial procedures. These activities include working on Pension system reform, Social Health Protection, in addition to supporting linkages between social protection and employment activation programs, and institutionalizing these processes with relevant entities and programs at MOSA.

2. Participate in technical activities on social insurance in Lebanon for policy, research and data collection purposes.

3. Lead in the preparation of initial drafts and provide technical inputs to specific components of reports, policy/thematic briefs, research outputs and other information and knowledge product, including financial and actuarial assessments, legal reviews, costing analyses, targeting studies, budget reviews, and national surveys.

4. Set-up and coordinate successful partnerships with implementers, collaborators, and consultants, including preparation of Terms of Reference and contractual requirements and process, regular coordination, and follow-up on submission of deliverables including coordination with team members to ensure necessary technical feedback is provided and deliverables are in line with the requirements of the assignment.

Description of Duties (continued)

5. Initiate and organize social dialogue processes, meetings, seminars, and workshops to ensure active engagement and participation of all relevant stakeholders in the design and implementation of social insurance reforms. This includes the following: drafting concept notes, invitation letters, agenda, preparation of technical background documents and reports, and preparation of presentations.

6. Liaise and communicate with focal points at governments, workers' and employers' organizations, UN organizations, research institutions and civil society organizations which are involved in the field of social protection in Lebanon. Visit project sites mainly to Social Security institutions/NSSF, Ministries of Labour and Social Affairs, and parliamentary committees.

7. Provide inputs to initiatives and programs for SOCPRO, including ILO’s Flagship Program on Building Social Protection Floors for All, and to the semi-annual / annual OBW reports.

8. Draft in, or translate into, local language(s) news releases, official correspondence, statements and other public information material.

9. Other related duties as assigned.

Required qualifications

Education

First level university degree in Economics, Finance, Actuarial Studies, or other relevant fields.

An advanced degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Economics, Finance, Actuarial Studies, or other relevant fields would be a strong advantage.

Experience

At least two years of professional work experience on socioeconomic and/or financial, fiscal and economic policies in Lebanon.

Proven Experience in conducting financial/actuarial analyses and quantitative research, is required.

Experience in social insurance and knowledge on pension and health insurance schemes is preferred.

Experience in working with government institutions in Lebanon is an asset.

Languages

Excellent command of English and Arabic.

Competencies

In addition to the ILO core competencies, (Integrity and transparency, Sensitivity to diversity, Orientation to learning and knowledge sharing, Client orientation, Communication, Orientation to change, Takes responsibility for performance, Quality orientation, Collaboration), this position requires:

Knowledge and Technical competencies:

• Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to the area of Social Security.
• Knowledge of programme and budget, project administration and evaluation concepts and procedures.
• Ability to use analytical tools and qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Ability to guide and coordinate the work of external collaborators, general service staff and young professionals in the area of specialization.

Competencies (continued)

• Ability to draft reports and prepare guidelines relating to programme development and implementation and good drafting skills.
• Ability to provide coordination and technical support to senior specialists, carrying out research, project formulation and implementation.
• Excellent project administration and management skills.
• Excellent analytical and computer skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write accurate reports and to coordinate effectively to obtain cooperation and input from partners.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and gender-sensitive behaviour and attitudes are also required.
• Proven ability to take ownership of all responsibilities, to act with integrity and transparency by maintaining social, ethical and organisational norms, and to meet all commitments within the prescribed time, cost and quality standards.
• Proven commitment to a rights-based approach.