UN Women: Inclusive Governance and Executive Learning Consultant, Beirut, Lebanon - National Consultant - Home-Based

About the Role

UN Women seeks a National Consultant to design, develop, and deliver Module 2: Role of the Board and Governing Bodies for the National Governance Program for Public Boards and Leadership (NGP) in Lebanon. This module aims to strengthen the governance capacities of public board members and senior public leaders, equipping them with the competencies, judgment, and practical tools required for effective, accountable, ethical, and inclusive oversight.

The consultant will work under the guidance of the UN Women Representative and the direct supervision of the Governance and Participation in Public Life Programme Manager, in close coordination with the Office of the Minister of State for Administrative Reform (OMSAR) and relevant national stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Draft an Inception Report outlining the proposed methodology, workplan, adult learning approach, and practical application for the Learning Module. The report must:
  • Demonstrate a clear understanding of the NGP’s objectives and relevant governance frameworks.
  • Align with OMSAR’s Module architecture, learning objectives, and expected competencies for Module 2.
  • Incorporate Lebanese constitutional, legal, and institutional frameworks governing public administration and board governance.
  • Integrate internationally recognized public governance standards (e.g., OECD Guidelines, UN SDGs, IFC Corporate Governance Methodology).
• Develop a comprehensive Learning Module Package, including:
  • A Learning Guide with module rationale, competency framework, learning outcomes, methodology, facilitation approach, and assessment strategy.
  • A Participant Handbook/Workbook with technical content, governance tools, reflection questions, templates, and recommended readings.
  • A Facilitator Guide with detailed session plans, facilitation notes, discussion questions, and learning activities.
  • Executive-level presentation materials (e.g., PowerPoint slides with speaker notes and visual aids).
  • Lebanese governance case studies, practical scenarios, and simulations tailored to board roles and responsibilities.
  • Interactive learning activities (e.g., governance diagnostics, role plays, decision-making simulations, peer learning exercises).
  • A Governance Toolkit with decision-making frameworks, templates, checklists, and self-assessment instruments.
  • Additional resources, including recommended readings and digital learning materials.
• Deliver the Executive Learning Module:
  • Conduct sessions in alignment with the approved package and methodology.
  • Tailor delivery to participants’ profiles while maintaining consistency with learning objectives.
  • Facilitate peer learning and exchange of experiences, incorporating practical examples and international good practices.
  • Provide technical guidance and address participants’ questions during sessions.
  • Document key observations, governance challenges, and recommendations in a post-session report.
• Ensure Quality Assurance and Consistency across all materials:
  • Apply consistent terminology and visual identity.
  • Maintain coherence in learning outcomes, instructional methodologies, and assessment approaches.
  • Adapt complexity for junior and senior executive-level participants.
  • Align with Lebanese legislation and international governance standards.
  • Ensure integration with the broader NGP architecture.

Guiding Principles

• Innovation and Executive Learning Methodology: Move beyond traditional lecture-based training by incorporating interactive and experiential approaches, such as:
  • Real Lebanese governance dilemmas.
  • Executive decision simulations.
  • Board deliberation exercises and role plays.
  • Committee simulations.
  • Peer learning and case-based discussions.
• Inclusive Governance and Gender Equality: Integrate principles of inclusive governance, gender equality, disability inclusion, ethical leadership, and citizen-centered approaches into all materials.
• Contextual Relevance: Adapt content to the Lebanese public sector context while adhering to international governance standards.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in public administration, governance, law, social sciences, or a related field.
• Proven expertise in public sector governance, board governance, institutional oversight, or public administration reform, with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and delivering executive-level learning programmes, particularly for senior public officials or board members.
• Strong knowledge of Lebanese public administration, governance frameworks, and institutional policies.
• Familiarity with international governance standards (e.g., OECD Guidelines, UN SDGs, IFC Corporate Governance Methodology).
• Experience in facilitating interactive and experiential learning (e.g., case studies, simulations, role plays).
• Excellent analytical, writing, and presentation skills in English and Arabic.
• Ability to work collaboratively with government institutions, UN agencies, and stakeholders.