Job Description

Roles & Responsibilities

Pathfinder International is a global nonprofit organization working to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights, strengthen health systems, and improve access to quality health services worldwide. As part of its strategic expansion and implementation of programs in Lebanon, Pathfinder International intends to establish and register a legal presence in Lebanon as an International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO) Branch in accordance with Lebanese laws and regulations governing foreign non-profit organizations. To facilitate this process, Pathfinder seeks the services of a qualified Legal Counsel with extensive experience in NGO registration, corporate legal compliance, and engagement with Lebanese government authorities. The Legal Counsel will provide legal guidance and support throughout the registration process and ensure compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements. Position Title: Legal Counsel INGO Registration in Lebanon Level of Effort (days): Deliverable-Based Period of Performance: Approximately 4 6 Months (or until registration is completed) Country(s) of Performance: Lebanon Supervisor: Pathfinder Legal Counselor Activity: Registration and Establishment of Pathfinder International Lebanon Branch

The Legal Counsel will provide comprehensive legal services to support Pathfinder International in:

• Registering Pathfinder International as an INGO Branch in Lebanon.
• Securing all required governmental approvals, authorizations, and registrations.
• Advising Pathfinder on applicable legal, regulatory, labor, tax, and operational requirements.
• Supporting the establishment of a legally compliant operational framework for the organization in Lebanon.
• Ensuring compliance with all requirements imposed by Lebanese authorities for foreign NGOs.

The Legal Counsel shall provide legal and advisory services, including, but not limited to, the following activities:

Registration and Legal Establishment

• Review Lebanese laws, regulations, and administrative requirements governing the registration and operation of INGOs.
• Advise Pathfinder on the most appropriate legal registration structure.
• Develop a detailed registration roadmap with timelines, requirements, and responsible parties.
• Prepare, review, and finalize all legal documents required for registration.
• Identify and advise on any required translations, notarizations, authentications, and legalization procedures.
• Provide legal advice regarding employment and labor regulations, tax registration and compliance as INGO
• Coordinate with relevant authorities and governmental entities throughout the registration process.
• Submit registration applications and supporting documentation as authorized by Pathfinder.
• Serve as the primary legal liaison with relevant ministries and government agencies.
• Respond to legal inquiries and requests for additional documentation from authorities.
• Follow up with authorities to obtain approvals and registration certificates.

Detailed Tasks

The consultant is expected to undertake the following tasks:

Phase 1: Legal Assessment and Registration Planning

• Review Pathfinder's legal documents and organizational structure.
• Conduct a legal assessment of registration requirements.
• Develop a registration action plan and timeline.
• Identify all required documentation and approvals.

Phase 2: Documentation and Submission

• Prepare and/or review all registration documentation.
• Coordinate notarization, authentication, and legalization processes.
• Submit registration applications and supporting documents.

Phase 3: Government Engagement

• Liaise with relevant ministries and government agencies.
• Address comments, requests, and clarification requirements from authorities.
• Facilitate approval processes until registration is completed.

Deliverables & Outputs

• Registration Roadmap and Legal Assessment Report
• List of Required Documents and Government Approvals
• Drafted and Reviewed Registration Documents
• Submission of Registration Application
• Periodic Progress Updates and Status Reports
• Registration Certificate and Government Approvals (upon issuance)
• Final Consultancy Report Summarizing Registration Process and Legal Requirements

The Legal Counsel will report directly to Pathfinder International's Legal Counselor.

Desired Candidate Profile

• Licensed attorney authorized to practice law in Lebanon.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant legal experience.
• Demonstrated experience registering international NGOs, INGOs, or foreign entities in Lebanon.
• Strong knowledge of Lebanese NGO, labor, tax, and corporate regulatory frameworks.
• Proven experience engaging with Lebanese government ministries and regulatory authorities.
• Experience supporting international development organizations, UN agencies, or donor-funded projects is highly desirable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Arabic and English.
• Ability to manage complex regulatory processes and provide practical legal solutions.
• Strong drafting, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.