UNDP Supports Community-Oriented Policing with Dialogue and Outreach in Lebanon

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) invites qualified NGOs and CSOs in Lebanon to implement Communication for Development (C4D) projects that strengthen community trust in the Internal Security Forces (ISF). Projects focus on community engagement, dialogue, and capacity-building to improve policing services in Bourj Brajneh, Adloun, and Bent Jbeil over a 3.5-month period. Successful interventions aim to enhance preventive and community-centered policing while fostering social inclusion and public confidence.

Programme Overview

The UNDP C4D initiative seeks to reinforce trust and collaboration between the Internal Security Forces (ISF) and local communities in Lebanon. Amid ongoing socio-economic and political challenges, this programme addresses gaps in public security service delivery by:

• Promoting community-oriented and preventive policing approaches

• Enhancing mutual understanding of ISF roles and responsibilities

• Creating participatory platforms for dialogue and communication between ISF personnel and community members

• Supporting inclusive, gender-sensitive, and culturally appropriate engagement

Key Objectives

1. Strengthen trust and cooperation between ISF personnel and community members

2. Increase community awareness of ISF services, mandate, and responsibilities

3. Encourage community participation in policing initiatives

4. Build capacity of ISF personnel in dialogue, outreach, and communication skills

5. Facilitate sustainable mechanisms for feedback and continuous engagement

Target Areas

This grant focuses on three Lebanese communities:

• Bourj Brajneh

• Adloun

• Bent Jbeil
  These locations were selected due to the need for enhanced community policing and trust-building initiatives with local populations.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

• Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)
  Applicants must demonstrate:

• Proven experience in community engagement, communication, and C4D interventions

• Capacity to implement structured, participatory projects within the specified timeline

• Knowledge of local context, cultural sensitivities, and inclusion principles

Project Activities

The selected NGO/CSO will implement activities over 3.5 months, including:

1. Inception and Planning: Hold an inception meeting with the UNDP Rule of Law team; agree on project objectives, activities, and indicators with ISF and community stakeholders

2. Community Engagement and Dialogue: Facilitate participatory sessions between ISF personnel, local authorities, and community members; establish sustainable communication channels for ongoing dialogue and feedback

3. Capacity Building for ISF: Train ISF personnel in community-centered approaches, dialogue techniques, and culturally sensitive communication

4. Monitoring and Feedback: Conduct surveys and assessments to measure community perceptions and effectiveness of interventions

5. Reporting and Closure: Organize a final stakeholder meeting; submit a comprehensive narrative report documenting activities, outcomes, and lessons learned

Expected Outcomes

Projects supported under this grant are expected to:

• Improve public confidence in ISF services

• Increase access and utilization of ISF services by local communities

• Foster inclusive participation, particularly for women and vulnerable groups

• Establish sustainable communication practices for long-term community policing

• Promote cooperation between security institutions and communities, contributing to local peacebuilding

Why This Matters

Lebanon’s ongoing multi-layered crisis has affected public trust and security provision. By strengthening community-oriented policing and improving communication between ISF and citizens, this initiative:

• Enhances social cohesion and trust in public institutions

• Reduces security gaps by promoting preventive and participatory approaches

• Provides a model for replicable, community-centered policing interventions across Lebanon

How to Apply

1. Prepare a detailed proposal outlining objectives, methodology, target community engagement activities, capacity-building plans for ISF personnel, and a monitoring and evaluation framework

2. Demonstrate organizational experience in C4D or community engagement

3. Include a timeline covering the 3.5-month implementation period

4. Submit required documentation according to UNDP Lebanon grant procedures
   Applications will be assessed based on relevance to UNDP and ISF objectives, feasibility and clarity of project plan, capacity to deliver inclusive, participatory interventions, and measurable outcomes and sustainability

Tips for a Strong Proposal

• Highlight gender mainstreaming and social inclusion measures

• Ensure culturally sensitive engagement strategies

• Include quantitative and qualitative indicators for monitoring impact

• Demonstrate collaboration with local stakeholders and authorities

• Clearly define roles and responsibilities of project team members

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the grant duration? The project must be implemented over 3.5 months
2. Which communities are targeted? Bourj Brajneh, Adloun, and Bent Jbeil in Lebanon
3. Who can apply? Qualified NGOs and CSOs with experience in community engagement and C4D interventions
4. Are gender and social inclusion priorities? Yes, all activities must incorporate gender mainstreaming and inclusivity
5. What is the expected outcome of the project? Improved trust, communication, and collaboration between ISF and local communities, contributing to community-centered policing
6. What type of activities are included? Facilitated dialogues, community outreach, capacity-building for ISF, feedback mechanisms, and reporting
7. How will success be measured? Through community perception surveys, engagement metrics, and reporting of implemented initiatives

Conclusion

This UNDP C4D grant provides NGOs and CSOs with the opportunity to strengthen community policing in Lebanon, build trust between security forces and citizens, and foster inclusive, participatory, and sustainable approaches to public safety. By empowering communities and enhancing ISF capacities, the project contributes to long-term social cohesion, preventive policing, and peacebuilding.