tech-guru
In 2012 (September) I applied for the NSSF - Lebanese National Social Security Fund , and we did tests on two rounds:
- 11,000 Initial Applicants
-1st Round (Full English or French Test ((Comprehension , Grammar , Vocab , Essay ) - 3000 Passed (this Test is Done to eliminate as much as they can to the 2nd round))
-2nd Round - Math Test , Labor Law Test , NSSF Test , and Arabic Literature Essay
The Final average should be commutative of 10/20 on the 4 test , and also the person must attain the average on each test 10/20 , if for example attained an applicant perfect grades on 3 tests and failed one in the next stage you will be eliminated
The results were published on 31/January/2012 , 320 Passed from the Initial 11,000 Applicants meaning a success rate of 3%. Tests were done through Civil Service Council.
After approximately 3 years of the published results and the Lebanese way of things , religious aspects , political aspects etc.. NSSF announced that they will take us on 20 January 2015, I signed an initial draft contract and I am thinking to resign from my current job (Head of Commercial , Trade , and Economic Affairs in an Embassy and I have around 7 years of experience multinational cross functional experience in Finance / Administration / AML / FP&A , Investments with an MBA and BSc in Applied Computer Science from LAU). The reasons behind that are the NSSF in particular has benefits in Lebanon such as :
16 Months Salary Terms in a 12 Months Period
2nd Class Medical Coverage , Self and Family , with respect as an NSSF employee in Lebanese Hospitals
Good Schooling Payments
Good Working Hours (35 Per Week)
Good End of Service
More Stability
etc..
Your Input Please is Appreciated.
Thank You
ironman
ok, let's count
1) work from 8 - 2 not 8 - 5
2) you will have holidays just like in school
3) end of service payments
4) and around 2000 more benefits.
5) oh and friday till 11
Go on man, go on
eliminator
If you are not planning on leaving the country, the only way to hack the system in Lebanon and survive, is to become part of it (Blue Pill)
I have calculated every single possibility in Lebanon, and goverment jobs and public sector jobs are the best survival plans. The system was built to feed itself, so definitely go for it.
Of course opportunity for advancement is weak, and up-to-date processes are null. But you have plenty of time everyday in the afternoon to do whatever you want in your life.
Go for it if you plan on staying in Lebanon.
vegetaleb
Absolutely, and they can't fire you unless you kill someone.
The thing is that you must be very good in Arabic reading and writing as most documents are in Arabic.
I would have put my CV there too but I am afraid of the Arabic aspect, I mean I can read and write Arabic but too slow
Louis40
Knowing someone already working with public sector, here what he said:
- No matter how many diplomas + experience you have, if you don't have " Wasta" then don't bother..
Example: They have someone who has Diploma in Agriculture, he is now head of the finance section..
As you already mentioned the Religious aspects mainly play on the quota backed up by who's piston is stronger.
Good luck anyway..
xazbrat
On the advice of a friend, I applied to the ministry of finance for a position. Well, after I went through several interviews and exams, I was told that I was a more qualified applicant than 95% of the applicants. The only catch was they weren't hiring anyone from my sect that year (it was February btw). They asked if they could keep my name on file in case a position opened up. I politely declined and have since wondered if they weren't hiring, why I had to go through so much stuff.
That was the beginning and end of my public service career. :) Congrats and best of luck to you anyhow.
vegetaleb
Yep if you know someone actively in a political party it will surely help ;)
TheStunMan
Stability vs advancement, its up to you to choose.
Hybrid
Louis40 wrote- No matter how many diplomas + experience you have, if you don't have " Wasta" then don't bother..
+1
You can get a normal position with your Diplomas and studies, but if you're planning to have some authority, you better have a lot of connections in the political world. Usually you will need at least a "wasta" from a "3amidd" in the army, parliament member, minister, "mou7afizz", etc...
tech-guru
Luckily, the year 2016 seem to be very fruitful on me. When it opens on some one , it will open on many sides , and when it will close it will close from many sides :). Thank you GOD on everything.
Last year I applied for UNHCR - United Nations Higher Commissioner for Refugees - through
http://daleel-madani.org/jobs , and I filled a P11 application form and send it. On 3rd of December 2015 , I was invited to a typical 4 Hours UN Examination that includes Refugees Conditions in Lebanon , Summary of an English Article, Excel Competences (Organizing Data , Graphs , Calculations), Project Analysis Question , UNHCR General Question (Multiple Choice and T/F). It was long and tough , but I went prepared.
Yesterday , they invited me for a second meeting mentioning that I passed the exam.
My dilemma here , that on Monday I will be starting the training campaign with NSSF (from my previous post that only 310 were accepted from a pool of 11,000 applicants) vs UNHCR Role:
1- Any body works for UNHCR or UN Entities , or know some one working with them ?
2-The position Grade is " NOA - Functional Group: 3.1.b - CCOD Code: 1.a.11" , it is a fixed term contract which is renewal every year
3-Is is a permanent stable job that is renewed every year , or a risky one to enter and put aside the NSSF opportunity?
4-What are their benefits / payments scale ?
Appreciated
Ihab
dsoftware-king
I read both of your posts:
- NSSF is a stable job but won't make you rich unless you wanna go corrupt.
- Usually UN renews their annual contracts, but they may not due to funding issues. UNDP cut lots of jobs a couple of years ago due to funding issues.
by the way, are you a licensed CPA? if so. private sector offers tempting opportunities, experience will play a major role in that. You can make multiples of what you could make in NSSF. but again you have to put effort (which might me good btw) unlike NSSF.
your character and long term goals sets your choices.
Totoro
A relative works for UNHCR in Geneva, he told me that his contract is renewable.
Personally I wouldn't think twice before joining UNHCR, I have a friend with them in Lebanon and they need all the help they can get at the moment. Also, most of my friends are into organizations like ILO, IRC, DRC etc... and most if not all would take a job at UNHCR without hesitation.
Whenever I travel with my relative and he flashes his UNHCR passport at the airport its pretty cool, so that's one additional pro.
tech-guru
Just started with the training seminar with NSSF as an orientation for new employees , things are great with top timings and friendly people and a lot of offers for sustainability in Lebanon. I was surprised that many of the new employees have resigned from the private sector to enter this governmental position (some are engineers , some have a salary of USD 3000 , some with 8+ of experience etc..). The applied and succeeded in the tough examination process of 11,000 initial applicants - I think most probability people in Lebanon is seeking sustainable security in their jobs , and the offering of NSSF are excellent compared to the Lebanese Private Sector (Full Medication , Schooling , Higher End of Service , 15 Months Payment , 33 Working Hours per week etc..) Opportunities to grow are available due to internal exams the NSSF does to promote from one level to another.
I did the meeting with UNHCR panel after succeeding their tough exam , I think i will offered soon the job contract from their feedback , but the point that it is a National Position around 3-4 years (I think more with no clear horizon of the Syrian Crises to finish in the couple of the coming years). The salary is USD 4000 with UN fixed contract benefits (Transportation , Schooling , Class A Insurance etc..) , but sustainability is the risky part.
Another update is that a Consultancy Company have called me from UAE - Dubai , and mentioning a great interest in my CV for a Financial / Business Improvement Client Base Consultant , they are offering 7000 USD (Full Package). Progress will be subjected to the soon outcomes.
2016 Seem a Great Year and Fruitful One :)
Totoro
Glad to hear TechGuru! Good luck with your endeavors.
xAzarian
Just wanted to wish you good luck. I don't even know you but your job opportunities make me happy. :)
tech-guru
@Totoro Appreciated Bro
@xAzarian Appreciated Bro
Work Hard Play Hard ;)
vegetaleb
Tech Guru wroteJust started with the training seminar with NSSF as an orientation for new employees , things are great with top timings and friendly people and a lot of offers for sustainability in Lebanon. I was surprised that many of the new employees have resigned from the private sector to enter this governmental position (some are engineers , some have a salary of USD 3000 , some with 8+ of experience etc..). The applied and succeeded in the tough examination process of 11,000 initial applicants - I think most probability people in Lebanon is seeking sustainable security in their jobs , and the offering of NSSF are excellent compared to the Lebanese Private Sector (Full Medication , Schooling , Higher End of Service , 15 Months Payment , 33 Working Hours per week etc..) Opportunities to grow are available due to internal exams the NSSF does to promote from one level to another.
I did the meeting with UNHCR panel after succeeding their tough exam , I think i will offered soon the job contract from their feedback , but the point that it is a National Position around 3-4 years (I think more with no clear horizon of the Syrian Crises to finish in the couple of the coming years). The salary is USD 4000 with UN fixed contract benefits (Transportation , Schooling , Class A Insurance etc..) , but sustainability is the risky part.
Another update is that a Consultancy Company have called me from UAE - Dubai , and mentioning a great interest in my CV for a Financial / Business Improvement Client Base Consultant , they are offering 7000 USD (Full Package). Progress will be subjected to the soon outcomes.
2016 Seem a Great Year and Fruitful One :)
This is interesting!
Do you need to write in Arabic?
tech-guru
@vegetaleb
Sure bro , Arabic is the primary language at Lebanese Governmental Positions , but not a literature writing style , basic Arabic while concentration on reading/understanding Arabic for the documents . English is also important , primary for the IT systems and Medications in the NSSF.
For Example in the Ministry of Finance , English is important in auditing companies figures , net profits , taxes obligations etc.. Arabic (mainly reading/understanding) is primary for documents circulations, and sample typing is needed in case of concerns ( which is relatively easy and you can use google translator from English to Arabic to making a meaningful non ambiguous thoughts arrangements.
rolf
vegetaleb wroteAbsolutely, and they can't fire you unless you kill someone.
Once upon a time, I was working for a company that "never fired anyone" (except for this guy. And that gal). And then they fired me too.
(oops, old thread)
Tech Guru wrote
Your Input Please is Appreciated.
Glad it is. I will add one thing:
Do you enjoy the challenges of your current job? Does it make you develop your skills, become better? Also how is the work environment?
I hear you talking about benefits. You would work until 2 instead of 5. That is great!
But if you are working a shorter day, doing things that are not interesting, outside or beneath your skills (not challenging), then that's not so great anymore.
Maybe just something to consider.
tech-guru
@Rolf
Well , I am not thinking to relocate outside Lebanon I will handle part time coding / business consultancy jobs - but I am seeking persistence work environment , and escaping the private sector headaches (bosses, no extra time , illegal ways to minimize the employee NSSF contributions , long working hours). I am of a person who like to enjoy Life , after 3 I need to enjoy life , no one knows his/her appointed time. I will start teaching soon as a part time instructor in a private university some business courses - 3 days a week after 4 pm - which will increase my accumulative earnings at the end of each month.
In my current job they do internal exams to get promoted to a head of department , an NSSF Detective etc.. Inclusive examinations through the csb.gov.lb - I am enjoying the colleagues , at 1 we stop working :) , and 2:30 Ill leave home - 2:45 under the shower.