Foreword by Nora Younis, Editorial Director
As I prepared this interview, Lebanon was already grappling with an economic collapse and the devastating Beirut port explosion. Today, as Lebanon grapples with war, our message remains as vital as ever. Lebanon’s story is not just one of challenges, but of enduring hope, resilience, and the unbreakable bond of its people.
To Lebanon’s 16-million-strong diaspora, we urge you to act now more than ever. By posting a job or making a hire, you are sending a lifeline to your fellow Lebanese. Let us be the shining light of hope they desperately need, knowing we have not forgotten them.
This movement began as a way to bridge the gap between Lebanese expats and locals—calling on the global diaspora to hire Lebanese. The familial and loyal ties that unite us in and out of the country are our greatest strength. Together, we are 16 million hearts beating for one homeland.
Let us continue this mission and stand for Lebanon, with love and action.
Lebanon, renowned for its resilience, is the backdrop for Melina Lampsos, a civil engineer leading PARISSIS Steel Engineering & Contracting, a family business rooted in Lebanon for 75 years. Born and raised in Lebanon to Greek parents, Melina harnesses local talent to foster growth despite significant economic hurdles.
“Our dedication to Lebanon is strong, even in tough times,” asserts Melina, who took the helm of PARISSIS four years ago amid worsening economic conditions. Her education from the American University of Beirut and her expertise in civil engineering equip her to oversee operations not only in Lebanon but also in West Africa and Cyprus.
Facing a dwindling pool of skilled workers due to migration, Melina turned to Jobs for Lebanon where the online platform rejuvenates the Lebanese job market by bridging the diaspora with local enterprises. “The biggest problem in Lebanon is that people who are skilled are leaving the country,” Melina explains. “So, what we started doing is interviewing every week even if there isn’t a position available. This way, we build a database of potential candidates.”
Jobs for Lebanon transcends the typical job portal role, acting as a vital resource for many companies. It aids the nation’s economic revival by facilitating investments from the Lebanese diaspora into local employment opportunities. With over 100,000 visitors from 175 countries and more than 30,000 applicants since its inception four years ago, the platform has made a significant impact, contributing over $6 million to the economy.
“I appreciate how Jobs for Lebanon proactively suggests potential candidates,” notes Melina. “Often, we connect with individuals who haven’t directly applied to us, which proves quite effective and user-friendly.” This proactive approach allows Melina and her HR team to tailor their talent database meticulously.
The platform’s benefits are extensive. “We’ve hired at least four to five individuals through Jobs for Lebanon in the past,” she reveals. By simplifying recruitment and fostering local talent development, PARISSIS counters the brain drain threatening Lebanon’s economic stability.
Melina highlights the importance of skills like English proficiency, effective writing, and communication—crucial for client interaction. “Our client-facing employees improve over time as we invest in their training, enabling them to represent us directly,” she emphasizes. This commitment reflects her dedication to not merely employ locals but to empower them to excel.
Melina also shares insights on navigating operational challenges in Lebanon, such as advocating for alternative energy solutions like solar power to address infrastructural issues.
In her concluding thoughts, Melina expresses a deep-seated faith in Lebanon’s human resources: “Lebanese individuals are exceptionally smart and industrious, more so than in any other regions we operate. Lebanon will always be our base because of its people.”
If you would like to post an online job and make a hire, sign up here to be matched with our database of over 30,000 talented candidates.
Jobs for Lebanon is a registered US based 501(c)3 non–profit, run by Lebanese for Lebanese.