Research Consultant

About the project

As part of a consortium with three other organisations, International Alert is responsible for conducting action research for the Nataf3al project in order to advocate for a social cohesion toolkit that contributes to enhancing the sense of belonging to the school community and to preventing violence against children. Alert is also responsible for conducting the research as it informs the design of a ‘community school model’ and to ensure the project actively works towards strengthening social cohesion.

The purpose of this action research is to generate evidence of what works in social cohesion interventions in schools. This evidence will be used to advocate for a social cohesion toolkit in public schools.

The action research will focus on two distinct types of interventions implemented between May and August 2023 within the scope of the Nataf3al project:

1) Social cohesion activities with students and teachers in the AM and PM shifts of the public schools, which were planned and have been implemented by partners with the school community based on the schools’ needs assessment; and

2) The piloting of the social cohesion toolkit on social cohesion in the summer cycle Retention Support classes.

Objectives of the consultancy

The overall objective of the consultancy is to conduct the analysis of the action research on the project.

The specific objectives are:

1. To analyse the quantitative data from the winter cycle
2. To update the case studies written based on the winter cycle, with the new data  
3. To conduct data collection in the summer cycle
4. To analyse the data from the summer cycle
5. To lead on analysis with support from Alert
6. To present the analysis to the partners and
7. To produce the action research report.

Methodology

The action research will generate evidence of what works in social cohesion interventions in schools and is designed following two phases.

1. Phase 1; completed.
   1. Objective: To identify what type of interventions and elements thereof have a positive effect on social cohesion in school : students’/teachers’ sense of safety, belonging and positive relationships

In the last weeks of the winter cycle, partners implemented interventions based on the context analysis in each school, their assessment of school readiness and commitment and partners capacity to deliver.

1. Phase 2; in progress.
   1. Objective: To test the Social Cohesion Toolkit (reduced toolkit activity in summer cycle) and inform any adaptations

Up to 10 schools will be selected to pilot Social Cohesion Activities from the Toolkit and 10 different schools will form the control group.

The consultant will start working in Phase 2.

During the summer Retention Support cycle, trained Retention Support teachers will deliver minimum 9 social cohesion activities from a Social Cohesion Toolkit to students in 10 Nataf3al schools. In the remaining schools, Retention Support cycle will be delivered without the social cohesion activities.

The Consultant with support from Alert Team will compile all data and conduct a preliminary data analysis. A workshop with the partners will be held to review the preliminary findings and draw conclusions and recommendations based on the findings.

The Consultant will draft the report and include specific conclusions and recommendations for social cohesion approach/ activities in each assessed school. The report will include a comparison of interventions and control group, pre- and post- Retention Support classes (difference-in-difference), taking into consideration any possible cumulative impact of social cohesion activities in the winter cycle and summer cycle (for the students/teachers who took part in the winter cycle social cohesion activities). The report will also focus on needs & gaps, and recommendations for the implementation of the Community School model using the toolkit in the final phase of the project.

Deliverables

Alert will work closely with the consultant to brief them on the methodology and tools developed and based on agreement with the partners, select the schools for the treatment (10 schools) and for control (10 schools).

The project targets 4 schools in the Bekaa, 6 in the North, 4 in Baalbeck-Hermel, 4 in Beirut and 2 in Mount Lebanon. Up to 10 of these schools will be prioritised for the toolkit implementation.

The Consultant is responsible for 6 deliverables:

• Deliverable 1: Detailed workplan.
• Deliverable 2: Analysis of quantitative data from the winter cycle.
• Deliverable 3: Update of the case studies with this new data.
• Deliverable 4: Analysis of quantitative and qualitative data from the summer cycle.
• Deliverable 5: Partner Workshop to review findings.
• Deliverable 6: Submission of the Report.

Timeline and level of effort

Dates

Deliverable

Level of effort

10 August 2023

Deadline for submission of offers

17 August 2023

Contracting

18-22 August 2023

Inception meeting

Review of methodology and tools

Detailed Workplan

2 days

23-30 August 2023

Qualitative Data Collection in summer cycle

5 days

30 August-6 September 2023

Data clearance and quantitative data analysis of the winter cycle and of the summer cycle

5 days

7-14 September 2023

Review the 5 case studies and add quantitative analysis where available

5 days

15-22 September 2023

Draft report

Validation meeting

4 days

25-29 September 2023

Final report

3 days

2-6 October 2023

Presentation of the research

1 day

Total

25 days

Consultant profile

• At least 5 years of experience in conducting research.
• In-depth knowledge of the Lebanese context with regards to development assistance, Do No Harm, conflict sensitivity, gender sensitivity, localisation and social cohesion.
• Experience with and understanding of the public education system in Lebanon and its response to the Syrian crisis.
• Professional and educational background in international relations, international development, diplomacy or peacebuilding.

• Proficiency in English and Arabic and ability to conduct interviews and focus group discussions in Arabic.
• Cultural sensitivity and commitment to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism, including following data protection guidelines.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Education degree: MA

Experience required:

• 5-10 years

Languages - English: Excellent. Arabic: Excellent.

Period: August- end of October 2023.

Compensation: Competitive price offers