Contingency plan in response to a closing civic space

Terms of Reference

Contingency plan in response to a closing civic space

Introduction

Oxfam has been working in Lebanon since 1993. The organization provides humanitarian assistance to vulnerable people affected by conflict, and promotes economic development, good governance at a local and national level, and women’s rights through working with partners. Oxfam also works with local partners to contribute to the Protection and Empowerment of marginalized women and men and gender-and people with diverse SOGIESC.

As part of the Governance programme, Oxfam strives to understand power structures and relations, while supporting organizations and institutions that come from and serve the people to be transparent and accountable, and supporting processes of engagement between citizens and the state. For Oxfam, Governance refers to both a type of programme as well as a broader approach and form of analysis.

Background

In Lebanon, the shrinking civic space is due to political instability, restrictive legislation, and government crackdowns on protests. Activists and journalists face threats and intimidation, while the economic crisis has strained funding for civil society organizations. Censorship and sectarian divisions in the media further complicate matters. This complex issue not only hinders civil society but also affects the country's democratic and social fabric, requiring continuous attention and monitoring by international and civil society organizations.

With a growing portfolio, the Governance programme  in Lebanon aims to empower women, men and people with diverse SOGIESC to utilise their agency and own their rights and to create spaces and initiatives to foster a more inclusive and cohesive society.  More precisely, the programme is funded through various donors including the European Union, the Dutch MoFA, and Global Affairs Canada to address issues of social instability, lack of access to rights, especially sexual rights, as well as issues of feminism, women rights, freedoms of assembly, freedom of expression, freedom of association, etc.

At the same time, the projects’ team are faced with operational and programmatic challenges navigating the volatile context and working environment obstructing the civic space in Lebanon and hence leading to risks and difficulties hampering the programme’s operational plan.

Purpose and Objectives

Oxfam in Lebanon plans to hire a consultant/consultancy firm to, in close coordination and consultation with various departments and functions in Oxfam and based on Oxfam’s values and principles, develop a contingency plan that guides the programme into various aspects of operating in a challenging civic space, providing valuable insights for Oxfam, partner civil society organizations and relevant stakeholders working in Lebanon and similar contexts.

The specific components to be incorporated into the contingency plan are as follows:

1. Strategies for programmatic and partnership adaptations in front of a closing civic space:
   • This component should provide an adaptation strategy that investigates the specificities of the Governance programme and partnerships.
     • Expected deliverables to discuss may include: one programmatic adaptation strategy, one adapted partnering practices.

1. Safety and Security of partners, employees, and volunteers in times of conflicts and backlashes leading to a closing civic space:
   • This component should provide recommendations on relevant and suitable safety protocols and guidelines Oxfam and partners should adopt including scenario planning and response.
     • Expected deliverables to discuss may include: a contextualised safety and security protocol addressing concerns and needs of the Governance projects and partners.

1. Maintaining Donor Relationships and Funding in challenging environments:
   • This component should provide recommendations on adapted fundraising plans and donors’ engagement efforts.
     • Expected deliverables to discuss may include: an updated donor mapping and engagement plan;

1. Effective Media and Communication:
   • This component should provide recommendations on adapted advocacy approaches and tools as well as guidance on how to handle branding and visibility in sensitive times.
     • Expected deliverables to discuss may include: guidelines report on how to handle media and communication in sensitive contexts and during sensitive times, a risk assessment for branding and visibility

Expected Outputs

The consultant(s)/consultancy firm is expected to deliver the following:

1. A background review of the status of the civic space, freedom, and liberties in Lebanon;
2. A series of consultations with Oxfam and partners’ teams partaking in the Governance programme;
3. A comprehensive risk assessment informed by the various types and scope of risks influecing the components of the contingency plan;
4. A contingency plan guiding Oxfam’s and the partners’ work and strategies as per the objectives listed in the previous section;
5. One validation workshop with Oxfam and partners;
6. One actors' engagement workshop during which the contingency plan and other deliverables is presented and disseminated.

Timeline

This consultancy is expected to be executed during 40 days

Qualifications of the consultants/consultancy firm

• Strong communication and facilitation skills;
• Fluent in spoken and written English and Arabic;
• A strong academic background in a relevant field such as political science, international relations, human rights, conflict studies, Education or a related discipline;
• In-depth knowledge of the political, social, and cultural context of Lebanon, as well as an understanding of the broader regional dynamics and the specific challenges related to civic space and conflict;
• Interpersonal and Communication Skills
•  Strong interpersonal skills for building relationships with stakeholders, including civil society organizations, government officials, and community members.
• Cultural sensitivity and an understanding of local norms and customs, which are crucial for effective engagement in the field;
• Knowledge of security protocols;

Expression of Interest (EOI)

Interested consultants/firms should submit the following documents:

• Detailed CV of consultant/portfolio of consultancy firm with CVs;
• One technical proposal detailing the methodology of work as well as various stakeholders to engage with;
• Financial Proposal detailing all costs associated with the assignment;

• 2-3 samples of a previously developed toolkits or any other relevant resources/materials

Oxfam in Lebanon reserves the right to reject any and all bids, including the Bidding processes, or not to award the contract at any time, without thereby incurring and liability to the affected Bidders.

Please submit the full application documents to (as mentioned above) to [email protected] by no later than November 7^th,2023 mentioning “Contingency plan in response to a closing civic space” in the Subject Line.