Advocacy Consultant

About NAHNOO
NAHNOO is a registered Lebanese Non-Governmental & Non-Profit Organization. NAHNOO has been working since 2009 as a research, capacity-building and advocacy platform for participatory policymaking, towards an inclusive society in Lebanon. The NGO rallies volunteers across Lebanon and through multidisciplinary and participatory research, capacity-building workshops, and grassroots activities, we provide a platform for youth and professionals to lead the planning and implementation of advocacy campaigns and gain the skills needed to impact policy-making at the local and national levels. 
Further info: www.nahnoo.org + Facebook NAHNOO

Objective/purpose of consultancy:

To develop with NAHNOO a leadership advocacy toolkit (English/Arabic) tailored to Lebanon's context with special focus on targeted communities (Saida & Tripoli youth) and train youth participants about it. The toolkit will cover topics such as, but not limited to, civic engagement, leadership, Peace building, conflict sensitivity, negotiation, innovation, RNA, and climate change…

Project Background

The current situation in Lebanon is characterized by a severe economic crisis that has had wide-ranging impacts on the country and its people. The economic downturn has led to high levels of inflation, increased poverty rates, and soaring unemployment rates. The economic crisis has had a significant impact on the labor market in Lebanon, with many businesses closing down and workers losing their jobs. The unemployment rate in Lebanon has reached unprecedented levels, with the World Bank reporting an unemployment rate of 35% in 2021. In addition to the poverty rate which has been rising steadily, the United Nations estimates that over 78% of the population is currently living below the poverty line. The youth situation in Lebanon remains challenging, with high unemployment rates and limited opportunities for education and employment. Many young people have been forced to leave the country in search of better opportunities, leading to a brain drain and a loss of talent.

Moreover, Ein El Hilweh, the largest Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon, recently faced deadly clashes between rival groups, which started since Saturday 29th July 2023, killing more than 12 individuals, and injuring more than 60 as more than half of the camp residents fled their homes, according to internal security sources cited in the August 2023 ICRC report. This escalation has further elevated the demand for comprehensive humanitarian aid. 
Empowering young individuals through vocational training, well-being support, and leadership development not only equips them with the necessary skills but also reinforces their employment prospects. By addressing the pressing issues of unemployment and limited opportunities, such a program can foster social stability, helping to alleviate tensions exacerbated by resource scarcity. Ultimately, investing in youth empowerment translates to a pathway towards positive change, fostering resilience and inclusivity in Lebanon's complex socio-economic situation. 

Objectives of the project:
1.    120 Youth have skills and education to pursue productive futures in Saida and Tripoli.
2.    Improve the psychosocial well-being of 150 youth (12-22 years) in Saida and Tripoli.
3.    Strengthen the local communities' capacities and foster positive youth leadership roles in society using youth participatory approach.
4.    Promoting the sustainability of actions.

Scope of work, key responsibilities & deliverable

Produce a youth leadership advocacy toolkit (about 15 pages) adapted to the context of Lebanon’s unique socio-political milieu, with an accentuated focus on the communities under the project's purview. The toolkit will include topics related for example to civic engagement, leadership, advocacy, social stability and more, to be decided with NAHNOO. This toolkit will encompass modules on civic participation, leadership dynamics, and strategies to incite positive societal transformations.
 
The toolkit will be focusing on engaging directly with community members, especially the youth. This will offer firsthand insights into their challenges, aspirations, and perspectives. Such engagements will shape the toolkit's content, making it more relatable and effective.

By leveraging this meticulously crafted toolkit, young individuals will be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and strategies required becoming effective leaders and advocates, championing positive change in their communities.
 
A suggested content framework could be including, but not limited to, the following:
 
•       Civic Participation: Educating youth on their civic rights, the importance of active community involvement, and methods to engage constructively with local governance structures.
•       Leadership Dynamics: Imparting skills related to effective leadership such as decision-making, communication, team dynamics, and ethical considerations.
•       Strategies for Societal Change: Providing actionable strategies that youth can deploy to instigate positive transformations in society. This will include case studies, best practices, and step-by-step guides on topics such as non-violent protests, awareness campaigns, and community mobilization.
•       Interactive Elements: To enhance engagement, the toolkit will be infused with interactive elements such as quizzes, case studies, role-play scenarios, and multimedia links. This will ensure the learning process is dynamic and retains the interest of its users.
•       Feedback and Iteration: Once the initial version of the toolkit is developed, it will be pilot-tested with a select group of youth. Their feedback will be crucial in refining the content, ensuring it aligns perfectly with the needs and preferences of its primary audience.
•       Finalization and Distribution: Post refinement, the toolkit will be finalized and made available in both digital and print formats, ensuring widespread accessibility and engagement.
•    Presentation: This toolkit will be shared with groups of youth aged between 17 and 25 years old from both regions (Ain El Helwe-South Lebanon and Nahr El Bared-North Lebanon). Consultant will deliver 3 days of training applied to the toolkit once a year for three years.

Main tasks:
1.    Toolkit Preparation: 
In preparation to the toolkit's creation,
a. Studying and discussing NAHNOO’s advocacy model as a basis for the toolkit
b. A brief analysis of Lebanon's socio-political landscape will be undertaken incorporating studies on regional variances, cultural nuances, significant events, and current political dynamics to ensure the toolkit's content resonates with local realities.

2. Toolkit Development:
This phase will happen in collaboration with NAHNOO. Workplan, timeline will be agreed upon with the consultant at agreement. 
Content will be decided together with NAHNOO therefore Consultant is expected to hold several brainstorming meetings with NAHNOO.

3. Toolkit Presentation (Training Workshops):
Youth will be trained on this toolkit, empowering them to lead participatory assessments, data collection, proposal writing, community campaigns, and more.

Deliverables
-    Work plan & toolkit content
-    First draft of toolkit
-    Second draft of toolkit integrating NAHNOO feedback
-    Final draft of toolkit integrating feedback from pilot-testing with a select group of youth
-    Total 9 days of training days conducted.
-    Pre & post-test questionnaire along with training performance report.

Qualifications/level requirements

Applicants with the following experience are welcome to apply:
-    Minimum MA in Public Policy/Administration, International Affairs, Public Health, Economy, Urban Planning and any other similar topic related to public policies.
-    At least 4 years of documented professional experience in working in relevant fields of Strategic Advocacy, using participatory approaches. 
-    Proven familiarity with Lebanese financial context with a good understanding of role of civil society and youth engagement
-    Previous experience working with local, national &/or international NGOs
-    Strong analytical and conceptual thinking skills; able to understand complex issues, present them in an easily understandable way and translate them into simple, workable actions and plans;
-    Adaptability and flexibility in working within complex and dynamic environment.
-    Ability to deliver high quality results in a timely manner.
-    Fluency in Arabic & English (written and spoken) is a must
-    Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

Selection criteria: 

The consultant will be selected based on competitiveness and quality of the technical proposal (C.V & quotation). They will be paid upon successful completion and submission of the advocacy toolkit based on an agreed upon schedule.