Research Consultant for Monitoring IDP Rights and IHL

Background for the Consultancy 
ALEF is looking for a consultant to contribute to evidence-based decisions by leading the consolidation, validation, and triangulation of data; and by flagging key developments. The Research Consultant will coordinate with ALEF’s HRVMU on data-collection, verification, and triangulation processes to validate data sources through ALEF’s open-source monitoring platform. They will also serve as a key resource person, leveraging their strong personal connections to affected areas and warring parties in Lebanon in order to gather reliable real-time, verified information from the ground. Based on the verified data, they will also analyze and flag key developments for ALEF's Programs Manager to inform evidence-based advocacy actions.
This consultancy will be contracted and undertaken under the supervision of ALEF – act for human rights. 

Scope of Work
The consultant will be responsible for the following:
•    Data Consolidation and Validation:
o    Provide up-to-date, on-the-ground insights into the conflict and violations of IHL and IDP rights.
o    Establish and maintain strong contacts with individuals in affected areas and warring parties, gathering direct, verified information from the ground.
o    Relay to ALEF critical information related to human rights violations, conflict developments, and displacement trends.
o    Validate and triangulate the data with field networks to ensure accuracy and reliability.
o    Collaborate with the HRVMU Desk Analysts to maintain data collection integrity.
•    Data Analysis and Reporting:
o    Analyze verified data for one day per week to identify patterns, trends, and key developments.
o    Prepare concise, weekly internal briefs summarizing key findings and developments and flagging critical issues to the Programs Manager for further action, ensuring that analysis informs ALEF’s advocacy strategies.
o    Prepare comprehensive, monthly analytical briefs summarizing key trends and patterns.
•    Coordination and Collaboration:
o    Work closely with ALEF’s HRVMU team, including the Desk Analysts and Programs Manager, to ensure a coherent and effective approach to monitoring violations.
o    Maintain regular communication with field networks to gather and cross-check information.

Consultancy Period
The work is expected to start once the contract is signed by the consultant, planned for the soonest possible in October 2024, and end after at least 24 working days (or a minimum of 168 working hours).
A more detailed timeline will be agreed upon with the consultant.

Deliverables 
•    Weekly Internal Briefs: Provide weekly summaries of key findings and developments based on verified data, with an emphasis on significant violations, a change in pattern, or critical issues for further action.
•    Monthly Analytical Briefs: Provide monthly summaries of key patterns based on weekly briefs, with an emphasis on trends in IHL violations and the protection of IDP rights.
•    Verified and Triangulated Data: Ensure that all data submitted to ALEF is verified and triangulated with reliable sources, with discrepancies addressed in real-time.
•    Key Informant Reports: Submit ad-hoc reports when significant developments occur on the ground, providing key insights from well-placed contacts in the field.

Qualifications
•    Advanced university degree in human rights or, Political Science, International Relations, Law, International Law, and/or related field experience;
•    Minimum of five years’ experience in research and data analysis related to conflict, human rights, or IHL;
•    Extensive networks and contacts within conflict-affected areas and with warring parties inside Lebanon.
•    Proven ability to monitor IHL violations and/or IDP rights in conflict settings;
•    Strong knowledge of Lebanon's political and security landscape, particularly in relation to the ongoing conflict;
•    Strong analytical and reporting skills, with a demonstrated ability to provide clear, evidence-based insights;
•    Ability to work independently with minimal supervision;
•    Excellent organizational skills, with attention to detail and data accuracy;
•    Fluency in Arabic and English; and
•    Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage effectively with various stakeholders.