1. Context
The Project
The Fostering Social Stability through Strategic Communications project brings into Consortium Search for Common Ground and Zinc Network (Zinc) as an associate member, two organizations with existing staff capacity in Lebanon and the MENA region, significant technical expertise in peacebuilding and communications and experience implementing programs to promote social stability. The 21-month project is working towards an overall impact of: reduced tensions at a local level amongst and between host communities and refugees in Lebanon.
The project aims to promote social stability amongst and between host communities and refugees in Lebanon and will be implemented over a period of 21 months. The main two objectives of the project are to increase collaboration and positive interaction through dialogue and joint activities between refugees and host communities and shift their public perceptions towards greater trust and respect in targeted communities across Lebanon.
Target groups
The project targeted a broad range of stakeholders including refugees, members of the host communities, municipalities, local influencers, bloggers, media influencers, Ministry of Interiors and Municipalities, Ministry of Social Affairs, Ministry of Information and finally the peace building community at large.
The Consortium selected and recruited 24 local Champions to facilitate dialogue sessions and activities at community level. The recruitment process targeted local influencers as well as representatives -to the extent possible- of the demographic and geographic set up of the Lebanese society and demonstrated key peacebuilding skills. Each group of Champions is based in a different municipality (four in each of the targeted localities of Beirut, Mount Lebanon, Tripoli, Akkar, Zahle, Baalbeck). The project also engaged 231 community members that are currently participating in dialogue sessions and initiatives at a community level.
2. Goal and Objectives of Study
Search is seeking a consultant who can conduct a nationwide Endline study of conflict and power dynamics to understand the level of perception of local host community members and syrian refugees at a local level as part of a project that aims to promote social cohesion. Following our 21-month program, we are primarily interested in the power dynamics amongst and between host communities and syrian refugees.
This endline study is expected to give specific focus on assessing the effectiveness of the local grassroots activities in local communities towards achieving the objectives and outcomes of the project. The grassroots activities conducted on a local level are composed of facilitation dialogue sessions conducted by champions (peacebuilding influencers) with community members and community initiatives funded to support collaboration. Findings will be used in an overall evaluation which will include the media and campaign component.
3. Key Questions of the Study
End-line Questions
The Endline study should support the team to answer key questions below. The study is expected to prioritize collecting feedback from direct and indirect beneficiaries from the respective community members (including the project’s champions) .
Relevance:
Effectiveness and Impact:
Efficiency and Value for Money:
Sustainability:
Cross Cutting Issues:
4. Geographic Locations
The baseline study targeted local community members and Syrian refugees in 6 targeted Governorates: Beirut, Mount Lebanon , Akkar , North , West and Central Bekaa , and Baalbek-El Hermel. However, the selection criteria of each champion (local peace builder) was to choose 4 champions per area in each of the 6 targeted Governorates. Data collection activities are expected to be conducted in these 6 targeted Governorates and in specific, in the following areas, where the champions are conducting the different project activities:
5. Methodology and Data Collection Tools
The Endline Study will utilise a mixed method approach consisting of both qualitative and quantitative primary and secondary data collections. The Endline study will be conducted to triangulate data from multiple sources and stakeholders in order to infer reliable findings.
Firstly, the consultant(s) will review key project documents including the proposal, MEL framework, logframe and set meetings with key personnel to better understand the project, its goal and activities. The consultant is expected to review the above background documentation as part of the desk review phase of the study
Secondly, the consultant will utilize primary available monitoring and evaluation data that was formerly collated by project staff including activity surveys and assessments, baseline data, project quarterly reports, etc. In addition, the consultant will rely heavily on the completed Baseline Study/Conflict Analysis to facilitate reliable judgments on what has changed.
Thirdly, the consultant will develop quantitative and qualitative data collection tools and collect data in the form of surveys, interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and possibly Case Studies using a solid sampling approach and participatory methods with project beneficiaries and other stakeholders. The consultant(s) shall additionally propose the team set up for data collection (if necessary).
The methodology and data collection tools need to be validated by Search’s MEAL Manager.
The consultant(s) is also required to develop a detailed evaluation matrix with judgment criteria that captures the study’s objectives and evaluation question of which will guide the evaluation process into reliable judgments and outcomes.
Data collection, analysis and the results should represent Inclusiveness—the methodology should include a wide range of viewpoints, specifically gender and age-sensitivity when applicable.
6. Deliverables
Search expects the following deliverables from the external consultant(s) as they correspond to the timeline and budget:
7. Logistical Support
The firm/consultant(s) will be responsible for organising their own logistics for data collection (vehicles, fuel, and drivers), and this must be budgeted into the financial proposal. Search can provide support in arranging logistics as agreed upon based on the consultant’s proposal.
In addition, Search and partners will share the following elements with the external consultant(s): Background materials including the project proposal and logframe, etc.
8. Ethical Considerations
The consultancy should take consideration of the rights of participants in line with the ethical codes and guidelines of research. The participant should be asked to provide their consent and made aware that their identities would not be revealed. Cultural rights will be respected; minors below 18 years of age would not be assessed while collected data would be protected for confidentiality all through the data management process.
The firm/consultants are required to respect the following ethical principles:
The assignment should take into account precautionary measures to avoid covid-realted complications during data collection. These measures should ensure social distancing and remote interactions where possible. Therefore, applicants are kindly required to integrate a detailed multiple scenario strategy in their proposed methodologies and work plans that would ensure efficacy in the delivery of the assignment and allow for flexibility to switch between different modalities (i.e., to virtual data collection and vice-versa) whenever there is a need to do so.
9. Data Quality Assurance and Management
All deliverables will be reviewed and approved by the country office and global Institutional Learning Team prior to acceptance of the final product. The consultant(s) are also required to develop a clear and rigorous quality control plan during the inception phase of which will be implemented and deployed throughout all phases of the evaluation process to ensure reliability and validity of findings.
8. Timeline
The evaluation timeline is expected to be kicked off Mid January and concluded in March 2021 by submitting the final deliverables requested above.
9. Budget
The total budget available for this study is 20,000 USD. A detailed budget should be provided, including daily rates for personnel, and costs related to data collection (per total number of people sampled, sites for collection, etc.), analysis, and production of deliverables
10. Requirements of Consultant
Education:
Lead consultants must have at least a Master’s degree (PhD preferable) in research methods and/or evaluations, development, conflict or peacebuilding, M&E or any related social sciences;
Skills and experience:
The following skills and experience are expected by Search for our evaluator for this project:
11. Selection Criteria
Consultant proposals will be selected for:
To apply, interested candidates (individuals or teams) are requested to submit the following documents to:
https://jobs.lever.co/sfcg/057d1202-dd33-43f4-b669-cdeb0f3d24c7 [1]
روابط
[1] https://jobs.lever.co/sfcg/057d1202-dd33-43f4-b669-cdeb0f3d24c7