Journey Mapping Consultant (open to National Consultants only)

Inclusive social protection systems are vital for people with disabilities, addressing their unique vulnerabilities affecting economic stability, well-being, and participation. Many countries have adopted policies and expanded programs, mainly cash transfers, with commitments to improve disability-related issues. Most nations ratified the CRPD, mandating progressive social protection systems, including disability-specific schemes, for Convention compliance. Policies for inclusion across sectors were also adopted. However, a lack of coordination, data, and evidence hampers comprehensive programs, denying many people with disabilities their entitled benefits and services.

In April 2023, the Ministry of Social Affairs launched the National Disability Allowance (NDA), in partnership with the ILO and UNICEF. While the NDA ultimately aims to encompass all individuals with disabilities, the initial phase gives precedence to individuals between the ages of 18 and 28 (born between 1995 and 2005) to support their transition into higher education or the job market. During the initial 12-month period, a minimum of 20,000 individuals will receive a monthly allowance of $40 USD each. This allowance is linked to the Personal Disability Card provided by MOSA's Rights and Access program. UNICEF and ILO have supplied operational and technical assistance to the program and its centers to facilitate the enrollment of eligible individuals in the NDA.

LUPD is seeking a Journey Mapping Consultant. The main purpose of his/her assignment is to map out the journeys of different NDA (National Disability Allowance ) recipients to understand their preferences and lived experiences in accessing the NDA and monitor levels of satisfaction in their interactions with NDA delivery mechanisms. The consultant will also identify priority actions for improvement. 

The consultant will be responsible for:

1. Conducting meetings with the relevant project partners to understand the assignment and the NDA program;
2. Designing and writing up the research methodology and tools;
3. Data collection:

• Conduct a desk review of project documents and/or meetings with project partners in order to map the National Disability Allowance process for nationals and non-nationals and present the process in a simplified manner;
• Attending interviews with at least 16 NDA recipients or their caregivers inside and outside Beirut, taking detailed notes, and assisting the interviewer as needed;
• Accompanying at least 4 recipients on part of their NDA journey and documenting the process through field notes (for example while renewing their card, or reclaiming the payment, or registering a complaint...)

1. Data Analysis:

• Analyzing the interviews and field notes and constructing key personas (categories of recipients with pertinent defined characteristics),
• Matching the interviews and field notes with the personas and ensuring that all pertinent findings can be reflected through at least one of the personas,
• Writing the findings in narrative form, telling the story of each persona on their NDA journey.

1. Recommendations

• Combining deep understanding of the recipient experience with the practicalities of the system,
• Define the ideal journey and comparing the current with an ideal’ experience to identify gaps exist between the two to suggest priority actions
• Identifying issues, opportunities and actions

Deliverables:

• Journey mapping methodology and research tools; 
• Mapping of the NDA process for nationals and non-nationals;
• Interview log: a table of the interviewee's characteristics (type of disability, nationality, gender, Personal Disability Card status at the start of the NDA (has valid PDC, has expired PDC, never applied for PDC), as well as proxy status (mandatory proxy, voluntary proxy, and no proxy);
• Interview notes;
• Description of proposed personas based on preliminary analysis;
• A final report which includes the methodology, mapping of the process for nationals and non-nationals, findings and recommendations on actions to be taken to improve the recipients’ experience.

Experience and Qualifications:

• An advanced degree in a field related to social sciences
• Proven expertise in conducting qualitative in-depth community interviews, qualitative data synthesis and analysis, and writing a research report
• Experience conducting monitoring and evaluation of social assistance is a plus
• Experience working on disability inclusion is a plus
• Proficient written and verbal communication skills in both English and Arabic.
• Demonstrated capacity to: manage multiple tasks efficiently even under tight schedules; possess excellent interpersonal skills.

Location:

Beirut, however some field work outside of Beirut will be necessary. No office space, equipment, or access to communication facilities will be provided.