Researcher for RDFL’s Advocacy Project on Inclusive Protection Mechanisms

1. Background

RDFL is part of a consortium working on an RDPP-funded, advocacy project aimed at enhancing protection mechanisms for women and girls in Lebanon. Our specific research will focus on the exciting reporting mechanism, contributing to a broader understanding and improvement of the protection systems in place.

2. Purpose of the Research

The purpose of this research is to develop a comprehensive paper that examines the current practice on the existing reporting mechanisms for violence against women and girls in Lebanon. The research should identify current gaps, strengths, and opportunities within the protection mechanisms and propose actionable recommendations to improve accessibility, inclusivity, and justice within the context of Beirut and Mount Lebanon (Zouk Mikael and Zouk Mosbeh)

3. Scope of Work

The researcher will be responsible for:

• Conducting a thorough literature review relevant to Beirut and Mount Lebanon (Zouk Mikael and Zouk Mosbeh)
• Supporting in the implementation of data collection (e.g., surveys, FGDs, KIIs) to gather qualitative and/or quantitative data.
• Analyzing the data to identify gaps and strengths in the current systems.
• Writing a detailed research paper that follows the agreed-upon structure, including recommendations for policy and practice improvements.
• Collaborating with RDFL to ensure the research aligns with our specific advocacy goals.
• Presenting the findings and incorporating feedback.

4. Key Research Questions

The research will be guided by the following research question: what are the existing reporting mechanisms for violence against women and girls in Lebanon and how to identify major gaps and disadvantages that would help RDFL with the partners to produce a unified reporting mechanism to overcome the current gaps in the reporting system.

The research should also answer the following sub-questions:

Local Level: targeting the communities of Beirut and Zouk Area as well as local authorities and influencers / community leaders.

• Identify the predominant perception on Gender Equality in Beirut and Zouk Area from the perspectives of the community and of local authorities or influencers.
• Identify the current gaps and challenges in the current reporting mechanism(s) in Beirut and Zouk Area
• Analysis of the social tissue in Beirut and Zouk Area
• Identify barriers that hinder survivors in Beirut and Zouk Area area from reporting incidents of violence to the law enforcement agencies such as fear of retaliation, lack of trust in law enforcement agencies, or social stigma associated with reporting such crimes.
• Level of awareness of existing reporting mechanisms for violence against women and girls in the ISF and municipalities among women and girls in the targeted regions.
• Another gap to explore is the level of awareness within the local community regarding violence against women and girls. Understanding community perceptions, attitudes, and knowledge about these issues is crucial for designing an effective advocacy campaign.

National level:

• Collecting perceptions, problems and applicable solutions to identify best practices/mechanisms employed by ISF and Municipalities in addressing violence against women in the targeted regions.
• Judicial interventions that are available and have occurred.
• What is happening to perpetrators?
• Current procedures / policies used by local authorities for protection and GBV Complaints (where are the gaps?)
• Gaps in current communication channels between municipal police and ISF services as a major barrier to effective response in cases of VAWG incidents.
• How many women and girls reported violence to the municipality or ISF during the past 2 years?
• What reporting mechanism is suggested by the targeted municipalities and head of the ISF in the targeted regions?
• Reasons for the lack of effective coordination between municipality police and ISF in handling cases of violence against women and girls. This includes issues related to information sharing, joint protocols, and collaboration mechanisms.
• The required resources to address and respond to gender-based violence within both law enforcement agencies. Identifying resource gaps can help in advocating for increased funding and support for initiatives aimed at combating violence against women and girls.
• What other articles in the Law grant authority to municipality police in addressing VAW incidents and why the article 74 in the municipal law is not implemented in the current context
• Recommendations on changes to be made, other than amending the law, that could support the functionality of the reporting mechanism and its application.

5. Methodology

The researcher is expected to:

• Review existing literature and relevant policy documents related to Beirut and Zouk Area
• Design a research methodology that includes qualitative and/or quantitative data collection methods.
• Support the team in conducting interviews, focus groups, or surveys with relevant stakeholders (e.g., local authorities, influencers, community-based organizations, survivors etc.).
• Analyze the data using appropriate methods.
• Ensure that the research is ethical and respects the confidentiality of participants.

6. Deliverables

• Inception Report: Outlining the research design, methodology, and timeline.
• Literature Review: A comprehensive review of existing protection mechanisms and relevant socio-cultural and legislative contexts specific to Beirut and Zouk Area
• Draft Research Paper: Initial draft of the paper for review and feedback.
• Final Research Paper: A final version of the paper, incorporating all feedback.
• A translated version of the paper in Arabic.
• Presentation: A summary of the research findings.

7. Timeline

The research is expected to end by December 20^th, 2024. Below is a proposed timeline:

• Literature Review: 22 October
• Inception Report: 31 October
• Data Collection: 15 October  
• Draft Research Paper:  22 November
• Final Research Paper: 9 December
• Presentation: 16 December

8. Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate should have:

• PhD or a master’s degree in social sciences, gender studies, public policy, or a related field.
• Proven experience in conducting research on gender, disability, refugee issues, or related topics in the Middle East, preferably in Lebanon.
• Strong understanding of the Lebanese context, social, regulations, systems and structures.
• Strong understanding of socio-cultural, legislative, and institutional barriers in the context of Beirut and Zouk Area is an added value.
• Excellent analytical, written and communication skills both in Arabic and English.
• At least five years of experience as a researcher or study leader.
• Proficiency in research design, research report writing, and source analysis
• Flexibility and adaptability to work as a team with other consultants

9. Budget

The assignment will be implemented over a period of 70 days starting from the signing of the contracts. Contractual/professional fees will be made upon submission of deliverables as per the following millstones, and approval.

With a total amount of 3500 $ including the taxes.

Payment tranche:      Deliverable:                                            Deadline:                            %:

1st tranche                Upon submission and approval             End of October, 2024         20%

                                  of Inception Report with detailed

                                  methodology and work plan 

2nd tranche              Upon approval on the delivered             November 22, 2024           40%

                                  draft research

                                  document on knowledge management 

                                  system

3rd tranche              Upon submission of final report in both     December 9, 2024         40%

                                  Arabic and English languages