Economic Expert Consulting

In the framework of NAHNOO’s work on preserving cultural heritage, the NGO is seeking to commission an Economic research to study the economic value of the craft-based industry/business chain in Lebanon’s local economy. 

Because of the vulnerable socioeconomic status of handicraft workers, craftsmanship faces serious challenges that are leading to the extinction of some crafts. Furthermore, Lebanon heavily relies on importing foreign products, which drastically affects our local economy and consequently the local handicrafts sector and the value of craftsmanship.

NAHNOO previously conducted several social studies to promote cultural heritage across Lebanon, especially in the case of craftsmanship in Lebanon (such as in Bourj Hammoud). The research allowed us to have an overview of the marginalized situation of craftsmen. It revealed the handicrafts sector is marginalized due to governance issues and inefficient administrative structures. First, there is no legal definition for handicrafts workers in Lebanese law, which limits their access to social security. Second, there is a clear confusion as to which administrative body is responsible for handling and managing handicraft workers’ affairs; a missed network of actors stuck between the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Ministry of Industry. Additionally, the Syndicate of Lebanese Craftsmen is not very efficient in advocating for and/or protecting their rights, as they lack a general development strategy. Third, handicrafts workers face economic challenges from trade agreements, unable to compete with imports or export their goods abroad. Through this research we were able to start formulating potential solutions to lift the handicraft workers from their current settings such as recommendations for change in policy-making and control over imported goods with better trade agreements.

Today, and especially with the current economic crisis Lebanon is experiencing, NAHNOO plans to expand our research on the topic and tackle the economic perspective. An improved crafts sector improves workers’ livelihoods; the economy (trade, tourism industry); and encourages community and civic engagement with cultural heritage.

Specifically, the aim of this study is to articulate the economic value of craftsmanship both in the current context of the local & national economy and demonstrating the benefit of improved policies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Propose theoretical framework of analysis
• Propose study methodology and analysis grid
• Design questionnaire and the data collection methodology
• Collect qualitative data
• Collect quantitative data
• Analyze the gathered data
• Submit the edited research report

Duration and Deliverables:

It is expected that the assignment will take place starting April until September.

 Tentative schedule:

1. Research methodology and questionnaire: End of June

2. Data collection: End of July

3. Research report: End of September

Qualifications of Applicants:

• Must have a Master’s or Ph.D. degree (or a Bachelor's degree with over 7 years of experience) in a relevant area. 
• Strong knowledge of the Lebanese context, especially the political and economic context and issues related to cultural heritage and craftsmanship in Lebanon.
• Must demonstrate a track record of working on analysis of economic policies
• Strong statistical and analytical skills
• Must be fluent in written and spoken Arabic and English