Research Consultant

Terms Of Reference

Research Consultant

 Strengthening Policy Responses to Crises Affecting the LGBTQI Community in Lebanon

1. Background

In 2020, the Beirut Port Blast, compounded by the economic crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, precipitated a multifaceted emergency in Lebanon. The "Community in Crisis: Trauma, Inequality & Vulnerability" research, undertaken by Oxfam in Lebanon (OIL), initially sought to understand the impacts of these sequential crises on queer individuals. It identified a worsening situation characterized by a housing crisis, reliance on humanitarian assistance, and deteriorating mental health conditions among the LGBTQI community.

Subsequent developments have revealed a further deterioration, highlighted by worsening economic conditions and a homophobic campaign led by the government and traditional media during the summer of 2023. This campaign has exacerbated violence, discrimination, and the marginalization of queer individuals, alongside a notable decline in international funding and a lack of inclusive humanitarian assistance. Despite previous research and interventions, the queer community continues to face unprecedented challenges, with the full extent of recent adversities yet to be fully understood.

This policy-oriented research aims to provide a comprehensive and updated assessment of the current challenges, needs, and priorities facing LGBTQ individuals in Lebanon. Specifically, it seeks to:

• Quantify the deterioration of the situation for the LGBTQI community since the last assessment.
• Analyse the impact of governmental homophobic campaigns on the community's willingness to engage in public advocacy and the consequent effects on their social inclusion and mental health.
• Assess the most impacted group within the queer community by the current circumstances.
• Evaluate the inclusivity and effectiveness of current humanitarian responses and policies in addressing the specific needs of individuals with diverse SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics) in crisis settings.[HB1] 

Research Questions:

• How has the situation for LGBTQI individuals in Lebanon changed since the initial assessment in 2021?
• What has been the impact of recent homophobic campaigns on the queer community's public engagement, advocacy efforts, overall well-being and access to services[HB2] ?
• In what ways have humanitarian assistance and relief programs failed to inclusively address the needs of the LGBTQI community, and what factors contribute to this exclusion?
• What policy changes or improvements are necessary to ensure that humanitarian responses better serve individuals with diverse SOGIESC in Lebanon?

This research is critical for informing policy and operational adjustments within the humanitarian sector. By identifying gaps and generating concrete recommendations, the aim is to foster a more inclusive and responsive approach to crisis management that upholds the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their SOGIESC. The findings will be instrumental in guiding future efforts to mitigate the compounded crises affecting queer individuals in Lebanon and ensuring that no one is left behind in humanitarian interventions.

1. Objectives of the consultancy

OIL is seeking a qualified research consultant to conduct this research study. The consultant is expected to:

• Conduct a literature review to update the context and background of the crises affecting the LGBTQI community in Lebanon.

• Design and implement a mixed-methods research approach, including both quantitative and qualitative data collection (including surveys, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with both Queer individuals and organizations), to assess the current situation of LGBTQI individuals.[HB3] 

• Analyze the impact of recent homophobic campaigns on the community’s public engagement, advocacy efforts, access to services and overall well-being.
• Evaluate the effectiveness and inclusivity of current humanitarian responses and policies towards individuals with diverse SOGIESC.
• Develop policy recommendations based on the findings to improve the inclusiveness and effectiveness of humanitarian interventions.

1. Expected Deliverables

Based on the above expectations the consultant is expected to provide the following deliverables:

• A detailed research methodology document including data collection tools.

• A comprehensive final report that includes the research findings, analysis, and policy recommendations. The number of revisions depends on the quality of the submitted report.
• A presentation summarizing the key findings and recommendations for OIL and relevant stakeholders.
• Any raw data collected during the research process, alongside appropriate documentation to ensure its usability for future analyses.

1. Collaboration and Communication

The consultant will maintain regular communication with the OIL team, with scheduled meetings to discuss progress, share insights, and refine the analysis. This will include kickoff meetings, mid-project check-ins, and final review sessions to ensure alignment and integration of the OIL team's insights throughout the research process.

The consultant will also work closely with the OIL team throughout the data analysis phase. This collaboration will ensure that the insights and interpretations reflect the deep contextual understanding of the OIL team and align with the overarching objectives of the study. The consultant and the OIL team will jointly develop the analysis framework, review preliminary findings, and interpret the data to ensure that the final recommendations are robust and actionable.

1. Workplan

Activity

Expected number of days

Deadline

Development and validation of data collection tools

5

Data collection and cleaning

10

Report drafting

8

Report finalization

4

TOTAL NUMBER OF DAYS

1. Consultant Qualifications

The consultancy should be led by a person (or persons) with:

• Prior experience working on research specific to LGBTQ issues, humanitarian crises, or related topics;
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in conducting quantitative and qualitative research;
• Excellent communications skills in English, including advanced writing skills;
• Strong communication skills in Arabic are preferred;
• Familiarity with the socio-political context of Lebanon and the challenges facing LGBTQI communities in crisis settings.
• Flexibility to provide support;
• Availability to start immediately

1. Payment Details

Payment details will be agreed upon during the contract negotiation stage.

Note that payment will be made based on the budget in the offer (not based on actual expenses incurred by the consultant). No receipts will be requested from the consultant towards the end of the contract. 

1. Codes of Behavior

The process will be directed by Oxfam’s guidelines for the ethical conduct of evaluations and research, guiding the consultant(s) through careful consideration of the key ethical implications at every stage of the harvest. These guidelines are available at this link: http://policy-practice.oxfam.org.uk/publications/undertaking-research-with-ethics-253032 

1. Scoring Criteria

Bids from interested consultants will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Technical:
   1. Meeting Required Specifications
   2. Value for money
   3. Reliability of supply
   4. Availability and delivery
   5. Supplier Performance
2. Financial offer

1. Expression of Interest (EoI)

Oxfam invites EOI from individuals, with the experience and skills described above. The EOI must include:

1. CV of the consultant(s).
2. A maximum 2-page document outlining similar previous consultancies (along with an explanation of the purpose of the consultancy, who the contracting authority was)
3. Up to 2 extracts of previous reports done in the same area as the subject of this consultancy. Oxfam will use the reports/parts of reports provided for no purpose other than to assess the qualifications of the applying consultant(s).
4. A short document detailing the proposed methodology and expected timeline to implement the scoped work.
5. A one-page budget of the offer, covering all major anticipated costs (see section above on what costs should be included in the offer).

Please submit the EOI and other documents by April 15^th, 2024 at the latest, to  [email protected] with “Research Consultant” in the subject line.

All questions or clarifications of a technical nature are to be sent to [email protected]