Consultant for Developing Country Strategy

Background information on War Child

Around the world, hundreds of millions of children are living with the effects of war and conflict. Separated from their homes, schools and loved ones, many are overwhelmed by manifestations of distress. We may never be able to take away all the pain that comes with war. But we can create space where children can heal. Through our creative and evidence-based approach, we work exclusively to enhance the innate resilience of children and their communities. We are a rights-based organization which means we also advocate with and on behalf of children to ensure their fundamental rights are upheld. Children’s right to learn; to food, water, a safe place to rest their head at night, are all inextricably linked to their right to mental health. We remind governments and other influential actors of the scope of their commitments.

War Child in Lebanon is active across all governates. We are currently in more than 40 locations including the most vulnerable areas of the country. We partner with local NGOs and grassroots organizations to co-create our projects and strengthen their capacity. Our goal is to reach as many children as possible through our programming.

With offices in Beirut and Tripoli, War Child has been working in Lebanon since 2007 and has a long-established partnership with other international NGOs, Lebanese NGOs, CBOs, and communities in the country. Through the community-based approach embedded in all of its programming, it has been able to effectively access vulnerable hard-to-reach populations, both refugee and Lebanese and foster existing local initiatives, in line with the commitment to strengthen local capacity. Since 2013, War Child has worked with a number of partners, including the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE), Ministry of Social Affairs (MOSA), UNICEF, UNESCO, ECHO, OCHA, the EU and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Our national partners include, AND, LOST, Al Ribat, Nabad etc. War Child Lebanon work revolves around contributing to the wellbeing of the children, caregivers and communities, provide quality education for out of school children, support to children at risk of drop out, developing the capacity of teachers and identify, refer and integrate out of school children into the formal education system. All this is done under a Child Protection umbrella.

Rationale and Purpose of the Consultancy

On 1st January 2024 War Child has launched a global alliance - a vibrant network of like-minded organizations formed for mutual benefit in pursuit of our shared goal to make a positive impact in the lives of children affected by conflict.

Initial members of the War Child Alliance will include War Child UK, War Child Netherlands, War Child Sweden, War Child Germany and Children in Conflict, our US counterpart, as well as WC program offices in 13 conflict-affected countries worldwide. These country offices are:

Afghanistan, Burundi, Central African Republic, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, occupied Palestinian territory, South Sudan, Syria, Uganda, Ukraine and Yemen. The Alliance embraces the principles of equity, inclusion, shared resources and placing key decision-making in the hands of those doing the work. The Alliance acts as the catalyst for scaling our evidence-based approaches - all with the aim of reaching many more children affected by armed conflict around the globe.

War Child Alliance Global Strategy for 10 years has been drafted. Our Strategy is a product of the numerous and valuable contributions from many internal and external stakeholders and we are in the process of drafting WC Lebanon Country Strategy.

We are therefore, seeking a qualified and eligible consultant to facilitate the development of a comprehensive country strategy for Lebanon 2025-2029 to address its strategic priorities and support sustainable development goals. This strategy will guide future actions, align with national priorities, and leverage opportunities for growth and development. The organization requires expert consultant to support the drafting process, ensuring the strategy is well-informed, practical, and aligned with stakeholder needs and War Child Alliance Global Strategy.

Objectives of the Consultancy

• Primary Objective: To support the development of a comprehensive and actionable country strategy for WCA in Lebanon.
• Specific Objectives:
  • Conduct in-depth research and analysis on the current strategic landscape of Lebanon.
  • Engage with key stakeholders to gather insights and build consensus.
  • Develop strategic priorities, goals, and action plans based on research and stakeholder input.
  • Prepare a detailed draft of the country strategy and revise it based on feedback.

Scope of Work

• Research and Analysis:
  • Conduct a situational analysis of Lebanon, including political, economic, social, and environmental factors.
  • Identify key challenges, opportunities, and trends affecting the country.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Develop a stakeholder Analysis.
  • Organize and facilitate consultations, workshops, and interviews with relevant stakeholders.
  • Synthesize stakeholder feedback and integrate it into the strategy development process.
• Strategy Development:
  • Draft the country strategy, including Theory of Change, vision, mission, strategic goals, objectives, and action plans.

• • Ensure alignment with national priorities, development goals, international standards and WCA Global strategy.
  • Review and refine the draft strategy based on stakeholder feedback and additional insights.
• Reporting:
  • Prepare an inception report outlining the consultant’s understanding of the task, methodology, and work plan.
  • Develop a draft strategy report and present it to WC team
  • Finalize the country strategy document and prepare a summary presentation for key stakeholders.

Deliverables

1. Inception Report: Outlining the approach, methodology, and work plan: By September 15^th 
2. Draft Country Strategy: A comprehensive draft document for review: By October 31^st 
3. Final Country Strategy: A revised and finalized strategy document: By November 30^th
4. Presentation: A presentation summarizing key findings and recommendations: to be delivered upon submission of the final strategy.
5. Progress Reports: Regular updates on progress, including any issues or risks: on a bi-weekly basis

Methodology

• Approach: The consultant will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis.
• Data Collection: Methods will include literature reviews, surveys, interviews, and focus groups.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Active engagement through meetings, workshops, and consultations to ensure inclusive and participatory strategy development.

Timeline

• Project Duration: 3 months-from September till November 2024
• Key Milestones:
  • Inception Report Submission: 15 September 2024
  • Draft Strategy Submission: 31 October 2024
  • Final Strategy Submission: 30 November 2024
  • Presentation to Stakeholders: during the second of December
• Review Periods: TBC with the consultant

Team and Responsibilities  (TBC with the consultant)

• Consultant’s Role: Responsible for research, drafting the strategy, stakeholder engagement, and finalizing the document.
• WC Role: Provide access to relevant information, coordinate stakeholder engagement (interviews, FGs…) and review deliverables.
• Support: WC will provide logistical support and facilitate meetings with all stakeholders.

Evaluation Criteria

• Success Metrics:
  • Quality and comprehensiveness of the strategy.
  • Stakeholder satisfaction and engagement.
  • Alignment with national priorities and development goals.
• Review Process: WC will review deliverables and provide feedback at each stage of the process.

Budget and Payment Terms

• Payment Terms: Payments will be made according to the following schedule:
  • Upon submission of the Inception Report:
  • Upon submission of the Draft Strategy:
  • Upon submission of the Final Strategy:

Evaluation:

• Quotations will be evaluated on the following basis:
• Compliance and understanding of the terms and conditions in this Terms of Reference.
• Price and value for money Time effectiveness, in term of the time taken to mobilize, produce the Country Strategy.