Real Time Review Consultant

 

Project details

Joint Response (JR) name

Lebanon DRA Joint Response 2024

Country and locations

Lebanon: all governates

Lead organisation

War Child

JR partners

CARE, Oxfam Novib, Plan International, Stichting Vluchteling (SV), World Vision (WV), AAO, Amel Association, Basmeh & Zeitooneh, DPNA, HMC, Lebanese Organization for Studies & Training (LOST), Nabaa, Nusaned, Rassemblement Democratique Femmes Libanaises (RDFL), SHIFT Social Innovation Hub

Total budget

 € 3.935.845  

JR timeframe

Start date of the JR is 17 October 2024, with a duration of 6 months up to and including 16 April 2025

 

1. Background

The Joint Response (JR) aims to support vulnerable populations in Lebanon through a coordinated humanitarian effort, focused on addressing the immediate needs of those impacted by conflict and instability. The response will include multisectoral interventions, leveraging the strengths and expertise of consortium members in areas such as child protection, education, food security, and health services. The JR also prioritizes the inclusion of marginalized groups, with a focus on children, women, and other vulnerable community members. The project will run from 7/10/2024 until 16/04/2025, aligning with the acute crisis response model, and will be implemented in collaboration with War Child’s local partners and stakeholders to ensure timely and effective delivery of assistance.

 

Description of the DRA

The Dutch Relief Alliance (DRA) is a coalition of 14 Dutch aid organizations working in partnership with the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA). The DRA structure enables participating NGOs to respond to major international crises in a timely and effective manner. The alliance operates through two types of Joint Responses (JRs): Acute JRs addressing immediate humanitarian needs in rapidly evolving crises; and protracted JRs providing sustained support for longer-term, complex emergencies.

The focus of this RtR is on Acute JR to provide rapid and effective humanitarian relief in response to unfolding crises. The partners of the Joint Response in Lebanon include a broad network of international and local organizations: CARE, Oxfam Novib, Plan International, Stichting Vluchteling (SV), World Vision (WV), AAO, Amel Association, Basmeh & Zeitooneh, DPNA, HMC, Lebanese Organization for Studies & Training (LOST), Nabaa, Nusaned, Rassemblement Démocratique des Femmes Libanaises (RDFL), and SHIFT Social Innovation Hub. This partnership consists of six international NGOs (INGOs) and ten local partners, each contributing their expertise and resources to address critical needs across Lebanon.

The activities of the Joint Response (JR) will be implemented in key areas of Lebanon, including Akkar, Aley, Baalbek-Hermel, Beirut, Chouf, Mount Lebanon, and Saida. The response will cover six primary sectors:

• Protection/Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)
• Health
• Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL)
• Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)
• Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPC)
• Shelter and Non-Food Items (NFI)

These sectors will address the immediate needs of vulnerable populations and contribute to long-term resilience-building across the targeted regions.

Purpose of the RTR

The DRA defines a Real-Time Review (RTR) as:

"A rapid and interactive review conducted during the implementation of a Joint Response, comprising interactive learning sessions with response teams based on information collected from key stakeholders, including affected people, local authorities, and implementing organizations."

The purpose of this RTR is to review the organisations' response and operations since 7 October 2024, and  reflect on the actions taken in the immediate days, weeks and months of the response, in particular What we have done and Where we are now, to generate lessons learned that can inform what plans should be in place to move forward. The RTR also aims to identify the needs, gaps and challenges to ensure course correction, so it is not a fault-identifying assignment and to help identify relevant lessons learned that can be utilised and incorporated into the next phase of the response plan.

Specifics of the RTR

The Lebanon DRA JR runs from 17/10/2024 until 16/04/2025, the RTR will take place in February 2025. The DRA is looking for an external consultant who can lead this process.

1. Objective of the RTR

• To identify emerging challenges

• To timely Assess the Effectiveness
• To ensure Accountability and Transparency, while engaging stakeholders
• To focus on Learning and Adaptation
• To provide insights for future DRA acute responses.

 

Scope

The Real-Time Review (RTR) will evaluate the Joint Response (JR) based on the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) Commitments 4, 5, and 6. These commitments are critical for ensuring that the humanitarian response is effective, accountable, and centered on the needs of affected populations. Additional cross-cutting themes such as localization and inclusivity will also be addressed to ensure a holistic review.

The following are CHS 4, 5, and 6

CHS 4: People and communities access support that does not cause harm to people or the environment.

CHS 5: People and communities can safely report concerns and complaints and get them addressed.

CHS 6: People and communities access coordinated and complementary support.

 

Additional Topics will be:

Localisation: Assess the involvement of local actors and their leadership in the response, in line with the principles of localisation.

Inclusivity: assess if marginalized and vulnerable groups have equal access to opportunities, resources, and decision-making processes.

 

1. Research questions (To be revised with Consultant)

1- FGD Questions for JR and Partners Management Team

Objective: Assess strategic coordination, adherence to CHS commitments, and responsiveness in an emergency setting.

 

Crisis Context:

• What are the main challenges you face in delivering emergency aid in this context? Please specify the types of challenges, such as issues with resources, planning, coordination, or external factors.
• How do you balance immediate urgent service delivery with ensuring the quality and safety of services?

CHS Commitments:

CHS 4:

• How do you ensure that emergency aid does not inadvertently cause harm to people or the environment

CHS 5

• What mechanisms are in place for beneficiaries to report urgent concerns or complaints?
• Are complaints prioritized and addressed in a timely manner based on their urgency or severity? Provide examples
• How effectively are these complaints resolved, and how is feedback communicated back to beneficiaries? Provide examples?

CHS 6:

• How do you coordinate with other actors to avoid gaps or overlaps in delivering emergency support? Any challenges faced? Explain.

Localization:

• For JR members only:

• How are partners contributing to rapid decision-making and delivery in this emergency response?
• In what ways have partners been involved in planning and implementing the response?
• How do you assess the effectiveness of the partners in meeting the needs of the affected communities?
• What steps are being taken to strengthen the capacity of local actors during this response?
• How is knowledge transfer occurring between international and local teams
• How are the needs of vulnerable groups, including women, children, and displaced populations, being prioritized?

• For partners

• How effectively did the JR partner involve your organization in the planning and implementation of the emergency response?

• Were you satisfied with the level of collaboration and communication during the crisis
• Did the JR partner offer training or support to enhance your organization's capacity to respond to the emergency?
• How did this support impact your ability to deliver aid promptly and effe

Inclusivity:

• How are the needs of vulnerable groups, including women, children, and displaced populations, being prioritized?

          Recommendations:

• What strategies should be enhanced or adjusted to respond more effectively to the emergency?

 

2- FGD Questions for Partner Field Staff

Objective: Understand implementation challenges and effectiveness of emergency interventions.

Crisis Context and Implementation:

• What are the main challenges you face in delivering emergency aid in this context? Please specify the types of challenges, such as issues with resources, planning, coordination, or external factors.
• How do you balance immediate urgent service delivery with ensuring the quality and safety of services?

 

CHS Commitments:

CHS 4:

• How do you ensure that emergency aid does not inadvertently cause harm to people or the environment

• Can you describe situations where interventions inadvertently caused environmental harm? what steps were taken to minimize the environmental impact of the intervention

CHS 5:

• How accessible and inclusive are the mechanisms for beneficiaries to report urgent complaints, especially for marginalized and vulnerable groups?

• Are complaints prioritized and addressed in a timely manner based on their urgency or severity?

• How effectively are these complaints resolved, and how is feedback communicated back to beneficiaries?

CHS 6:

- How do you coordinate with other emergency responders to provide comprehensive and timely support ?

Community Engagement/Inclusivity:

• How do you engage communities in identifying their immediate needs during the emergency?

• Can you describe if challenges were faced in reaching marginalized or displaced groups?

Recommendations:

• What do you think could improve the delivery of emergency aid and services?

 

3- FGD Questions for Beneficiaries (Adults)

Objective: Gather feedback from adults on their experiences with emergency aid and services.

Access to Aid:

• Has the emergency support you received met your immediate needs?
• Was the assistance delivered in a timely manner to address the urgency of your situation after the crisis began? Provide examples.

CHS Commitments:

• CHS 4:
• Do you feel the emergency aid provided has been safe and does not cause harm to you or your family? Explain.

CHS 5:

• Are you aware of how to report urgent complaints or concerns? If yes, how?

• How accessible do you find the existing complaint mechanisms, particularly for marginalized or vulnerable groups? explain

• Were your concerns resolved promptly, and were you satisfied with the resolution process? Provide examples

CHS 6

• Have you ever received aid that was not suitable for your needs because it was different from or duplicated by other support you received?

Inclusivity and Barriers:

• Are there any groups in your community that face difficulties accessing emergency aid?

• Have your specific needs or concerns been taken into account during this response?

Recommendations:

• What changes would you recommend improving the emergency support for you and your community?

 

4- FGD Questions for Beneficiaries (Children)

Objective: Understand how children experience emergency interventions.

 

Safety and Experience:

• What help have you received since the crisis started?

• Do you feel safe when you come to these activities or get support?

Support and Needs:

• What do you like most about the help you’re getting?

• Is there anything you still need that hasn’t been provided yet?

Voice and Inclusivity:

• Do you feel all children, including those who might need extra help, are treated equally? Was anyone excluded from he help/services?

• If you have a problem, do you know who to tell? What happens when you share your concerns?

Recommendations:

What would make the support you’re getting better or more helpful for you and your friends?

 

1. Methodology

Data collection & analysis

The Real-Time Review (RTR) will focus on assessing the progress and effectiveness of the project’s implementation. The review will concentrate on qualitative data to better understand the experiences and perceptions of the affected persons, project staff, and local partners. It will examine aspects such as the quality of interactions, relevance of activities, and challenges faced by beneficiaries and staff. The review will not collect quantitative data related to service delivery, as these are tracked separately.

A desk review will be conducted using reliable sources such as NGOs, UN agencies, government reports, and other reputable organizations operating in Lebanon. This will provide a comprehensive understanding of the context, validate primary data findings, and ensure alignment with existing evidence and practices

Collected data will be analyzed thematically, identifying key patterns, trends, and areas for improvement. The analysis will aim to highlight lessons learned and provide actionable recommendations for the remainder of the project cycle.

The expected limitations to data collection include potential challenges related to access, such as logistical constraints or security concerns that may affect the scale of in-country data collection activities.

 

Methods

The applied methods for the Real-Time Review (RTR) will be light, rapid, and participatory, ensuring that the voices of affected persons are central to the review. The RTR will comprise both primary and secondary qualitative data, and data collection will occur in-country, involving visits to project locations and crisis-affected communities

The following methods will be used in the Real-Time Review:

Feedback Group Exercises:

• • Senior leaders of the 6 JR management Team (1 FGD)
  • Response Managers of 10 Partners (2-3 FGDs based on sectors)
  • Field Staff of 10 Partners (2-3 FGDs based on sectors)
  • War Affected beneficiaries 14 FGDs (1 adult and 1children FGDs per 7 governorate)

Field observation report:

• • Onsite activity visits by JR partners (6 peer-to-peer visits by MEAL and Technical staff)

 

Learning/Reflection

The consultant will facilitate a debriefing workshop to present the Real-Time Review (RTR) findings and recommendations. This session will involve delivering a comprehensive presentation, engaging stakeholders in discussions, and collaboratively developing actionable steps to enhance project implementation.

By prioritizing cross-learning and actionable insights, the RTR aims to not only review current practices but also strengthen project delivery and enhance collaboration among stakeholders.

 

1. Roles and responsibilities

JR Lead- War Child

• Overall Coordination: Lead and oversee the entire RTR process, ensuring alignment with the specific context of the Joint Response (JR), and designing of tools in coordination with the JR MEAL members
• Scheduling Data Collection: Collaborate with JR partner organizations to schedule and organize data-gathering visits
• Session Facilitation: Facilitate debriefing and learning sessions for JR members and partners, fostering an environment conducive to cross-learning and actionable insights.
• Consultant Recruitment: Lead the recruitment process for the consultant
• Consultant Liaison: Serve as the main point of contact and contract holder for the consultant regarding consultancy services.
• Resource Provision: Provide the consultant with key documentation, tools, and background information necessary for the RTR.
• Procurement Oversight: Ensure compliance with organizational policies during the procurement process for consultancy services.

 

 

JR Members

• Availability Coordination: Provide inputs on data collection tools and establish availability and identify tentative dates for FGDs and field visits, facilitating the consultant's data collection efforts.
• Document Provision: Supply relevant documents to the JR Lead, review team, or consultant as needed.
• Presentation Revision: Provide inputs to drafted and final RTR Presentation by consultant
• Active Participation: Attend and actively engage in the learning session/workshop organized by the JR Lead.

1. Deliverables+ Timeframe

Phase

Deliverable

Responsible Party

Timeframe

1. Preparation

- Define scope and objectives of the RTR.

JR Lead

Completed

- Review and adapt RTR tools

JR Lead

Completed

- Recruit and onboard the Consultant.

JR Lead

Week 1

2. Data Collection

- Schedule and organize data-gathering visits (e.g., FGDs, KIIs).

JR Lead + members

Prior and week 1

- Conduct data collection activities (can be virtual except with Beneficiaries have to be faced to face)

Consultant

 Week 1, 2, 3

-Peer to Peer visits

JR members

Week 2

4. Data Analysis and Presentation

- Analyze collected data to identify trends and insights.

- Develop and deliver a detailed RtR presentation (PPT) including methodology, findings, learnings, and recommendations

- JR members to provide input within 2 days for any adjustments

- Consultant finalize PPT based on inputs

-Consultant

 

 

 

-JR Members

-Consultant

 Week 3, 4

5. Learning session

- Deliver presentation (PPT) of RTR  in a debriefing/learning session to collaboratively set actionable points.

-Consultant

- JR Members + Partners

 Week 4

7. Final Product

- Compile feedback from the learning session and share a three-pager/factsheet showcasing the RTR  main findings and needed action points and share PPT

Consultant

Week 4

1. Budget

4500-5000 Euros