Researcher_Peace Labs_ North Beqaa

1. Background

It is well known that conflict assessments always require periodic updating with the updating period varying depending on the context, conflict recurrence and project’s overall duration. This is why the conflict assessments conducted in the five localities of Hermel, Al-Fakiha, Nabi Chit, Kherbet Rouha and Majdaloun require one update half way through the project and one towards its end.

Additionally, it is important to set up a conflict monitoring tool related to water tensions and more specifically to the water projects implemented by SDC. This tool was already created and called Incidents Log and, currently, a procedure for collecting relevant events/information needs to be activated. This will need to be done by a local researcher but also a contribution by the project staff is needed, especially by those working at the field level such as the local project officer and the dialogue facilitator.

1. Objectives

The main objectives of the research are as follows:

a. Monitor, Identify and document conflicts related to water resources in North Beqaa area.

b. Analyze the root causes, triggers, and drivers of the conflicts.

c. Assess the socio-economic, environmental, and political impacts of the conflicts.

d. Identify potential resolution strategies, including preventive measures and conflict management approaches.

1. Scope of Work

The researcher will be responsible for the following task  

a. Closely monitor the situation in North Beqaa to detect water related conflicts through local news, social media and other platforms with a focus on SDC-related project sites.

b. Collect and analyze data on water resources, including availability, usage, and potential conflicts.

c. Identify key stakeholders involved in the water conflicts and conduct interviews, surveys (if necessary), or focus group discussions to gather qualitative information.

d. Analyze the socio-economic, environmental, and political factors contributing to water conflicts.

e. Assess the impact of water conflicts on communities, ecosystems, and social stability in the area.

f. Identify and evaluate existing conflict resolution mechanisms and initiatives.

g. Develop recommendations and strategies for sustainable water resource management and conflict resolution, considering the specific context of the area

h. Prepare a comprehensive research report summarizing the findings, analysis, and recommendations

i. Share monthly reports with Peace Labs

j. Report relevant events, issues or threats that may need to be reporting via the Incidents Log Sheet.

1. Deliverables

The researcher will be expected to deliver the following outputs

a. An inception report outlining the research methodology, data collection sources, analysis framework, and an initial report outline.

b. A comprehensive research report that includes an executive summary, introduction, methodology, findings, analysis, recommendations, and references.

c. Presentation of the research findings and recommendations if required.

d. Any other relevant outputs as agreed upon with the contracting organization.

1. Timeline and Reporting

1. This research will be covering the period of 6 months from July 2023 until December 2023.
2. The Level of effort of the researcher is expected to be a one day per week.
3. The researcher will have to provide monthly reports and one final report at the end of the consultancy.

1. Qualifications and Expertise

The researcher must have the following qualifications:

1. Academic background in peace and conflict, journalism, political sciences, social sciences, social work, etc.
2. Proven track record in working in the humanitarian sector for at least 7 years
3. Previous experience in peacebuilding is a major plus
4. Proven ability to develop content and research-based documents
5. Having knowledge about the WASH sector in Lebanon would be an asset 
6. Provide Peace Labs with at least one sample of his/her work for benchmarking
7. Must be a resident of Baalbek-Hermel area
8. Must be able to write content in Arabic

1. Budget

The consultant will be responsible for submitting a financial proposal for Peace Labs explaining his/her daily rates based on the level of effort mentioned in (timeline and reporting)

1. Intellectual Property

All the data extracted for this research, their usage and the rights belongs to Peace Labs.  The intellectual property rights will be clearly stated in the agreements between both parties.