Building CSO’s capacity to deliver social stability projects in West Beqaa, Zahle, and Upper Chouf

International Alert Lebanon is implementing the “Building CSOs’ capacity to deliver social stability projects in West Beqaa, Zahle, and Upper Chouf” project in partnership with Deutsche Gesellschaft für International Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) within the framework of “Strengthening Agriculture, Local Communities and Small and Medium Enterprises (ACE)” programme with the financial support of the German Federal Ministry for economic cooperation and development (BMZ). The project objective is to improve horizontal social stability in target communities through a greater capacity of CSOs to conduct conflict-sensitive activities that further social stability.

In the context of the project, social stability is understood as the state of relationships between different communities and groups. Stable and cohesive societies are characterised by positive interactions, attitudes, and trust between different groups.

International Alert’s intervention aims to support CSOs in three areas - West Beqaa, the Upper Chouf areas, and Zahle - to strengthen social stability in the respective communities. As part of the process, participating CSOs will have an opportunity to strengthen their policies and systems in order to become more sustainable organisations. Participant CSOs received:

• Training on conflict and social stability, including how to integrate conflict sensitivity and gender sensitivity into their projects. These training sessions will be combined with coaching to address organizational development needs.
• Training, along with coaching, on strategic planning, financial management, HR management, procurement, accountability, child safeguarding, advocacy, and communication, based on each organization's capacity assessment.
• Coaching on designing and implementing initiatives aimed at enhancing social stability, pending grant funds for applying CSOs.
• Participation in reflection, learning, and storytelling sessions supported by Alert, to capture the results of the initiatives and consolidate learning on working with social stability and conflict-sensitive initiatives in the future.

As part of the project, International Alert selected up to 32 organisations based on the applications received, with the support of an external expert in civil society development. Alert conducted an organisational capacity needs assessment for these selected CSOs to identify their development needs and priorities, ultimately selecting 22 CSOs to participate in the project.

The purpose of the selection process was to identify organisations that are active in the target areas, have potential for sustainability, and are committed to working on social stability.

The purpose of the post-assessment is to:

• Evaluate the impact of the training and support provided to the participating CSOs.
• Identify any remaining or new training and support needs to further strengthen their systems and operations.

The consultant is required to develop the methodology and tools for the post-assessment to ensure a thorough evaluation of the project's impact and to identify any additional capacity development requirements.

Objectives of the consultancy                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

The overall objective of the consultancy is to support International Alert in the post-assessment of CSOs and to evaluate the progress and advancements made during their participation in the project.

The specific objectives are:

1. To develop a clear methodology and tools for the post-assessment of organizational capacity and needs.
2. To conduct a post-assessment of organisational capacity and needs for 22 CSOs.
3. To evaluate and measure the extent to which participating CSOs have been strengthened and advanced during their participation in the project.
4. To produce post-assessment reports, including:
   • Summary of the advancements and capacity development achieved by each CSO.
   • Recommendations for future training and support needs to further strengthen their systems and operations.
   • Recommendations for future development priorities requiring continued coaching.
   • An updated context analysis of the social stability dynamics in each of the three areas, based on insights from the CSOs.

 Methodology                                                                                                                                       

The organisational capacity and needs assessment will be conducted for each organisation using mixed methods. The consultant is requested to develop a methodology. It is anticipated that the following tools will be used.

1. Key informant interviews (KIIs); to be done in person or by phone.
2. Survey questionnaire; to be administered online or on paper.
3. CSOs Profiling tool.

 Support and resources to be provided by Alert

Alert staff will be available to provide the necessary support (including logistics and the needed coordination) to the consultant.

The consultant is responsible for his/her own transportation and will need to have his/her own computer.

Alert will also provide all key background documents (if needed) to support the Consultant perform the assignment.

Deliverables                                                                                                                                    

The Consultant is responsible for 4 deliverables:

• Deliverable 1: Detailed Workplan (a maximum of 15 days of work).
• Deliverable 2: Methodology, and tools.
• Deliverable 3: Draft report for each organisation and a brief (2-3 pages) on social stability context overview for each region (West Beqaa, Zahle, Upper Chouf).
• Deliverable 4: Final report with a set of recommendations.

 Timeline                                                                                                                                    

Dates

Deliverable

1 September 2024

Deadline for the submission of offers

10 September 2024

Contracting

Inception meeting

10-16 September 2024

Workplan and tools

20 - 30 September 2024

Needs Assessment (22 CSOs)

7 October 2024

Submission of the first draft of the reports and a brief (2-3 pages) on social stability context overview for each region (West Beqaa, Zahle, Upper Chouf).

18 October 2024

Submission of the Final report

 Consultant profile                                                                                                                                    

• At least 5 years of experience in conducting organisational needs assessments, research, and evaluations with civil society organisations.
• In-depth knowledge of the Lebanese context with regard to development assistance, Do No Harm, conflict sensitivity, localisation, and social stability.
• Professional    and    educational    background    in international  relations,                   international development, diplomacy, gender or peacebuilding
• Substantive knowledge and understanding of needs assessment, strategic frameworks, and programming.
• Proficiency in English and Arabic and ability to conduct interviews and focus group discussions in Arabic.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism, including following data protection guidelines.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Education degree

A relevant university degree

 Languages

• English: Excellent.
• Arabic: Excellent.

 Period:

From 10 September till 18 September 2024

 Compensation:

Competitive price offers.