Data Collection Consultant

International Alert is seeking a qualified researcher/ consultant for the data collection phase of a project implemented by International Alert and Utopia. The data collection is scheduled to take place in January in Tripoli. About International Alert International Alert is an international peacebuilding NGO working in Lebanon since 2008. Our programming related to the Syrian crisis supports social stability and conflict sensitive programming. We work directly with communities and partner with national organisations to promote opportunities for peace and stability. About the project Citizens for change is a 12-months project implemented by Utopia in partnership with International Alert and funding from UN OCHA. The project aims to support the Municipality of Tripoli in mitigating tensions arising from Syrian refugee-host community relations and from inter-community relations, and alleviate resource pressure. The project further works to improve civic engagement of Tripoli youth in their communities and promote social inclusion of marginalized youth. International Alert’s role on the project is to provide training and monitoring & evaluation (M&E) support.   Objectives of the baseline assessment The overall objective of the baseline assessment is to collect baseline data against which the project will be evaluated and to inform the project implementation. The specific objectives are: -          To assess the relevance of the project to the needs of local communities -          To identify drivers of conflict and instability in the target locations and assess the relationship between the municipality and the communities (impact) -          To identify opportunities for increasing the project’s sustainability and coordination with other initiatives -          To collect information that can support the implementation of the project This baseline assessment will be conducted in seven neighborhoods of Tripoli: Bab el Tabbaneh, Jabal Mohsen, Kobbeh, Abi Samra, Zahrieh, Bab Al Ramel and New Tripoli. The primary data sources include Lebanese and Syrian men and women from these neighbourhoods who have been selected as project participants, as well as key informants such as municipal officials, activists, businesspeople and civil society representatives. Responsibilities and tentative workplan The Consultant will work closely with International Alert’s team. Alert will provide the consultant with a baseline assessment methodology and developed tools. The Consultant will be responsible for tool testing, data collection and report writing, following am agreed structure. Task Time Lead Support by Development of assessment tools 22 Dec – 15 Jan International Alert International Alert Tool testing and data collection 16-26 Jan Data collection consultant Project Manager and MEAL Officer Data collection report 26-30 Jan Data collection consultant     Data collection methods and tools Primary data will be collected using the following tools: -          Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) with Lebanese and Syrian men and women from the seven neighbourhoods of Tripoli. Most of the FGD participants will be recruited from the local committees and citizen action groups that Utopia established at the very start of the project. When participants with certain profiles cannot be identified from these groups, they will be recruited through Utopia’s networks and engagement on other projects. -          Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) will be held with municipal officials, representative of ministries (i.e. the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE) Regional Representative), civil society organisations, community organisations and activists with an in-depth understanding of the social dynamics in Tripoli. -          Post-training questionnaire with project beneficiaries will be developed and used with participants of the trainings organized within the framework of the project. The Consultant will support the data entry and analysis.     Consultant profile § University degree in social sciences or relevant fields § At least three years of experience in interviewing vulnerable populations, familiar with standards of ethical conduct in research settings  § Strong inter-personal communication skills § Excellent skills in research and data collection § Excellent spoken Arabic skills, and excellent writing skills in English § Ability to work both independently and as part of a team § Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism § Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines § Prior experience working in the field of peacebuilding and understanding conflict in Lebanon is a strong plus Experience required: At least three years of experience in interviewing vulnerable populations, with familiarity for standards of ethical conduct in research settings  Education degree: Bachelor Degree