Regional Livelihood Researcher

The Regional Livelihood Researcher (RLR) will conduct an initial assessment, which will be regularly updated, in order to have a comprehensive mapping of the skills and of the needs present in defined target communities, analysing the potentials and the opportunities for local development in the target area, identifying the sectors with a higher potential for economic growth. The goal of the research is to provide up-to-date research material to be used as working data for the activities running in parallel in the project as well as for further activities beyond the current project scope. The RLR in Lebanon will strictly coordinate with the Team working in the Regional Project through the LPM.  The overall research will provide data at different levels: 1.  Regional Level: to provide a better understanding of the regional dynamics (in terms of livelihood, economic and business opportunities and trends, etc.). 2.  Hosting countries Level: to provide a more specific analysis of the situation and of the potential in Lebanon, Iraq and Turkey. 3.  Community Level: to provide more detailed analysis on the specific communities directly involved in the project activities. This last level will be the more operational and will provide relevant inputs concerning best practices and lessons learnt. In each level the research plan will delve into the following four variables: •             Environment and Context: Elements that can influence livelihood and economic development of the beneficiaries and the target countries at different levels, e.g. legal framework, barriers to enter the market or access credit, existence of adequate infrastructures, consequences of the crisis in the medium term, hindrances related to cultural and social factors, etc. •             Beneficiaries: they will be identified in both refugee and hosting communities, taking into account their age range (youth 14-27 years old), location (urban, rural, camps), their skills and competences (formal, informal and non-formal), current livelihood situation, type of assistance required and its duration, etc. •             Stakeholders: key actors among municipalities, liberal associations, community centres, private sector (including MSMEs), international organisations, NGOs, will be mapped and engaged through one-on-one interviews and thematic focus groups based on the findings of the rapid assessment. Through this process the RLR will look into the roles and attitudes of the main stakeholders and will work to ensure their buy-in to enable the implementation of the project’s activities. •             Market: the RLR will analyse the local offer and demand in different sectors, key actors involved, the pre-crisis and on-crisis trends, the impact of the refugee influx on local economies, etc. There will be an emphasis on identifying informal skills and competences existing in the targeted communities. Particular attention will be given to inherent differences between urban areas, rural areas and refugee camps and to the specificities of youth. In addition, another variable taken into consideration will be any existing regional connections between Syria and the region as any possible or potential cross-border economy. The RLR will contribute to the realization of an overall research assessment publication on livelihoods in Lebanon, Turkey and Iraq.   Requirements: •             An Arabic speaker with a documented experience in researching in the Country and in the Region; Fluency in Arabic  and English language is a must Availability to travel and stay in the target Countries for missions that can vary from few days to some weeks. •             Advanced university degree in Social-Economics related fields that can be relevant for the role; Experienced in conducting evident base research related to  secondary and primary data collection using mixed research methods (Quantitative and Qualitative) with good knowledge and experience in in conducting key informant interview’s, Focus Group session and survey Excellent analytical and report writing skills; Strong capacity of working in team; •             Strong coordination, communication and presentation skills; •             Strong computer skills (with familiarity in using Microsoft Office suite applications); •             Proven track record of published Research works including experience in researching for projects for NGOs, INGOs; •             At least 5 years of professional experience in disciplines relevant for the role; •             Must be flexible and able to adapt material based on scheduling sheet, level of audience participation and emergencies.