Consultancy “New Education Perspectives For Children With Special Learning Needs”

DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT   This project, funded by European Union (EU), seeks to contribute to creating an inclusive environment for Children with Disabilities (CWD) in the educational programs within the Palestinian community (overall objective). Within the framework and resources of the project, the specific objective is to mobilize and equip relevant stakeholders in the refugee community (parents, youth, and kindergartens) to improve the learning environment of CWD. This project adopts an early intervention approach targeting age groups (1) between 0 to 6 years old and (2) older than 6 years old, in order to facilitate their inclusion into Kindergartens and UNRWA schools.   The action will achieve four key results: 850 CWD are equipped so that they are better able to access education opportunities 600 Parents of CWD are equipped so that they support their children’s education 25 Kindergartens are provided with technical and material support to create an inclusive learning environment 5 Parent Action Groups and 4 Youth Groups are empowered and equipped to lobby for inclusion of CWDs in UNRWA schools   This action will target three main areas in Lebanon where Palestinians reside: Beirut, South, and North. The main camps that are covered under this action will be 4 out of the total 12 camps in Lebanon.     THE PURPOSE OF THE BASELINE STUDY   The purpose of carrying out a baseline study is to provide baseline data for the suggested project goal and outcomes indicators. The baseline study will identify a starting point from which change can be measured over time i.e. it will reflect the situation of the target population in relation to the objectives of the project prior to World Vision Lebanon’s (WVL) intervention. It will also adjust the targets to be achieved if necessary, based on the findings.       BASELINE METHOD   Establishing the baseline figures for the goal & outcome indicators will rely on primary data collection through surveys with direct beneficiaries (children, parents and youth), focus group discussions (FGDs) with parents and key informant interviews with kindergarten representatives.   The consultant is expected to perform the following tasks:   –        Review the project design document, logical framework, monitoring and evaluation plan and the needed documents as mapped out in the Monitoring and Evaluation plan –        Develop quantitative and qualitative data collection tools that measure the set indicators including the preparation of survey questionnaires, focus group discussions guides and key informant interviews guides –        Share with, get feedback, incorporate feedback & get approval of WVL team on the baseline tools –        Set the sampling procedure in collaboration with the project manager with the support of the Design, Monitoring & Evaluation team at WVL –        Pilot test the developed tools and incorporate changes prior to the actual data collection –        Train data collectors on survey questionnaires –        Follow up with data collectors during survey data collection –        Ensure that collected data is of valid and acceptable quality –        Prepare the survey questionnaires data entry “variable view” sheet on SPSS –        Train data collectors on how to use SPSS for data entry –        Supervise quality of data entry –        Conduct key informant interviews –        Conduct focus group discussions –        Perform both quantitative and qualitative data analysis –        Share and validate results of the baseline with WVL staff –        Draft the baseline report and submit to WVL for feedback. –        Prepare the final baseline report in view of the feedback on the draft report. (1 day) –        Report weekly progress to WVL team (once per week until end of consultancy)               CONSULTANT QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:   The Consultant should have the following competencies and experiences:   –        Advanced degree in relevant field (e.g. Social Sciences, Public Health, etc) –        Good understanding of special education and inclusion concept –        Familiar with NGO engagement and work in Lebanon and the Palestinian Refugee Community –        Good analytical, critical thinking, FGD and KII facilitation in Arabic and writing skills –        Proven knowledge and experience in applying participatory research methods and tools.       TIMELINE WITH DELIVERABLES Approximate start date:  July 21st Expected end date: September 7th