Expressions of Interest for Qualitative Evaluation in the Area of Childrens’ Rights, Conflict Transformation, Working with Religious Actors 19.2300.2-001.04

GIZ is soliciting Expressions of Interest (EoI) from individuals/organisations for qualitative evaluation of an intervention on childrens’ rights, conflict transformation and working with religious actors.

Brief Information on the Project

The GIZ sector programme “Religion and Development”, based in Germany and commissioned by the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), will be implementing several pilot projects around the world. The objective is to get more evidence on the importance of working with religious actors in development cooperation.

One pilot will take place in Lebanon: “Growing an inter-religious youth network for peace and children’s rights in the most deprived region of Lebanon”. The pilot will be implemented in Akkar between 1 February and 30 September 2022. Implementation on the ground is supported by the GIZ project “Peaceful coexistence in refugee-hosting communities in Lebanon”.

Context

Poverty, poor health services, a lacking access to education for every child and little offers for leisure opportunities are key features faced by children growing up in Lebanon. Many children and adolescents witnessed or endured violence. Discrimination, prejudices, stereotypes and religious hatred are entrenched in Lebanese society and constant companions when growing up in Lebanon. Little of them know about the existence of children´s rights, let alone the meaning of them.

The conflict in Syria has imposed a heavy economic and social toll on Lebanon, which faced a deep economic and financial crisis since late 2019. An estimated 88% of Syrian refugees in Lebanon are living below the extreme poverty line, further eroding the rights of children who are most often forced to work as from the age of 10 for making a living.

The Akkar Governorate, in the north of Lebanon, is one of the most deprived rural regions in the country. The poor infrastructure is causing tension among Syrians and their host communities. Children are the first victims of these tensions. Many children are growing up completely encapsulated from other religious groups, reproducing stereotypes and religious hatred without critically assessing those ideas prevalent in their respective communities.

In cooperation with actors from different religious communities, the pilot project aims to establish an interreligious (youth) network on children's rights. Its target is to overcome religious conflicts, to make contributions to social cohesion and to involve and promote children and young people in their role as "agents of change", thus strengthening their resilience and representation of interests

Purpose of the Evaluation

The objective is to provide qualitative evaluation of the intervention with reference to the existing results model (Annex I). The evaluation should support the results communication. The results will be used for impact communication through GIZ and BMZ to the public. The evaluation should also give an insight into the effectiveness of the intervention and thereby contribute to learning for other projects of German development cooperation. Questions of particular interest include: What are the overall project results (facts and figures, i.e. number of beneficiaires, religious actors, etc.)? What role did religious actors play (what was their added value)? What has worked and why and what has not and why not?

Tasks of the Evaluator

GIZ seeks written Expressions of Interest from qualified individuals/organisations for the following tasks (detailed TOR will be shared with shortlisted candidates):

• Develop an evaluation survey in close coordination with GIZ and the implementing organisation in Akkar (endline survey;  about 10 minutes answer time). The contractor is not expected to perform the survey themselves.
• Develop a guideline for semi-structured interviews/focus group discussions in close coordination with GIZ and the implementing organisation in Akkar
• Conduct semi-structured interviews and/or focus group discussions with up to 30 respondents. Respondents should include beneficiaries (children/youth), religious actors, implementing organisation. Gender balance and balance between religious groups should be ensured. Contact details for respondents will be provided by GIZ. 
• The evaluation should cover the following areas
  • Openness towards other religious groups
  • Focus on the potential of religion (being aware but not focussing on the challenges)
  • Positive and multi-layered identity
  • Awareness of own rights (children’s rights) and readiness to demand own rights
• Summarise the findings in a report

The contractor is expected to perform field visits to the activities in Akkar, and to have a means of transportation while in the field. Transportation will not be reimbursed separately by GIZ.

Desired Qualifications and Skills

Education: University qualification (first degree or master’s) in Social Sciences, Project Management, or other related field.

Professional experience: At least 3 years’ experience in research and evaluation in social sectors. Experience in evaluating inter-religious relations and working with youth/children is required. Experience in Akkar is an advantage.

Context experience: Demonstrable experience in and knowledge of the country Lebanon, if possible in the Akkar governorate.

Language skills: Business fluency in Arabic and English.