Data Analysis Consultant

Project aim

SIDC is a Lebanese Non-profit civil society organisation established in 1987 and officially registered 9/AD in 1992. SIDC meaningfully engages vulnerable populations, to promote their health and wellbeing pertaining to HIV, Harm reduction, SRHR, and mental health, to support them in enjoying their human and gender rights, and to work towards an inclusive society free of stigma and discrimination at the national and regional level.

Rights – Evidence – ACTion (REAct), developed by Frontline AIDS, is a community-based and led human rights monitoring and response programme that documents and responds to a wide range of human rights-related barriers to HIV and related health services. REAct enables organisations to customise and record data about human rights violations experienced by individuals; provide and refer them to health, legal and other public services; and use this data to inform quality human rights-based HIV programming, policy and advocacy at national, regional and global levels.

Gender REAct has been developed in response to compelling evidence that gender-related inequality is a major human rights-related barrier that inhibits access to HIV-related and other health services for marginalised populations. Gender-related inequalities manifested through stigma, discrimination and violence, impede access to services – especially to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services – preventing those in most need from realising their sexual and reproductive rights.

The full REAct Programme, including Gender REAct, is intended for community-based organisations; civil society groups; institutions responsible for designing large-scale national AIDS programmes; and organisations designing and implementing HIV programmes, as well as HIV-related health programmes, such as tuberculosis (TB) and hepatitis C, across several locations.

Consultancy Details

Within the framework of the program, SIDC is looking for a consultant to analyse data collected using the REAct system to document human rights violations. The consultant is required to identify trends and patterns in human rights violations based on the data analysis and propose policy recommendations to address the fulfilment of the human rights and gather evidence that can be used to recommend rights-based programs and interventions that could help mitigate human rights violations.

The consultant will be responsible to coordinate with the team of REAct during the data analysis, and to generate the report in a participatory approach.

The Scope of Work:

Task 1: Development of the Data Analysis Report (8 days)

1.1 Meet with SIDC and REAct team to further understand the objective of the consultancy, including clarifying any questions, discussing expectations, and confirming the scope of work.

1.2 Develop a draft analysis report based on the data collected highlighting the trends of violation and proposing policy recommendations.

1.3 Present the draft report to the REAct team for feedback and input.

1.4 Validate and finalize the report as per the feedback and input.

The duration of this assignment shall not exceed a maximum of 8 working days, commencing from the date of the Consultant's engagement, which is anticipated to start ASAP

Work Modalities

The Consultant will be expected to work in a flexible environment, with the mode of work (online or in-person) determined by the specific requirements of the assignment. This flexibility is designed to ensure that the Consultant can effectively carry out their responsibilities while accommodating any necessary adjustments to the work environment as circumstances dictate.

Qualifications and experience

The candidate should have a minimum of 5 years of experience in policy analysis, public health programming, or human rights advocacy, with a focus on HIV, sexual and reproductive health and human rights. This experience should also include:

• Consulting Experience: Proven expertise in analyzing data, developing policy assessments, and conducting stakeholder engagement. The candidate should have experience working with data related to human rights violations, such as those involving discrimination, access to healthcare, gender-based violence, and other violations affecting vulnerable populations.
• Human Rights Knowledge: Strong understanding of the types of human rights violations faced by key populations, including LGBTQ+ individuals, people who use drugs, and sex workers. This includes knowledge of relevant policies, regulations, and best practices for addressing these violations.
• Data Analysis and Report Writing: Proficiency in analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data related to human rights, and producing comprehensive, well-structured reports. Experience using basic tools, including Excel, to organize, analyze, and present data is essential. The candidate should be able to create clear and concise reports based on data analysis, ensuring that findings and recommendations are evidence-based.
• Strong Analytical and Communication Skills: Excellent analytical abilities to interpret complex data and make evidence-based recommendations. Effective communication skills are essential for presenting findings and policy recommendations to diverse stakeholders, as well as writing clear, actionable reports.
• Language and Writing Proficiency: Advanced-level proficiency in both English and Arabic for written and oral communication. The candidate must demonstrate strong report-writing skills in both languages, ensuring clarity and coherence in documenting findings and policy recommendations.
• Experience with Key Stakeholders: Previous experience collaborating with governmental entities, civil society organizations, and international partners on advocacy initiatives. Familiarity with the challenges and dynamics of working with these sectors will be advantageous.
• Gender-related Issues: Demonstrated experience in addressing gender-related inequalities in policy development, including analyzing gender-disaggregated data.
• The consultant might apply as an individual or as part of a consortium.

Ethical Considerations:

Given the nature of REAct program, involving vulnerable populations such as individuals from the LGBTQ+ community, People Who Use Drugs, and Sex Workers, ethical considerations play a pivotal role in guiding the evaluation process and the subsequent development of the guide. It is imperative to establish a robust ethical framework that safeguards the rights, privacy, and dignity of all program participants and stakeholders involved. Key ethical considerations are as follows:

Privacy and Confidentiality: Protecting the privacy of program participants is paramount. The consultant must ensure that all data collected, including personal information, remains confidential and is stored securely. Data should be anonymized and aggregated to prevent the identification of individual participants.

Informed Consent: Prior informed consent must be obtained from all participants involved in the evaluation. This includes clear and transparent communication about the purpose of data collection, how their information will be used, and any potential risks or benefits. Participants should have the right to refuse participation or withdraw consent at any time without consequences.

Data Protection: Stringent data protection measures should be in place to safeguard sensitive information. The consultant should adhere to applicable data protection regulations and best practices, ensuring that data is collected, stored, and processed securely.

Vulnerable Populations: Special care and consideration should be given to vulnerable populations, including LGBTQ+ individuals, People Who Use Drugs, and Sex Workers. The consultant must approach interactions with empathy and respect, recognizing the unique challenges and potential vulnerabilities faced by these groups.

Cultural Sensitivity: The consultant should demonstrate cultural sensitivity and awareness, acknowledging the diversity within the target populations. Cultural norms, values, and beliefs should be respected throughout the evaluation process.

Avoiding Harm: Every effort should be made to avoid causing harm to participants or stakeholders. This includes taking precautions to minimize any potential harm that could arise from data collection, disclosure, or guide development.

Beneficence and Non-Maleficence: The consultant should prioritize the well-being of program participants. Actions should aim to maximize benefits while minimizing harm. Any potential risks associated with participation should be thoroughly assessed and mitigated.

Transparency: Transparency in all stages of the evaluation and guide development process is essential. Clear communication with stakeholders about the goals, methods, and outcomes of the evaluation is crucial for building trust.

Community Engagement: Engaging with the community and involving them in the decision-making process is essential. Their perspectives and insights should be sought and respected throughout the project.

Continuous Monitoring and Adaptation: Ethical considerations should be an ongoing part of the project. Regular monitoring and adaptation of ethical protocols are necessary to address emerging challenges and changing circumstances.

By adhering to these ethical considerations, the consultant can ensure that the process of the development of advocacy strategy, action plan and the TOR of LANA network is conducted with the highest standards of integrity, respect, and protection for the rights and well-being of all involved parties. This ethical framework is fundamental to maintaining trust and credibility throughout the project.

Commitment to Quality Work

The Consultant shall use an evidence-based approach and ensure the highest standard of work and timely deliverables at every stage of this assignment. In particular, the Consultant shall ensure clarity of objectives and process during consultations; countercheck all facts and figures cited; ensure that the content and format of the deliverables meets the highest standard for such documents; and ensure proper editing and clarity. The contractual partner will neither publish nor did cause to be publish in any form the results of this assignment without prior written consent of the contractor. The contractual partner will be solely responsible for the professional quality of his/her work and the timely completion of the assignment.