Enhancing CSOs’ ability to foster social stability in Hasbaya and Southern Baalbeck

About the project

International Alert Lebanon is implementing the project titled “Enhancing CSOs’ Ability to Foster Social Stability in Hasbaya and Southern Baalbeck” in partnership with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), under the “Strengthening Agriculture, Local Communities, and Small and Medium Enterprises (ACE)” programme, with financial support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

The objective of the project is to improve horizontal social stability in the target communities by enhancing the capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs) to design and implement conflict-sensitive activities that promote social cohesion.

As part of the project, International Alert selected up to 10 CSOs based on submitted applications, with the support of an external expert specialized in civil society development. An organizational capacity needs assessment was conducted with these CSOs to identify their capacity development gaps and priorities.

Following the assessment, each organization received tailored training and coaching sessions based on the specific needs identified during the pre-assessment phase.

International Alert is now seeking to recruit an expert to conduct the post-assessment, with the aim of evaluating the impact of the support provided and identifying any additional training or capacity development needs to further strengthen the CSOs’ internal systems and operations.

Specific Objectives

1. To develop a clear methodology and tools for the post-assessment of organizational capacity and needs.
2. To conduct a post-assessment of organizational capacity and needs for 8–10 CSOs.
3. To evaluate and measure the extent to which participating CSOs have been strengthened and advanced during their participation in the project.
4. To produce post-assessment reports, including:
   • A summary of the advancements and capacity development achieved by each CSO.
   • Recommendations for future training and support needs to further strengthen their systems and operations.
   • Recommendations for future development priorities requiring continued coaching.
   • An updated context analysis of the social stability dynamics in each of the three areas, based on insights from the CSOs.
5. To conduct a one-day in-person learning workshop, in coordination with the International Alert team, to collectively assess the progress and reflect on changes and lessons learned.
6. To produce a 3–4-page learning document summarizing the key insights and lessons from the project implementation and the post-assessment process.

Support and resources to be provided by International Alert

• Alert staff will provide the necessary support, including logistical and coordination assistance.
• The consultant is expected to use their own transportation and laptop.
• International Alert will provide relevant background documentation to support the assignment.

Deliverables

The consultant is responsible for delivering the following:

1. Detailed Workplan (maximum 10 working days).
2. Methodology and tools for post-assessment.
3. Draft report for each organization.
4. Final report with a set of recommendations.
5. Learning paper (3–4 pages).

Timeline

21-Jul-25 - Deadline for the submission of offers

25-Jul-25 - Contracting

25-Jul-25 - Inception meeting

30-Jul-25 - Submission of Methodology, Workplan and Tools

4-8 August 2025  - Needs Assessment (8-10 CSOs)

12-Aug-25 - Facilitating the learning workshop

20-Aug-25 - Submission of the reports + learning document

Consultant profile

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in conducting organizational needs assessments, research, or evaluations with civil society organizations.
• Strong knowledge of the Lebanese context, including development assistance, Do No Harm, conflict sensitivity, localization, and social stability.
• Educational and professional background in international relations, development, diplomacy, gender, or peacebuilding.
• Proven expertise in needs assessment, strategic frameworks, and programming.
• Fluency in English and Arabic; ability to conduct interviews and discussions in Arabic.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Demonstrated discretion and professionalism in handling sensitive information and adhering to data protection standards.
• Capacity to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Period

Start Date: 25 July 2025

End Date: 25 August 2025

Level of Effort: Up to 10 working days