Inclusion, Diversity and Accessibility Policy Specialist (National Individual Consultant)

Please download the attached Call for full details . 

Background and Project Description 

On June 5, 2025, Lebanon completed the process of ratifying the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), following a presidential decree in February 2023. This landmark step creates an urgent and critical need for reforms at the legal, policy, and practical levels across all sectors. These reforms are essential to align with the Convention's principles and to ensure a smooth transition to a more equitable social model focused on inclusion, empowerment, and removing systemic barriers to access. 

Of particular importance to Ṣilāt is the promotion of the right to culture and the right to participation in cultural life, especially as it pertains to cultural heritage (including museums, archaeological sites, and all tangible and intangible cultural events). 

Despite Lebanon’s international commitments, its national legal framework remains insufficient in addressing a fundamental human right: the right to culture and cultural heritage for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). Critical aspects of inclusivity, accessibility, and participation in cultural life are not adequately reflected in national laws or institutional policies. This lack of a supportive legal framework translates into significant and tangible barriers on the ground. 

These shortcomings were validated by an academic study undertaken by Ṣilāt’s board members, Maya Hmeidan and Dr. Assaad Seif. The study examined the historical exclusion of PWDs from cultural heritage in Lebanon, with a particular focus on archaeological sites. It demonstrated the profound lack of inclusivity through concrete examples and concluded by calling for a paradigm shift in heritage management—from alienation to inclusion—and a move towards a rights-based, people-centered approach. 

Based on these findings, Ṣilāt is launching the ’Right to Heritage - Towards a Stronger Legal Framework’ project. This initiative is a core part of our commitment to defending the "Right to Heritage" for all and advancing systemic reforms that foster a more inclusive and democratic cultural environment, ensuring equitable access to cultural heritage as a fundamental human right. 

Objective of the Project 

The project seeks to re-examine existing systems, identify the gaps, and propose recommendations for legal and policy reforms towards creating more inclusive and enabling cultural environments. Its focus is to ensure that Persons with Disabilities can participate actively and equitably across all aspects of cultural life in Lebanon, with particular attention to cultural heritage. 

While the project's wider aim is to work towards building a stronger legal framework, the project promotes a rights-based approach to cultural heritage, and advocates for the rights of PWDs and Organizations for Persons with Disabilities to access, participate in, and fully enjoy cultural heritage.

Qualifications and Expertise 

The Consultant shall have: 

• Proven track record in working on inclusion and diversity, human rights laws and/or policy within Lebanon for the last 5 years.   
• In-depth knowledge of Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Equity concepts and best practices, preferably with appropriate certification.  
• Experience in community engagement and stakeholders' management. 
• Previous experience in cultural rights within local, regional or international contexts is highly desirable. 
• Strong communication and drafting skills in both English and Arabic. 

Strong analytical, research and reporting skills. 

If the above description matches your profile, please download the attached Call for full details . We are looking forward to getting to know you better.