Researcher- Barriers and Pathways to Livelihoods for Women with Disabilities in Lebanon

Trócaire is a partner-oriented organisation, committed to the principles of localisation of development and humanitarian aid; including strengthening the capacities of its local partners wherever it works to ensure their ability to operate effectively and respond to humanitarian emergencies or crises with measurable impact.  

This project is funded by UN-Women and lead by 

Women with disabilities in Lebanon face multiple, intersecting barriers that limit their access to education, employment, and sustainable livelihoods. Early barriers often begin with families refraining from enrolling girls with disabilities in schools, influenced by stigma, stereotypes, and expectations that their disability will prevent future opportunities. These barriers extend into adulthood, where women with disabilities encounter discrimination from employers, limited accessibility in workplaces, and exclusion from livelihood programs. 

This study seeks to analyse how the interplay of limited educational access, social stigma, and employer practices shapes livelihood opportunities for women with disabilities, and to identify practical pathways that can inform inclusive programming, advocacy, and policy. 

1. Research Objectives 

Overall Objective 

The study should examine how barriers related to education, social stigma, and employer practices intersect to shape livelihood opportunities for women with disabilities in Lebanon. It should also explore how practical and context-specific pathways such as improved access to education, skills development, and inclusive employment practices can enhance women’s access to decent work opportunities. 

Specific Objectives 

• Explore how stigma and stereotypes influence parental decisions on girls’ education. 

• Identify how limited educational access translates into restricted livelihood opportunities later in life. 

• Analyse employer practices, attitudes, and structural barriers that impact the employability of women with disabilities. 

• Highlight potential pathways for improving inclusion in both education and the labour market. 

2. Research Question 

Main RQ: 

What barriers and pathways emerge from the interplay of limited educational access, social stigma, and employer current practices in shaping livelihood opportunities (including employment, entrepreneurship etc.) for women with disabilities in Lebanon? 

Sub-questions: 

• How do community and family perceptions and expectations of their child’s future influence school attendance for girls with disabilities? 

• In what ways does lack of education limit women’s access to skills, training, and decent work? 

• How do employers in Lebanon perceive, women with disabilities in the workplace? What are the practices for recruitment and retainment of women with disabilities? 

• What enablers, strategies and pathways could improve livelihood opportunities for women with disabilities? 

• What recommendations can the research provide for NGOs, OPDs, and sector stakeholders to effectively use and advocate the research findings to advance the rights and livelihood opportunities of women and girls with disabilities? 

3. Scope of Work 

The researcher will: 

-Conduct a desk review of existing studies, policies, and data that explores the intersection between disability, education, and livelihoods in Lebanon. 

- Develop a mixed-methods research design that includes: 

1. Focus Group Discussions (6 to 10 FGDs): with women with disabilities (different types of disabilities), parents, and community members. Participant selection will be done in coordination and with the support of the lead partner (LUPD).  

2. Key Informant Interviews (8 to 12 KIIs): with employers, HR managers, disability rights organizations, NGOs, and government representatives. 

3. Surveys: targeting both women with disabilities (to capture experiences) and employers (to capture perceptions and practices).
4. Carry out field research and data collection across selected locations in Lebanon (will not be limited to one location and will be supported by consortium members). 
5. Analyse findings, mapping both barriers and pathways to employment for women with disabilities. 
6. Produce a comprehensive research report with actionable recommendations as per the above scope. 

- Facilitate a validation workshop with respondents and project stakeholders to refine findings. 

4. Deliverables

• Inception Report (methodology, tools, workplan) – within 1 month of contract start. 

• Data Collection Tools (FGD/KII guides, survey questionnaires). 

• Draft Research Report (analysis of barriers and pathways, conclusions, recommendations). 

• Validation Workshop (presentation and discussion with stakeholders). 

• Final Research Report (max 50 pages + annexes). 

5. Timeline 

The assignment will run from 2025 to July 2026, covering: 

• Inception & Desk Review: Dec 2025 – Jan 2026 

• Data Collection: Jan 2026 - Mar 2026 

• Analysis & Draft Report: Apr - May 2026 

• Validation Workshop: Jun 2026 

• Final Report Submission: Jul 2026 

6. Required Qualifications 

• Advanced degree in Social Sciences, Education, Gender Studies, Disability Studies and disability inclusion, or related fields. 

• At least 5 years of experience conducting qualitative and quantitative research in the same or related field. Experience with people with disabilities and/or experience working with NGOs/OPDs or the humanitarian–development sector preferred.  

• Expertise in disability inclusion in livelihoods programming, gender equality, education in Lebanon  

• Strong analytical, facilitation, and writing skills. 

• Fluency in English and Arabic (mandatory). 

7. Management & Reporting 

The researcher will report to Trócaire’s Partnership Programme Manager and coordinate regularly during the inception, data collection, and reporting phases. 

8. Application Process 

Proposals should include the following:  

• The CV of the consultant(s), outlining relevant experience, accomplishments, and contact information of 2 references.  

• A written technical and financial proposal, outlining the proposed content, schedule/work plan and the consultant’s proposed fees (including refreshments for FGDs and KIIs), with justification.  

• Conflict of interest statement: Applicants should state clearly whether they have an actual or potential conflict of interest with the staff, volunteers, and/or board of Trócaire.  

• Detailed proposed work plan.   

• Sample of work