ABAAD/DAN – Research Consultant

PROJECT NAME

Reducing vulnerabilities for refugees and Lebanese host communities and strengthening Lebanese civil society.

ABOUT ABAAD

ABAAD – Resource Center for Gender Equality, is an UN ECOSOC accredited organization that aims to achieve gender equality as an essential condition to sustainable social and economic development in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. ABAAD is a women-led and supported organization that works on three pillars: (a) Direct Services, (b) Capacity building and resource development, and (c) Advocacy and policy reform.  ABAAD, since its establishment in 2011, has been identified as a leading actor on gender equality in the region and as a reliable reference and partner by the local, regional and international entities that promote gender equality, peace building and sustainable development.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The project “Reducing vulnerabilities for refugees and Lebanese host communities and strengthening Lebanese civil society” was designed to increase the resilience and social stability of 120,600 Lebanese and refugee women, men, girls and boys affected by the multifaceted crises in Lebanon in Tripoli, North Lebanon. This was set to be achieved through the following interlinked outcomes: (1) crisis-affected populations in Tripoli and the Beddawi Camp, particularly women and youth, have strengthened agency and improved access to protection and basic services; (2) crisis-affected populations and local actors in Tripoli and the Beddawi Camp are active agents in the promotion of protection, resilience and social stability. This project started on the 1st of March 2021 and will end on the 31st of December 2022.

PURPOSE OF THE CONSULTANCY

The Research Consultant will be working under the Programs Department during the implementation of the mentioned project. The Research Consultant will be responsible for developing a research paper titled “Feminist Movements and their Capacities in Tripoli” that examines how feminist activism and campaigning shifted in Tripoli post 2019, following the uprising and digitalization of civic spaces. The research paper will include the input of the community towards answering pre-set questions that give insight about the overall status of feminist movements and campaigning vis-a-vis the socio-economic factors. As a result of the research paper, it is anticipated that the recommendations highlighted will inform advocacy efforts of ABAAD.

METHODOLOGY

The research consultant is expected to develop a detailed methodology for the research along with the necessary tools, manage the research, and produce a research paper which reflects the realities in Tripoli. The research consultant is expected to:

• Conduct a literature review /desk review on the feminist movement in Tripoli;
• Develop a detailed methodology for the research, including the development of research tools;
• Carry out qualitative research in the form of KIIs with feminist organizations and initiatives to better understand how the context has affected their priorities, funding, sustainability, shift in incentives, short-term vs. long-term plan;
• Analyze the collected data and generate themes;
• Submit drafts of the report to ABAAD team for revisions (the rounds of revisions will not be set ahead of time, and will depend on the quality of the report);
• Develop the final version of the research report; and
• Participate and assist the ABAAD team in developing a dissemination plan for the final paper.

The consultant must ensure compliance with the Core Principles below throughout the development of the development of the paper:  

• A Gender-responsive approach (GRA)
• Inclusiveness
• Do-no-harm
• Accountability

DURATION

The research paper is expected to be completed by October 31, 2022.

EXPECTED DELIVERABLES

• The main reports expected to be delivered include:
  • Inception report prior to start of the research which includes the detailed methodology, work plan, and resources required.
  • Draft reports that provide the determined initial findings.
  • Final report/paper that incorporates all the revisions and comments.
• The report should include detailed description of methodology including data collection tools and strategies, and approach to include core principles as described in the ToR.
• The report and data collection tools should be submitted to ABAAD for approval.
• The consultant shall hold validation workshops with ABAAD throughout the consultancy period.
• A presentation shall be provided upon the completion of the research.
• All raw data collected, interview transcripts, and summaries shall be provided to ABAAD.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Experience  

• At least 5 years of experience in developing research studies
• In-depth knowledge of the Lebanese context with regards to gender equality and feminist activism, specifically within Tripoli
• Ability to work across socio-cultural and religious contexts
• Ability to conduct interviews and focus group discussions
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism, including following data protection guidelines 
• Cultural sensitivity and commitment to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults 
• Strong interpersonal and oral communication skills
• Proficiency in both oral and written English and Arabic

Qualifications

Post graduate degree/s in fields such as Development studies, Social Sciences, gender related studies.