Consultancy: Writing Caritas Lebanon USAID BALADI program Final Report 2012-2019

Background and Context:

Caritas Lebanon is one of the implementing partners of USAID The Building Alliance for Local Advancement, Development and Investment (BALADI) program which seeks to encourage innovation in service delivery by local governments. It sponsors an in-kind competitive grants program in partnership with local NGOs, implementing municipal projects that respond to the governance and economic opportunity and to citizen needs. The BALADI program tests the hypothesis that many municipalities have outstanding leadership, but lack the financial capital to realize their visions. The BALADI program supports local NGO consortia to respond to the needs of communities and develops ideas of municipalities, unions, clusters of municipalities and Mayors (Moukhtars in villages where municipal council is non-existent) in efforts that demonstrate a real commitment to participatory, equitable, and effective decentralized local governance and economic development that expands broad citizen participation; improves reliable and affordable public services; and promotes innovation in the delivery of such services. USAID’s support to Lebanon advances two development objectives: 1) Strengthen Lebanon’s decentralized ability to provide quality, reliable, and equitable services to its citizens, including education, water and sanitation, and good governance; and 2) enhance economic opportunity, protect the environment, and stabilize the country’s poorest areas.

Purpose of the Report:

The final report is one of the donor reporting requirements and it is important to showcase the programmatic and significant achievements of the USAID BALADI program 2012-2019 implemented by Caritas Lebanon.

The report will highlight demonstrable results and how these may have impacted the lives of beneficiaries. Special emphasis will be placed on illustrating Caritas Lebanon added value and specific contribution to the success of program and project activities, including the organization’s work with partners and stakeholders. The report is expected to include achievements, challenges encountered on program and project levels, sustainability, conclusions, lessons learned and overall recommendations.

The consultancy entails in-depth research and writing, and a commitment to deadlines. The Consultant will work closely with the Caritas Lebanon to garner relevant information for the development of the final report.

Description of Responsibilities of the Consultant:

Under the supervision and overall guidance of Caritas Lebanon, the consultant will perform the following tasks:

1. Research, write and edit a 50-60 pages’ text – including charts and graphs, as needed – for the Final Report. The report has to be ready by the mid of January 2020.

2. The consultant will draft an outline based on research, consultations within the Caritas Lebanon to ensure that the content accurately reflects and includes the major results achieved by the program between 2012-2019 and their alignment to Caritas Lebanon agreement with USAID and USAID strategies and policies.

3. The consultant will draft and submit a report to Caritas Lebanon. After the draft text is reviewed by Caritas Lebanon, the consultant will incorporate revisions related to content, design and/or language. The text will adhere to USAID branding and marking standards for language and presentation.

4. The consultant will submit the final report with high quality design. The report should contain graphs, photos, tables drawings among other aspects that will clarify the text. The consultant also need to make sure to reference all ideas, figures or quotes that you take from other sources.

Qualifications and Experience of the Consultant:

Competencies:

Professionalism: Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Good research, analytical and problem-solving skills. Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results.

Communication: Excellent and effective written and oral skills. Ability to present information in a concise and accurate manner, proven ability for preparing comprehensive documents and reports.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by valuing others ideas and expertise and is willing to learn from others.

Planning & Organizing: Ability to work under pressure and uses time efficiently.

Experience: Knowledge of USAID terms, language and style. Previous experience with USAID or other donors in developing similar reports.

Qualifications:

• Extensive writing experience. The consultant should have ability to present high quality reporting derived from findings and putting conclusions and recommendations;
• Country specific knowledge and understanding of Caritas Lebanon and USAID mandates and the organizational context of the program;
• More than 15 years of experience in results-based management, professional project management and monitoring and evaluation;
• Experience in working with projects/programmes in the field of socio-economic development, local governance, gender, environment and infrastructure;
• The Consultant should be proficient in English and Arabic. Strong interpersonal skills, able to communicate and work with diverse people;
• Participate effectively in team-based, information-sharing environment, collaborating and cooperating with others;
• Focus on impact and results of the program.

Time Frame and Fees:

The consultant will work for 30 working days spread out from 1 October 2019 through 15 January 2020. It is noted that due to the nature of the project, there will be periods of time when no actual writing or research will occur because the writer will be waiting for text and design clearances from Caritas Lebanon. Fees will be paid following the acceptance and final submission of the final report by Caritas Lebanon.