Call for Expression of Interest : Environmental Research Expert/Consultant

Background

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH provides services in the fields of international cooperation for sustainable development and international education, working around the world to shape a future worth living. As a federal enterprise, GIZ supports the German Government in achieving its objectives in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development.

The Civil Peace Service Program of GIZ in Lebanon is seeking to commission a researcher to conduct a 4-months situation analysis on up to 4 dam projects among the following: Brissa, Balaa, Mseilha, and Janna. The study will aim to provide a credible impact assessment that takes into consideration the costs and benefits, potential risks and conflicts for the local communities (affected by the construction) of the dam projects from a social, environmental and economic perspective as well as investigate the local social and power dynamics surrounding its implementation. It further aims to identify potential local stakeholders and community based organizations working on the nexus of environmental protection, social cohesion and conflict transformation as well as on the municipality level for potential cooperation. The methodology will include a desk review, archival research, and interviews with local and national stakeholders (i.e. concerned municipalities, citizens, activists, officials). 

Tasks to be delivered 

The following tasks are to take place as scheduled below:

• Facilitating an inception meeting with the project team to finalize the study’s objectives and action plan. 
• Producing a brief conceptual and methodological framework for the study. 
• Identification, request, collection, and review of available background and projects documentation.
• Identify and conduct key informant interviews and potential focus group discussions with the relevant stakeholders.
• Producing a final research report in English including:  

• A review of the policy context for the up to 4 dam projects  

• A description of the conceptual and methodological approach 

• A cost-benefit analysis of 2-4 dams 
• A stakeholders’ analysis map, including the identified challenges from their perspectives
• An analysis of 
  • • a) the potential risks, threats and challenges for the affected communities
    • b) points of tension, power dynamics and conflict lines amongst the identified stakeholders
    • c) examples for participatory and non-participatory decision-making processes surrounding the implementation of the projects
    • d) examples for local stakeholders and community-based organizations working on the nexus of environmental protection/resource conflicts, social cohesion and conflict transformation as well as on the municipality level for potential entry points and cooperation
• Policy Recommendations regarding the environmental, economic and social implications of the projects (local, and macro-level).

Preparation and implementation of the research report within the above mentioned time span

Qualifications and skills 

A minimum of MA in hydro-geological studies or equivilent 

Demonstrated previous experience in drafting policy analysis papers

Fluency in Arabic language

Fluency in English language

Proficient in use of MS Office (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook) or equivalent application

Knowledge in the field of conflict resolution and community activism