National Context Analysis Expert – April 2025

About the project

International Alert Lebanon is implementing the “Enhancing CSOs’ ability to foster social stability in Hasbaya and Southern Baalbeck” project in partnership with Deutsche Gesellschaft für International Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) within the framework of “Strengthening Agriculture, Local Communities and Small and Medium Enterprises (ACE)” programme with the financial support of the German Federal Ministry for economic cooperation and development (BMZ).

The project objective is to improve horizontal social stability in target communities through a greater capacity of CSOs to conduct Gender and Conflict-Sensitive activities that strengthen the community at the local level. In the context of the project, social stability is understood as the state of relationships between different communities and groups. Stable and cohesive societies are characterised by positive interactions, attitudes, and trust between different groups. 

Background and Purpose of the Assignment

Lebanon continues to face complex and rapidly evolving political, economic, and social challenges, deeply rooted in its post-war context. In addition, Lebanon’s geographic location and historical role as a host country for large refugee populations have placed further strains on already fragile public services, infrastructure, and community relations particularly in marginalized and underserved regions. The continued influx of Syrian refugees driven by the prolonged conflict and breakdown of state structures in Syria—has further deepened these challenges, adding complexity to inter-community dynamics and social cohesion efforts.

In this context, local tensions are often shaped by the broader national landscape, where governance challenges, economic deterioration, and identity-based divisions directly influence the dynamics of coexistence and social stability within local communities.

International Alert seeks to commission a National Context Analysis to inform its programming and engagement strategies. This analysis will examine key structural and systemic factors influencing local conflict dynamics, such as governance challenges, economic deterioration, sectarian divisions, and socio-political trends. The study will explore how these national-level dynamics impact social tensions and stability at the local level, particularly in the regions of Hasbaya and Southern Baalbeck. (area between Douris and Temnin )

The analysis will also offer insights into how CSOs can play a proactive role in mitigating conflict and promoting social cohesion, while navigating the complex national landscape. Findings from the analysis will be presented in a learning event bringing together local actors, CSOs, and relevant stakeholders, with the aim of facilitating reflection, knowledge-sharing, and integration of the insights into ongoing conflict resolution and social stability efforts.

The assignment will take place in May and June 2025  and be based in Lebanon.and field work in Baalbeck and Hasbaya

 Objective of the assignment

The main objective of this consultancy is to conduct a comprehensive National Context Analysis of Lebanon, focusing on:

• Identifying key political, economic, and social drivers of conflict at the national level.
• Establishing the linkages between national-level dynamics and local-level tensions within the target regions.
• Providing actionable recommendations for CSOs and other local actors on how to effectively respond to and navigate these challenges within their peacebuilding and social stability initiatives.

 Methodology

The National Context Analysis Expert Consultant is expected to apply a participatory, conflict-sensitive, and gender-sensitive approach in conducting the analysis.

Suggested methodologies include (but are not limited to):

• Desk Review of existing context analyses, research studies, policy documents, and conflict assessments.
• Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with relevant stakeholders including CSOs, local authorities, experts, and community leaders.
• Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) where relevant and feasible.
• Stakeholder mapping and analysis.
• Scenario analysis outlining potential future trends and risks.
• Validation workshop to present preliminary findings and gather feedback with Alert and GIZ and relevant stakeholders

Primary data collection with diverse informants in the target regions is strongly encouraged. Alert will provide existing context analysis reports, internal guidance documents, and support access to stakeholders where possible.

The consultant is expected to propose a more specific and tailored methodology in their inception report, based on their access, knowledge of the target areas, and understanding of the project’s objectives.

Alert will provide existing context analysis reports, internal guidance documents, and support access to stakeholders where possible.

 Timing and Duration

The assignment is expected to be conducted over a period of 6 to 8 weeks starting from May 2025.

Timeline:

Activity

Timeline

Inception Meeting & Work Plan Submission

Week 1

Desk Review & Data Collection

Weeks 2-4

Analysis & Report Drafting

Weeks 5-6

Validation Workshop & Draft and Final Report Submission

Weeks 7-8

Deliverables

The Consultant is expected to deliver the following:

1. Inception Report: outlining the methodology, data collection tools, and work plan.
2. Draft National Context Analysis Report: including findings, analysis, and recommendations.
3. Final National Context Analysis Report: incorporating feedback from Alert and stakeholders.
4. Presentation of findings duringvalidation event.
5. Summary Brief: highlighting key findings and recommendations (for wider dissemination).

All deliverables are to be presented in draft format and at a meeting with Alert and staff, before being finalised. All deliverables and data of the evaluation will be owned by Alert and may be used for both internal and external reporting and communications.

 Support and Resources Provided by Alert

International Alert will provide:

• Relevant internal and external context analysis reports and research studies for review.
• Access to key project documents and guidance materials.
• Support in coordinating interviews and meetings with CSOs .
• Continuous logistical and coordination support  by an experienced Alert staff member throughout the assignment.

 Required Skills and Experience

We are seeking an external consultant to conduct the assignment. The consultant will be accompanied by an Alert staff member from the Lebanon programme, who is highly experienced in analysis approaches and in peacebuilding, conflict, and social stability programming.

Proven expertise in conducting context analysis, preferably in fragile or conflict-affected contexts. Ideally the Consultant will be have the following expertise:

• At last 5 years of experience in working on similar assignments as part of projects with international and national organizations.
• Strong knowledge of Lebanon's political, economic, and social landscape.
• Familiarity with peacebuilding, conflict, and social stability programming.
• Experienced and knowledgeable in the Lebanon context an in the peacebuilding sector.
• Demonstrated experience in applying gender- and conflict-sensitive methodologies.
• Strong analytical, facilitation, and report-writing skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism, including following data protection guidelines.
• Fluency in English and Arabic is required.

The selected consultant will work closely with an experienced member of International Alert's Lebanon programme team, who will provide technical technical and logistical support’

 and ensure alignment with Alert’s approach.