Lead Researcher

- Background:

The Inception Report will map out where we are, what is wanted, and what is possible regarding the institutionalization of Beit Beirut as a civic and cultural space. It aims to define feasible, sustainable, and participatory pathways toward establishing Beit Beirut as a public institution that embodies memory, healing, and urban citizenship.

The process is launched by the Lebanese Association for History, a Lebanese NGO that aims to foster a healed coexistence in Lebanon through history teaching, and in support of civil society’s Hkeeli initiative that has reopened Beit Beirut since April 2025 in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the civil war.   

This Inception Report process will be highly participatory, engaging diverse stakeholders including the Municipality of Beirut, civil society representatives, educators, cultural actors, and urbanists.

This process will be highly participatory, engaging diverse stakeholders including the Municipality of Beirut, civil society representatives, educators, cultural actors, and urbanists. This consultancy focuses solely on producing the Inception Report and developing a roadmap, which will map the current context, gather stakeholder perspectives, and assess feasible pathways for institutionalizing Beit Beirut. While the report and roadmap inform the long-term vision of Beit Beirut as a civic and cultural institution, the consultancy does not implement or establish the institution itself.

- Purpose of the Consultancy:

The Lead Researcher will be responsible for designing, coordinating, and producing the Inception Report, in collaboration with the Inception Report Team, which consists of representatives from each partner organization involved in the project, including LAH, the Hkeeli Executive Committee, and the Swiss Embassy in Lebanon (PHRD representative). Role of the Team: • Support the Lead Researcher in the design, methodology, and execution of the Inception Report. • Provide feedback on drafts, preliminary findings, and recommendations. • Ensure that the report reflects diverse stakeholder perspectives and is aligned with the project’s long-term vision. • Facilitate connections with stakeholders, resources, and relevant data. In short, this team acts as a supervisory and advisory body to guide the Lead Researcher, while the researcher is responsible for executing the research, analysis, and report drafting. The researcher will ensure that the report is evidence-based, inclusive, and aligned with the project’s long-term vision for institutionalizing Beit Beirut as a civic institution for memory and dialogue.

- Objectives of the Inception Report:

The report will be structured around three core axes:

3. Objectives of the Inception Report The report will be structured around three core axes:

1. Where We Are – Mapping existing efforts, initiatives, and institutional arrangements related to Beit Beirut, including past proposals, committees, archival material, and relevant legal frameworks.

2. What Is Wanted – Documenting the expectations, hopes, and priorities of diverse stakeholders through consultations, interviews, and participatory dialogues, and defining the legal identity of the institution.

3. What Is Possible – Assessing feasible institutional models and pathways, including legal, political, administrative, and cultural considerations, to guide the sustainable institutionalization of Beit Beirut.

- Scope of Work and Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of LAH and in collaboration with the Executive committee of Beit Beirut and the PHRD, the Lead Researcher will:

✓ Research and Mapping:

• Conduct research and literature review on Beit Beirut’s institutional history, relevant legal frameworks, and comparable models.

• Compile an inventory of existing archives, documents, and previous initiatives related to Beit Beirut.

• Identify key stakeholders and institutions relevant to the institutionalization process.

✓ Stakeholder Consultation:

• Design and facilitate a participatory consultation process involving civil society, municipality officials, educators, artists, urbanists, youth and any relevant stakeholders.

• Consult with LAH, the Hkeeli Executive Committee, the PHRD, and other stakeholders to get their input and visions.

• Document diverse and potentially divergent views.

✓ Analytical and Writing Tasks:

• Analyze collected data to identify opportunities, challenges, and feasible institutional pathways.

• Draft the Inception Report in coordination with the Inception Report Team.

✓ Coordination and Participation :

• Participate in regular coordination meetings with the report team.

• Contribute to discussions with the Hkeeli Executive Committee to ensure alignment with the broader project’s goals.

- Deliverables and Timeline:

Deliverable Description Tentative Deadline Onboarding Recruitment and finalization of contract December 2025

Work Plan, Methodology, and Literature Review Detailed outline of research approach, data collection tools, and timeline January 2026

Stakeholder Mapping & Consultation Plan List and engagement strategy for all stakeholders February- April 2026

Preliminary Findings Report Summary of key insights from mapping and consultations May 2026 Data collection plan

Data collection toolkit development and validation May 2026

Data collection Field research and data collaction May- July 2026

Draft Inception Report Full draft organized around the three core axes August 2026

Final Inception Report Revised version incorporating all feedback August 2026

- Institutional Arrangement:

The Lead Researcher will work under the overall supervision of LAH and in close coordination with the Inception Report Team, which includes one representative from each partner: LAH, Hkeeli, and the Swiss Embassy in Lebanon.

This consultancy is open to both individual applicants and teams/organizations:

• Individual Applicants:

A single Lead Researcher may apply and, upon selection, will work closely with LAH to identify, recruit, and supervise any additional support needed for the assignment, such as junior researchers, research assistants, experts, or facilitators. Any additional hires will be agreed upon jointly with LAH.

• Teams, Firms, or Organizations:

Applicants may also apply as a group, consultancy firm, or organization. In this case, the applicant should propose a complete team structure - identifying the Lead Researcher and other team members (e.g., junior researchers, experts, facilitators) who will collectively implement the consultancy. The team will work as a unit and coordinate closely with LAH and the Inception Report Team throughout the process.