Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Expert

Project context

The Lebanese Environment Forum (LEF), in partnership with the University of Balamand, and funded by the European Union, is leading a project with the specific objective: The establishment of an effective MPAs network in Lebanon’s EEZ is enhanced for the protection of Lebanon’s coastal and marine biodiversity and ecosystems through a national non-state actors advocacy campaign supported by science-based evidence.

The sub-objectives of the project are:

1. A national non-state actors’ advocacy campaign to establish an MPAs network has been strengthened through the provision of adequate science-based evidence.
2. Lebanon’s official “Marine Protected Areas Strategy” implementation has been enhanced.
3. The two draft laws, “integrated coastal zone management” and “fishing law”, necessary for the effective management of MPAs have been passed by the Parliament.

The main outputs of the project are:

Available adequate datasets, robust scientific evidence, analytical work and high-quality scientific studies are analyzed for the establishment of an MPAs network in order to improve the quality of legislation and the quality of dialogue between State’s Institutions and Non-State Actors.

Non-state actors involved in the protection of coastal and marine biodiversity and ecosystems are adequately trained and their capacity is increased on the use of science and evidence for the establishment, management and sustainability of an MPAs network.

An effective MPAs network advocacy campaign to influence national and sub-national policies and regulations has been developed and implemented over the course of the project.

Mission’s objectives and tasks

LEF is seeking the services of a qualified environmental and social Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) expert to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the project for Conducting an evidence-based national Non-State Actors Campaign on Marine Protected Areas Network.

Objectives of the mission

• Conduct a thorough monitoring and evaluation of the project's implementation, outputs, outcomes, and impact.
• Produce an evaluation report highlighting key findings, recommendations, and lessons learned.
• Assist in the development and publication of a case study documenting best practices and experiences in using evidence and science for policy advocacy and regulation development.

Key Deliverables and outputs

The M&E expert will be working closely with LEF and IOE/UOB teams to produce:

• Inception report detailing the proposed methodology (including Key Performance Indicators and their relevant tracking table), data collection tools, and work plan.
• Draft evaluation report presenting preliminary findings, analysis, and recommendations.
• Final evaluation report incorporating feedback and revisions, including an executive summary and annexes.
• Case study document on the use of evidence and science in policy making with best practices, lessons learned, and recommendations for knowledge sharing and replication.

 Scope of Work:

The M&E expert will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Design and implement data collection tools and methodologies to gather quantitative and qualitative data on project activities and outcomes. Conduct field visits, interviews, focus group discussions, and surveys with project stakeholders, partners, and beneficiaries.
• Analyse collected data to assess project progress, outputs, outcomes, challenges, and impact based on project documents including proposal, work plans, monitoring frameworks, and reports in coordination with the Program Coordinator.
• Evaluate the impact of the project on the use of science in advocacy for the short term.
• Develop a final evaluation report outlining final key findings, lessons learned, and recommendations for future interventions.
• Collaborate with LEF and UOB project team members to produce a case study highlighting successful strategies, innovative approaches, and lessons learned on the use of evidence and science in policy making and regulation development by non-state actors, especially in policy advocacy campaigns.

Requested Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Legislation and Policy, or any related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience conducting M&E activities for projects related environmental management, environmental legislation and policy, environmental advocacy, or similar areas.
• Strong analytical skills and expertise in qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods.
• Excellent writing, and communication skills in English and Arabic, with the ability to produce high-quality reports and case studies in both languages.
• Hands-on experience in conducting field assessments, data collection and analysis in the field of environment.
• Familiarity with the use of evidence and science in policy-making and advocacy campaigns by non-state actors is a plus.
• Prior experience working with NGOs or civil society organizations is an asset.
• Proficiency in the use Microsoft Office tools (MS Word, Excel)

Timeframe

From the signing of the contract, the evaluation will have to be carried out within 12 months, including research, analysis and submission of deliverables according to the following duration:

Date of start-up: 1 January 2025

Foreseen finishing date: 31 December 2025

Submission

Interested candidates are requested to submit their CV, a cover letter addressing the professional expertise and qualifications as listed in the requirements above, and a sample of a previous evaluation report or case study (if available) by email to: news@lbeforum.org indicating in the subject: M&E Expert–for MPAs Network Project.

Deadline for submission: 22nd of December 2024

Disclaimer

The sole responsibility of this publication lies with the author. The European Union is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein