Consultancy - Forsa Gender Assessment

Purpose / Project Description: Mercy Corps is preparing a series of quantitative and qualitative assessments to take place during the inception phase of the new FORSA program which aims at reducing inter-communal tensions between Lebanese, Syrians and Palestinians by alleviating competition over livelihoods. The assessments will include a labor market assessment, an organizational capacity assessment of selected TVET, a market assessment of the organic agriculture value chain and a gender assessment. Quantitative surveys will collect data disaggregated by sex and age and will incorporate gender-sensitive questions in their design. Surveys will include data collection around gender-related barriers, vulnerabilities and opportunities in each target location.   The FORSA program seeks to transform gender cultural norms and perceptions into those that favor equitable access for both men and women to economic resources and ultimately greater gender equality in the economic realm. To accomplish this, the gender assessment will take a holistic look at the barriers and vulnerabilities that can limit the ability of men and women to participate in employment as well as the opportunities that can enhance access to employment in the target locations. The gender assessment will emphasize qualitative methods and will investigate gender roles, access to and control of resources, time poverty and mobility issues, decision making power issues, formal and informal rules, legal and cultural restrictions. The combination of qualitative and quantitative data will allow the FORSA to develop a nuanced gender action plan based on assessment findings and ensure our programmatic activities are responsive to gender dynamics.   The assessment – including field visits, analysis, and write-up of findings – should take approximately 30 days of effort. The Consultant should conduct a desk review of relevant research as well as key informant interviews and focus group discussions with stakeholders in the target locations. The Consultant will be responsible for conducting the gender assessment and documenting assessment findings.   Consultant Tasks: The Consultant will: Review tools from other assessments to ensure they are gender sensitive and support in data analysis from a gender perspective (4 days); Conduct a desk review (2 day); Design the assessment tools (2 day); Train assessment teams on gender-sensitive data collection (2 day). Conduct the gender assessment, with a focus on key barriers and opportunities in men and women’s access to employment (10 days). Provide recommendations on strategies to integrate assessment findings into program design, implementation and monitoring based on gender assessment and findings from the labor market assessment (2 days). Write up findings from the gender assessment (5 days). Participate in a joint workshop to discuss findings of all assessments (1 day) Conduct a gender training for FORSA team (2 days)   Key Deliverables: Written summary of desk review; Assessment tools; Written summary of qualitative gender data findings and recommendations for program implementation; Gender assessment report                   Timeframe / Schedule:  The Consultant will commit to an estimated total of 30 working days, starting in January 2017.     The Consultant will report to: FORSA Program Manager.   The Consultant will work closely with: The selected consultant(s) will work closely with the Mercy Corps programme team and will be expected to provide regular feedback to the research throughout the research period. The consultant(s) will work very closely with Mercy Corps staff members of the assessment team.     Profile of the Consultant: BA/S or equivalent in gender studies, social science, international development or other relevant field. Demonstrated skills and experience in designing and engaging in qualitative data collection, analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, and applying gender analysis to data collected. Minimum of five years of field experience, three years as a gender technical specialist Strong written and oral communication skills in English. Arabic skills an asset. Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members. Pre-existing knowledge of gender dynamics in Lebanon strongly preferred.   Application Procedure and Requirements: Candidates interested in the position are expected to provide the following documentation: -       A technical proposal with detailed response to the ToRs, -       Initial work plan based on the methodology outlined; -       A financial proposal detailing the daily rate expected; -       CV including a minimum of 3 references.