Poverty, Inequality & Social Protection In Lebanon Research Project

Terms of Reference for Field Researchers Poverty, inequality & social protection in Lebanon Research Project Oxfam is looking for 6 field researchers to collect field based data to inform the study mentioned above. The research will take place in 3 areas, the North (Tripoli and Akkar), North Beqaa and Southern Beirut. The research will take place over 2 weeks (includes training days -Estimated dates of the field research will be 23rd of June to the 3rd of July). During data collection, researchers will be based in their designated area. Research will include: -Key informant interviews -Household interviews -Focus group discussions The number of interviews per day will be agreed with the lead researcher. Interview questionnaires will be provided. Interviewees may include municipal workers, community leaders, poor households, households with special needs, Social Development Centre (SDC) social workers and SDC beneficiaries, National Poverty Targeting Programme (NPTP) employees and beneficiaries, and other people and organizations as decided. Specific tasks will include: -Attendance of training sessions -A clear and concise write up of each interview. Extra time may be needed outside of the research days in order to clarify any points with the lead researcher. -Debrief with researchers    We are looking for individuals with the following experience: Experience conducting field research in the areas of social justice, poverty and social protection Good knowledge and extensive practice applying participatory approaches and qualitative methods to conduct research Excellent ability to process and analyse qualitative information collected from the field and write up the analysis Excellent writing skills in English Knowledge of the household economy approach to food security and livelihoods is a plus   Oxfam considers social protection a key component of any attempt to reduce inequality by redistributing wealth as well as a safety net to prevent people falling below a certain poverty and livelihood threshold during shocks. It is also an important component in building resilience due to its focus on the very poorest as well as the transitory poor – ie those who have seen their purchasing power reduce or are facing unemployment as a direct consequence of the current Syrian crisis and resultant economic impacts within Lebanon. It ensures that predictable support for the very poorest is available over the long term and can scale up during shocks to support vulnerability as well as the chronically poor. Depending on the modalities, it also focuses on government-owned systems which are accountable to citizens.   Given the distinct characteristics of the target population – ie, the poorest of the poor – it reflects a crucial complementary layer to wider development programming to ensure that all people are included in any economic development, guaranteeing as it does the provision of basic income for those without economic capabilities.   In recognition of the growing scale of poverty in Lebanon, in addition to the increasing importance of responding to the concerns of vulnerable Lebanese populations alongside those of Syrian and Palestinian populations, Oxfam is seeking to develop programmatic and policy initiatives to promote greater social protection and other relevant steps to addressing chronic poverty and inequality in Lebanon. As such, we are planning to undertake research covering three distinct stages.   -          Understanding the primary poverty patterns and key drivers of inequality in Lebanon, including the impacts of the Syria crisis   -          3-4 case studies reflecting the nature of poverty across different Lebanese communities   -          Analysis of existing policies, structures and systems/practices that affect redistribution of wealth and poverty/inequality in Lebanon   -          Policy and programmatic recommendations for Oxfam going forward with a view to improving policy and practice affecting poverty within Lebanon