Research Consultant

Foreign Language Groups Research Consultancy Terms of Reference   Background The British Council is implementing a UNHCR (United Nations High Commission for Refugees) funded project entitled Foreign Language Groups (hereafter FLGs). Project Overall Objective FLG’s overall objective is to help ensure that:   vulnerable school‐aged girls and boys (8-18 years) affected by the Syrian crisis are able to stay in education if enrolled; and those not enrolled can secure more opportunities as a result of high quality language instruction provided in safe and protective environments easily available inside refugee communities.   Project Specific Objectives This project seeks to counteract the barrier of foreign language by establishing and training university students (mostly Lebanese) as mentors to run FLGs. These FLGs will target 650 refugee children enrolled at basic education level (cycles 2 and 3).    The aim of these FLGs will be to support Syrian refugee children to learn a foreign language (English or French) in two ways: Firstly, by addressing their attitudes and motivating them towards learning a foreign language; secondly, by providing them with strategies to learn a foreign language. This will result in boosting their ability to access better opportunities to remain in education.   Purpose of the Consultancy   The British Council is seeking a professional Research Consultant to conduct a mapping exercise on:   the status of Syrian out-of-school refugee children in Lebanon; existing research conducted about this group; and completed and current development interventions targeted at this group.   It is anticipated that this consultancy will enable and significantly contribute to the impact of the project.   Expected Results/Description of Responsibilities   The Research Consultant will perform the following activities:   Conducting desk-based research of all relevant project documentation provided by the British Council. Conducting an initial, exploratory literature review of existing research and relevant interventions. Submitting a research proposal to the British Council project for approval. Designing tools and, if required, accompanying guidance to ensure that data requirements specified in the proposal are met. Orienting field staff on research tools and data collection requirements, if required. Planning and implementing the research project. Drafting and writing up the research report in coordination with the British Council.   Timeline and compensation   The FLG project will end by 31 December 2017. The Research Consultant is required to submit the final research report by this date.   Duration of work is 35 days at USD 480 per day all inclusive.   Management   The assignment will be carried out under the overall guidance of the FLG Senior Project Manager based in Beirut, Lebanon.   Technical Competencies and Experience Requirements   Only consultants with the following competencies and experience will be considered:   A minimum of eight years of experience of working with international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) and/or government agencies on monitoring, evaluation and learning, knowledge management or results based management, particularly in the context of socio-economic development programming. Proven experience of working in contexts where access can be restricted and the ability to develop synergies and establish effective working relations within remote partners. A track record in working in the Middle East and North Africa region. Knowledge and understanding of British Council aims and objectives. An education Master’s degree in a field relevant to the assignment (i.e. development studies, statistics, results based management, social sciences, etc.) Strong analytical aptitude and effective interpersonal and communication skills Excellent written and spoken proficiency is required in English, French and Arabic.