Terms Of Reference – Field Researcher

Program Background Search for Common Ground Lebanon (Search Lebanon) is seeking a highly-qualified Field Researcher to support an ongoing research initiative, Strengthening Resilience in the Middle East and North Africa, which is currently implementing a study in Morocco, Lebanon, and Tunisia to assess how community resilience can serve as a protective factor against radicalization. The Tripoli Field Researcher will work as part of a highly dynamic research team and will report to the Lead Researcher (based in Morocco) and the Research Analyst (based in Lebanon) under the supervision of the Morocco Country Director.   Organizational Background Search for Common Ground was founded in 1982, and is the largest dedicated international non-governmental organization, working in the field of conflict transformation in 36 countries world-wide. SFCG first worked in Lebanon in 1996, and we opened up our office in Beirut in 2008. The issues we address are multiple, such as conflicts arising within Lebanon's diverse society, tensions resulting from the increasing influx of Syrian refugees, security sector reform, as well as women’s socio-economic empowerment. In each project we seek to engage all stakeholders and strengthen local capacities in order to create sustainable change and increase social cohesion. Main Responsibilities  The main responsibilities of the Tripoli Field Researcher will include: Serve as lead facilitator and/or detailed field researchers during the data collection phase of the project, depending on the specific needs of the data collection team. Ø  Lead facilitators will be responsible for convening and leading focus group discussions and interviews in local Arabic dialect, using previously developed data collection tools to obtain complete responses to all questions. Follow up questions may be asked as necessary to obtain relevant and complete information. Ø  Field researchers will be responsible for capturing detailed and accurate documentation of focus group discussions and interviews in English, translating from Arabic to English in real time. The field researchers are thus the point person for all qualitative data obtained during the data collection phase. Field researchers will also be responsible for all preliminary arrangements, including reserving spaces for the interviews and discussions, building a network of contacts according to previously developed selection criteria, and scheduling them. Ensure high-quality and timely translation of data collection notes from Arabic to English.  Collaborate with the data collection team to ensure the overall success of the events and the production of high quality outputs. Provide local CSO and individual contacts and technical advisory on the context in the specific target cities, ensuring that the intervention is contextually relevant and that all Do No Harm precautions are taken when dealing with local stakeholders. Execute all activities with highest regard for research ethics, duty of care, and risk management. Specifically, the Field Researcher will: 1.     Provide high quality facilitation and/or notetaking for 7 focus groups with youth and CSOs and 23 key informant interviews with local experts in Tripoli over the course of June and July, 2017. 2.     Attend all mandatory data collection briefings and trainings by the Lead Researcher. 3.     Oversee the production of high-quality qualitative data documentation as outputs of the focus group discussions and key informant interviews. 4.     Assist the data collection team with the production of a brief activity report for each event, as needed.  Outputs In liaison with the research team & Lebanon local projects team, the field coordinator will be required to produce the following throughout the duration of the project: One detailed set of notes (in English) for each data collection event (30 sets of notes in total) submitted on time to the lead researcher. Contribution to brief activity reports for each data collection event (30 reports) as needed. Position Requirements Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in sociology, international affairs, political science, or related field. Previous experience in academic or professional research initiatives, field experience preferred. In-depth knowledge of local context and stakeholders of target communities in Tripoli city: Jabal Mohsen, Wadi Nahle, Badawi, Makoubin, Kobbe, Mina, Bab al-Tebbaneh. Written and spoken fluency in Arabic and English; spoken fluency in local community’s dialect strongly preferred. Strong attention to detail, ability to adhere to tight deadlines, and ability to adapt to rapidly changing situations is essential. Location, timing and duration of assignment The Consultant will work from his personal office. The consultancy will involve some travel throughout Lebanon in the specific communities of Tripoli city: Jabal Mohsen, Wadi Nahle, Badawi, Makoubin, Kobbe, Mina, Bab al-Tebbaneh. Costs of any consultancy-related travel and expenses to be agreed and claimed separately.   The Field Researcher will be contracted for a total of 16 days beginning after June 1, 2017 and concluding July 31, 2017. The Field Researcher will be required to submit weekly timesheets to the Program Manager.