Call For Researcher

Social Leadership Council Search for Common Ground Lebanon is implementing a 12-month project entitled “Social Leadership Council” with funding from the Swiss Embassy. The project aims to stimulate Lebanese private sector engagement in peacebuilding. As part of the project’s research component, SFCG is seeking to contract a researcher to (1) map out private sectors in Lebanon and the Middle East that are engaged in peacebuilding activities and (2) produce three research papers identifying specific opportunities for collaboration between peacebuilding civil society and the private sector. SFCG Lebanon invites all interested and qualified candidates to read the full Terms of Reference and submit a resume and a letter of interest (including a tentative plan and budget), clearly explaining how their experience meets desired qualifications by the 26th of April 2016. To apply, please request the detailed terms of reference by sending an email to zdandach@sfcg.org. Intervention Summary Search for Common Ground is implementing the 12-month Social Leadership Council projectc with the impact goal to stimulate Lebanese private sector engagement in peacebuilding. The project’s theory of change holds that if business leaders and corporations see that it is in their interest and capacity to build peace then they will progressively feel empowered to become agents of peaceful change and will start longer-term planning and investments in peace. To achieve this, the project has the following specific outcomes: 1)       Increased understanding for key stakeholders on how the private sector in Lebanon can contribute to peacebuilding; and 2)       Strengthened working relationships between private sector and peacebuilding actors in Lebanon around shared values. The outcome of this initiative will be the launch of a process whereby the Lebanese private sector – including corporations and wealthy individuals – is able to employ a common ground approach in how they operate, contribute to addressing the challenges in Lebanon, and take on a leadership role in promoting peacebuilding in the country. To achieve this goal, the project will place particular emphasis on building relationships and trust between individuals and groups in the private sector and peacebuilding actors. Research Summary The project’s research component will be implemented over a period of 10 months and will be divided into two main phases. During phase one, the research consultant will conduct an initial assessment, in collaboration with external researchers, on a macro/national level to map out private sector actors engaged in peacebuilding initiatives, to better understand the landscape, identify potential entry-points, and investigate the varying perspectives that different wealth-holders may have of concepts such as philanthropy, CSR and cooperation with civil society. During phase two, the consultant is expected to produce 3 research papers in the sectors of banking, tourism and philanthropy to gauge the potential for results in each of these areas. The research will also look more in depth at the way gender dynamics play a role in these two fields and the potential for collaboration between them. Consultant’s Qualifications SFCG Lebanon seeks an experienced consultant with the following qualifications: ·Proficiency in Arabic and English. · More than 5 years of experience in conducting research projects especially in the areas of peace building, conflict resolution, social impact business practices or any related field. · Understanding of the context in Lebanon and experience in working with international organisations. · Strong experience designing and conducting research. · Strong data collection and data analysis skills, especially in collecting and analysing data from interviews, surveys, FGDs, etc. · Strong communication and writing skills. ·Solid experience in researching the private sector. · Ability to be flexible with time and work schedule. · Attention to detail and ability to meet tight deadlines.