Data Collection Consultant

  Data Collection for a baseline assessment: Mainstreaming conflict sensitivity in health care centers and fostering inter-community relations in Lebanon Background and Rationale Since the beginning of the crisis in Syria in 2011, the influx of Syrian refugee has led to an increase pressure on local resources and imposed new challenges for host communities and local authorities.  Lebanon scores the highest number of Syrian refugees in the region. As the Syrian crisis continues to grow, tensions are being observed Between the Syrian refugees and the host communities. Different sectors are being affected by the crisis: health, economy, social and education. Political issues, lack of access to quality basic services, insecurity are some of the issues highlighted by the host communities. These various components are tending to create feelings of insecurity for both communities (Syrian and Lebanese), and are affecting the intra-community social cohesion. The Syrian crisis is not only having impact on vulnerable Lebanese but also on national authorities and humanitarian actors. In fact, the staff of health care centers have been overwhelmed and stressed by the increasing load of patients and the new crisis situations they had to face within the centres. International Alert  and in partnership with Amel have designed a project - funded by AFD- in Mount Lebanon, Bekaa and South of Lebanon aiming at decreasing tension and integrating trust-building between both communities through improving conflict sensitivity in health services. A six-month pilot phase was implemented using the dialogue-based awareness sessions. It mainly consisted of the following activities; developing a nursing curriculum, trainings for medical staffs in the health centers and vulnerable groups within local communities about communication skills, stress management , conflict resolution and dialogue. The current 18-month project aims at contributing to the prevention of cross-community tensions and enhancing social cohesion within Lebanon through improving access to health services for the most vulnerable people and enhancing inter-community relations. The main activities are training sessions for social workers, developing a nursing manual chapter on conflict sensitive care, and conducting dialogue based awareness raising sessions aiming at building trust between the refugees and the host communities. Assessment Purpose and Lines of Enquiry The baseline assessment aims to inform the project implementation and provide a basis for evaluating the impact of the project. Its overall objective is to provide data and an evidence-based analysis of the current situation in the target areas related to the level of inter-community tensions and their sources, the key concerns related to social stability, and the role of healthcare providers in enhancing social stability.  The assessment will be conducted in 3 selected governorates; Mount Lebanon, Bekaa and South Lebanon respectively. Overview of objectives and tasks to be achieved The Data Collection consultant will work closely with Alert staff and in collaboration with our local partner. He/ she will be responsible for data collection using a dynamic and a participatory approach with stakeholders and end beneficiaries. With input from Alert, the consultant will analyze the collected data and participate in reflection on the opportunities for strengthening social stability.  The objectives of this assessment is to collect baseline data and provide information base about social stability, against which we will be able to monitor and assess the project impact and effectiveness.  Monitoring will be conducted during implementation and a final evaluation will be commissioned after the activities are completed. The selected consultant should be able to produce the following deliverables: Technical advice on the overall baseline assessment and methodology: The consultant will review and provide feedback on the proposed assessment scope and methodology developed by Alert. Support the development and testing of interview guide and survey questionnaire: Alert will draft interview guides and survey questionnaires. The consultant will revise them to facilitate their finalisation and test them with respondents. The consultant is expected to discuss the draft tools with Alert and finalise the tools after the testing. Lead on research sample identification and data collection (through questionnaires, key informant interviews and focused group discussions). He/she will collect data in three locations, one in each of the three governorates. Key informant interviews will include head of municipality, key community leaders, social workers and related organizations. Lead analysis of data: The consultant will share the raw data and basic analysis with Alert then he/she will analyse this data and present a summary of the initial findings. Consultant will be responsible for the safe and secure storage and treatment of this data. Present and discuss findings: The consultant will present and discuss the research with Alert staff in consultative meetings in order to refine ideas for recommendations. The consultant will develop a final report bringing together the findings from the literature, quantitative data and qualitative analysis to prepare a first draft report including recommendations. Tasks List Tasks Desk review Development of interview guide Development of survey questionnaire Development of closed-questions through Focused group discussions Pilot testing of tools Data collection (interviews, surveys, FGDs) Data entry Data analysis Report Presentation and discussion with Alert Qualifications § University degree in social sciences or relevant fields § At least three years of experience in interviewing vulnerable populations, with familiarity for standards of ethical conduct in research settings  § Strong inter-personal communication skills § Excellent skills in research and data collection § Ability to work both independently and as part of a team § Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism § Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines § Prior experience working in the field of peacebuilding and understanding conflict in Lebanon is a strong plus Experience required: At least three years of experience in interviewing vulnerable populations, with familiarity for standards of ethical conduct in research settings  Education degree: Bachelor Degree  Field of education: University degree in social sciences or related fields