Research Consultant

Call for research consultancy applications
on the impact of the Lebanese governance system on public service delivery

INTRODUCTION
NAHNOO invites ‘Expressions of Interest’ from qualified and experienced researchers in Lebanon to assist in and supervise the conduction of a research on the governance system of Lebanon with emphasis on its impact on public service delivery. The research will start as soon as service agreement is signed and continues through December 2016. We are looking for someone with an excellent understanding of Lebanon’s socio-cultural and political dynamics. In particular, we are looking for someone with strong research expertise and experience on governance reform.

BACKGROUND
Twenty years after the end of the civil war, and years of foreign and international aid devoted to various developmental projects in Lebanon, the Lebanese state has mostly failed to put the country back on its feet with regard to the fight against poverty or the delivery of public service. For the past decade the country has been suffering from an unending series of crises, ranging from security threats, recurring political deadlocks, financial collapse, and general failure of government in management and provision of basic public services such as electricity, water, sustainable waste management, or the establishment of public transportation infrastructure. Despite the presence of active and varied civil society actors, the public has been largely unable to hold officials accountable, and the same politicians and officials have kept their offices since the end of the civil war. Moreover, the public has remained mostly ignorant on the governance system and, specifically, decision-making levels on which to engage and hold duty bearers accountable. Against this backdrop, NAHNOO has planned to undertake a comprehensive study on the Lebanese Governance structure and its impact on public service delivery.
The study aims to evaluate the Lebanese governance system, policies and roles drawing from this to initiate a discourse with various stakeholders on reforms in line with good governance to facilitate improvement of service delivery and the promotion of social accountability. The main research findings will then be translated into infographics that will be widely disseminated to the public.
This research is funded by NAHNOO’s project partner, ActionAid Denmark - Arab Regional Initiative (ARI).
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
- To analyze the existing Lebanese governance structures and the policies establishing them, with emphasis on 4 domains (i.e. urban   planning, waste management, water delivery, electricity delivery).- To identify dysfunctions within the existing system and discuss how it’s affecting public service delivery- To suggest governance reforms in line with good governance principles

METHODOLOGY
The research will consist of the following phases:1. Desk Review: review of literature, especially official documents, government records, and international and open-source                materials.2. Field research: interviews with relevant stakeholders including officials, academics, civil society actors, etc.3. Four round tables will be organized with civil society stakeholders and academics to conduct an in-depth discussion on possible          reforms.
NAHNOO staff will be responsible for implementing and developing most of the research under the guidance & supervision of the research consultant.

DURATION
The project is to be completed by December 2016 including a final research report and an infographic booklet.

TERMS
The consultant will:- Suggest research direction and identify high-value literature- Coach NAHNOO in conducting research- Oversee & review research progress
Consultancy fees will be disclosed by NAHNOO upon receiving the candidate’s application and deciding to pursue an interview with him/her.

RESEARCH CONSULTANT PROFILE
- Strong knowledge of the Lebanese context, especially the political and social environment and issues.- Strong research and analytical skills.- Excellent English & Arabic language writing skills.- Is available to meet regularly with NAHNOO (on flexible basis, to be discussed).

HOW TO APPLY
Please e-mail i) a CV and ii) expression of interest (including how the required researcher profile qualities are met) to NAHNOO by April 12th, 2016.
Contact details:Office landline: 01-280-474
1Call for research consultancy applicationson the impact of the Lebanese governance system on public service deliveryThis document lays down the Terms of Reference of NAHNOO’s call for consultant and does not constitute a binding contract.IntroductionNAHNOO invites ‘Expressions of Interest’ from qualified and experienced researchers in Lebanon to assist in and supervise the conduction of a research on the governance system of Lebanon with emphasis on its impact on public service delivery. The research will start as soon as service agreement is signed and continues through December 2016. We are looking for someone with an excellent understanding of Lebanon’s socio-cultural and political dynamics. In particular, we are looking for someone with strong research expertise and experience on governance reform.Background Twenty years after the end of the civil war, and years of foreign and international aid devoted to various developmental projects in Lebanon, the Lebanese state has mostly failed to put the country back on its feet with regard to the fight against poverty or the delivery of public service. For the past decade the country has been suffering from an unending series of crises, ranging from security threats, recurring political deadlocks, financial collapse, and general failure of government in management and provision of basic public services such as electricity, water, sustainable waste management, or the establishment of public transportation infrastructure. Despite the presence of active and varied civil society actors, the public has been largely unable to hold officials accountable, and the same politicians and officials have kept their offices since the end of the civil war. Moreover, the public has remained mostly ignorant on the governance system and, specifically, decision-making levels on which to engage and hold duty bearers accountable. Against this backdrop, NAHNOO has planned to undertake a comprehensive study on the Lebanese Governance structure and its impact on public service delivery. The study aims to evaluate the Lebanese2governance system, policies and roles drawing from this to initiate a discourse with various stakeholders on reforms in line with good governance to facilitate improvement of service delivery and the promotion of social accountability. The main research findings will then be translated into infographics that will be widely disseminated to the public. This research is funded by NAHNOO’s project partner, ActionAid Denmark - Arab Regional Initiative (ARI).Specific objectives To analyze the existing Lebanese governance structures and the policies establishing them, with emphasis on 4 domains (i.e. urban planning, waste management, water delivery, electricity delivery). To identify dysfunctions within the existing system and discuss how it’s affecting public service delivery To suggest governance reforms in line with good governance principlesMethodologyThe research will consist of the following phases:1. Desk Review: review of literature, especially official documents, government records, and international and open-source materials.2. Field research: interviews with relevant stakeholders including officials, academics, civil society actors, etc.3. Four round tables will be organized with civil society stakeholders and academics to conduct an in-depth discussion on possible reforms.NAHNOO staff will be responsible for implementing and developing most of the research under the guidance & supervision of the research consultant.DurationThe project is to be completed by December 2016 including a final research report and an infographic booklet.3TermsThe consultant will:- Suggest research direction and identify high-value literature- Coach NAHNOO in conducting research- Oversee & review research progressConsultancy fees will be disclosed by NAHNOO upon receiving the candidate’s application and deciding to pursue an interview with him/her.Research Consultant’s profile- Strong knowledge of the Lebanese context, especially the political and social environment and issues.- Strong research and analytical skills.- Excellent English & Arabic language writing skills.- Is available to meet regularly with NAHNOO (on flexible basis, to be discussed).How to applyPlease e-mail i) a CV and ii) expression of interest (including how the required researcher profile qualities are met) to NAHNOO by April 9th, 2016.Contact details:Office landline: 01-280-474