Infrastructure Consultant

BACKGROUND Palestinian Refugees living in Lebanon continue to live in shelters in need of urgent rehabilitation.  These needs have now been clearly identified and NRC is working with other partners including the UN to improve the conditions so that Palestinians can have their basic human right to adequate and safe Shelter. In Lebanon there are 222,000 refugees who live within the 12 official camps.  In addition to the camps, there are 40 000 refugees living in 43 recognised gatherings across Lebanon. For those in the gatherings, UNRWA does not have a mandate to provide support for the infrastructure, including shelter.  Inhabitants can access other services such as education, health and non food items but for shelter there is no support.  In 2009, NRC with funds from the European Commission undertook a comprehensive assessment of all the shelters.  The results are that there are 897 houses with Urgent Shelter Needs (USN) across the whole country.  As UNRWA does not have a mandate to intervene there is need for NGOs to address the chronic shelter conditions. There are 12 gatherings in the Tyr and Saida Kadaas (south of Sarafand) with a total population estimated to be 10,857 Some gatherings have more extensive needs than others, but most needs revolve around rehabilitation of houses and improvement of infrastructure. Issues on health, education, social services, and recreational activities vary within gatherings. The majority of residents in the gatherings are employed as daily workers in the agricultural sector.  This seasonal work is lowly paid and so many do not have the financial resources available to upgrade their houses. OBJECTIVES The main objectives for the consultancy: 1-Comprehensive understanding of the infrastructure situation in Palestinian gatherings in South Lebanon especially WASH 2-Identify infrastructural needs in gatherings including specific problematic issues faced by gatherings dwellers 3-Make recommendation for assistance that NRC may provide in future programming by compiling and presenting information TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1-Design the assessment methodology 2-Carrying out research and data collection to understand the Gatherings infrastructure situation 3-Conducting analysis and identifying issues of the existing structures 4-Interviewing, meeting and running Focus Group Discussions and key informant interviews with relevant stakeholders (Popular Committees, International and Local Organizations, Dwellers, etc...) 5-Prepare report summarizing the process, findings and recommendations to NRC and 6-Assist in preparing concept notes for future projects proposal QUALIFICATIONS 1-Analytical skills 2-Qualitative research skills 3-Excellent interpersonal skills 4-Excellent oral and written English communication skills 5-Self-motivated 6-Proficient in data management analysis and software PROGRESS PLAN Progress plan with milestones and delivery dates Delivery dates: Milestones: 15 July 2014 Prepare and provide NRC with plan and timeline of the study Prepare and provide NRC with contents page of draft report for approval by NRC 10 August 2014 Prepare draft report according to the approved page of contents. 31 August 2014 Provide NRC with final report ADDITIONAL INFORMATION NRC will provide initial briefing, information and relevant documents about gatherings and previous interventions NRC will provide office space and transportation to and from the sites The written report of the consultant will be sent out in English ENQUIRIES All enquiries regarding this agreement shall be directed to:   For the Consultant: For the NRC: Name:     Position:     Telephone:     E-mail:                                                                                                                                         Place: ___________________________   Date: ________________________