Researcher (Consultancy) - Beirut

Context: Migrant Domestic Workers (MDWs) are facing particular protection risks in Lebanon and the region. Causes include, but are not exclusive to, the absence of a law regulating the working relation between the MDW and their employers, the exclusion of MDWs from the Lebanese labour law, the restrictive and inhumane sponsorship system, and racist perceptions among the Lebanese population. The consortium of NGOs (Amel International, Anti-Racism Movement, Caritas Lebanon Migrant Center, Insan Association, and Kafa (enough) Violence & Exploitation – henceforth referred to as “the Consortium Members”) have chosen to implement a second campaign to challenge the existing sponsorship system for Migrant Domestic Workers, with a specific focus on the right to quit/alternatives to detention. The objectives of the campaign are as follows: -       To inform the public about the sponsorship system, specifically of the inability of MDWs to quit their jobs without documented evidence of severe abuse or exploitation; -       To gain the public’s support when advocating for change of the sponsorship system in general; -       To pressure decision makers (especially the Ministry of Labour) to begin amending or replacing the sponsorship system. For this reason, we seek to hire a consultancy team (preferably) or an individual consultant to evaluate past campaigns for change, assess different strategies, and suggest our next campaign strategy and plan based on best practices identified, in order to create a high-impact media campaign.   Project output 1: Evaluation of past campaigns for change (specifically, directly related issues including but not limited to: social justice, discrimination, human rights) 1.1  Identification of indicators to evaluate the impact of media campaigns in creating change; 1.2  Identification and implementation of research methods; 1.3  Assessment of past campaigns in Lebanon and the region in terms of impact on public opinion and public policy; 1.4  Assessment of past campaigns done by the consortium members. Project output 2: Comparative analysis of strategies 2.1   Selection and in-depth analysis of different relevant high-impact campaign strategies used internationally to push for change; 2.2  Selection and in-depth analysis of different relevant high-impact campaign strategies used in Lebanon and (similar regional contexts) to push for change; Project output 3: Identification of best practices and suggested implementation for The Consortium’s specific situation. 3.1 Identification of successful elements of local and international campaigns; 3.2 Identification of essential elements and strategies relevant to the Lebanese context and the issue at hand; 3.3 Recommendations of specific campaign strategies and steps for successful implementation (in collaboration with the consortium members); 3.4 Planning the consortium’s next media campaign (topic: MDWs right to quit OR alternatives to detention in Lebanon), outlining detailed plan for implementation; 3.5 Establishment of a template for the consortium members’ future campaign planning and evaluation. Campaigns to be evaluated will be chosen based on the Consortium Members’ selection and consultant’s recommendations. Specific responsibilities: -       To review documents related to the sponsorship system -       To discuss and refine the goal and objectives with consortium members -       Presenting recommendations for methodology -       Data collection and analysis according to agreed-upon criteria and indicators -       Presentation of statistically significant quantitative and qualitative findings -       Presentation and in-depth explanation of successful campaign strategies for change -       Working on a very detailed campaign plan with consortium members for the next media campaign -       Presentation of a workable template or toolkit, based on identified best practices, whose aim is higher impact of future campaigns Methodology: -       Initial brainstorming meeting(s) with consortium members -       Regular follow-up meetings with a designated committee made up of representatives of the consortium -       Methodology of research will be discussed and decided upon after the initial meeting and the recommendations of the consultant Deliverables: -          Interim report including proposed methodology and work plan covering all activities described above -          All materials related to methodology used (survey questionnaire, focus group questions and reports, etc) -          Bi-weekly progress report -          Final report/research paper outlining the findings (to be potentially published?) -          Campaign toolkit tailor-made for social change campaigns All reports shall be written in English. The questionnaires and focus groups, however, shall be mostly in Arabic. Timeframe: 3 months, starting ASAP Qualification and skills: -          A university degree in Sociology, Social Psychology, Human Rights, Communications or related fields -          Knowledge of media campaigns in Lebanon -          Demonstrated experience in conducting perception surveys/assessments/studies -          Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing communication action plans -          Experience in similar projects is an asset -          Knowledge of the plight of migrant workers in Lebanon and the region is an asset -          Knowledge of the local and regional social, economic, and political context is essential -          Excellent command of written and spoken Arabic and English is essential -          Experience in working with a heterogeneous client team is an asset Competencies: -          Impartiality in conducting the study -          Shares knowledge and experience -          Makes valuable practice contributions -          Responds positively to feedback -          Flexible -          Positive work ethic -          Excellent communication skills: writes and speaks clearly and convincingly -          Substantive and interpersonal networking capacity To apply: Individuals, teams, and organizations are welcome to apply. To apply, please send work sample of similar work, a draft proposal, and resume (if applicable).