Policy Researcher

 Project Background 

Women Empowered for Leadership (WE4L) is a five-year programme (2016-2020) managed by Hivos and implemented together with local partners in Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Jordan and Lebanon. Women Empowered for Leadership believes in a world with fair, just and inclusive societies that offer equal rights and opportunities to all people –women and men– to take part in decision-making processes that affect their lives. Despite important progress made particularly in terms of the numerical political presence of women at the national level, this still falls short of the broader goals for women’s equality and participation set out in international agreements. The women in our focus countries experience serious obstacles that limit their chances to acquire the training and experience to seek leadership positions in civic organisations, political parties and public institutions. This limits women’s ability to put their needs, ideas and priorities on the political agenda and have them taken into account by political and policy decisions. The lack of an enabling environment, reinforced by negative stereotypes in the media, also makes it difficult for aspiring women leaders to overcome these obstacles. 

Project Description 

Sexual harassment is one of the leading causes of women’s economic disempowerment. It is known that sexual harassment at the workplace impedes women and other vulnerable groups from achieving economic justice. The current Lebanese labor law does not cover issues related to bodily rights and the protection of women. As such, there are no legal texts that address any form of sexual harassment at the workplace. This creates a gap in the system that renders marginalized and minorities to be at risk of harassment and exploitation. This makes women and other marginalized groups in the labor market the most at risk of being sexually exploited by employers. 

Policy Research Analysis Aim
The study will highlight the existing policies that address sexual harassment or/and coercion in the private sector. The goal of the legal study is to conduct an in-depth study of existing internal policies and bylaws of private companies, universities, unions and political parties. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

Co-designing the research methodology with Program Director 

Mapping of Institutions 

Review of internal policies and organizational bylaws 

Research Report 

Sexual Harassment Prevention at the Workplace Guidelines 

Competencies 

Strong Research skills 

Strong Writing skills 

Ability to work independently and make initiatives 

Open and flexible when given feedback 

Required Skills and Experience 

Degree in Social Sciences or Public Health and its equivalent. Experience in Policy Research and in the production of Policy Papers is a must. 

Languages Mastering of Written, Read and Spoken Arabic and English