Call for Consultant - Expert in Gender and Policy

ABOUT ABAAD

ABAAD– Resource Center for Gender Equality is a UN ECOSOC accredited organization that aims to achieve gender equality as an essential condition to sustainable social and economic development in the MENA region. ABAAD advocates for the development and implementation of policies and laws that enhance women’s effective participation, through a rights-based approach that would bring about tangible change to gender justice. With the purpose of ending gender-based violence, ABAAD adopts a holistic care approach to provide protection and support services to GBV survivors/right holders during times of peace, war and disasters since 2011.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Generation Gender is a five-year program that aims at positively influencing public opinion, laws and policies towards gender justice, as well as strengthening civil society to advocate for gender justice all the while combatting GBV and inequality. More specifically, the program at hand relies on an innovative and inclusive gender-transformative strategy that equips youth leaders and civil society organizations (CSOs) to address the root causes of gender inequality and foster sustainable change. Its goal is to raise public support, advocate for improved policies and laws, and strengthen civil society.

OVERALL GOAL OF THIS ASSIGNMENT

Under Generation Gender’s first long term outcome “A growing number of young people actively promote gender justice and prevent GBV online and offline”, ABAAD s organizing the first edition of the National Youth Policy Symposium (which will take place during the month of June, 2025), which will focus on exploring the intersectionality of youth with policy and decision-making spaces. The event aims to address key issues affecting youth in Lebanon, with a strong emphasis on gender equality and social justice. It will delve into how youth interact with policy frameworks and how they can more effectively influence decision-making processes.

The symposium will be co-created alongside different academic institutions, combining academic expertise with youth-driven perspectives to ensure the event is both informative and impactful. It will bring together young people, policymakers, practitioners, and experts to engage in meaningful discussions, with the goal of developing concrete recommendations for addressing the challenges youth face in Lebanon, through an inclusive, gender-sensitive approach. The event will feature panels, roundtable discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities designed to foster dialogue, collaboration, and policy development that amplifies the voices of youth in shaping Lebanon's future.

To that end, the organization is seeking to recruit a Gender and Policy Expert who will lead the development of the National Youth Policy Symposium, ensuring that the content is comprehensive, impactful, and inclusive of diverse youth voices. They will guide the event’s structure, including panels, roundtable discussions, and workshops, with a focus on creating a space that fosters dynamic conversation and tangible policy recommendations related to gender and youth.

LANGUAGE OF THE BID

The bid and all relative correspondence and documents exchanged between the bidders and the supplier shall be written in English language only.

AREAS OF IMPLEMENTATION

The consultancy will take place in Beirut, Lebanon and will need to incorporate a hybrid modality.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The selected consultant will be responsible for:

• Event Design and Content Development
  • Develop the overall structure of the symposium, including panel discussions, roundtables, and workshops, in collaboration with participating universities.
  • Provide guidance and input on key thematic areas of the symposium, informed by recent policy trends, gender equality frameworks, and youth advocacy.
  • Ensure that each session is aligned with the objectives of the symposium and addresses critical issues concerning youth and gender equality.
  • Draft a detailed program and content outline for the event, ensuring diverse perspectives are included.
  • Work closely with the Generation G team and university core group to incorporate feedback and ensure that gender-sensitive frameworks are integrated into all aspects of the symposium.

• Panel and Workshop Moderation
  • Support in identify and engaging relevant speakers, panelists, and workshop facilitators with expertise in youth development, policy-making, and gender equality, ensuring active participation from academia.
  • Support the preparation and moderation of discussions, ensuring an inclusive space is cultivated

DELIVERABLES

The consultant will be expected to deliver the following:

• A detailed event design and structure, including panels, workshops, and roundtable discussions, co-created with participating universities;
• A finalized program with session topics, descriptions, and a timeline;
• Acting as Master of Ceremony, Facilitator and moderator if and where needed;

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate for this consultancy will possess the following qualifications and experience:

• Academic Qualifications:
  • Master’s degree or higher in Gender Studies, Public Policy, International Relations, Social Sciences, or a related field.

• Professional Experience:
  • Minimum of 5 years of proven experience in gender equality, youth policy development, and/or gender mainstreaming in public policies;
  • Extensive experience in designing, organizing, and moderating events such as workshops, conferences, and symposia, ideally with a focus on youth and gender issues;
  • In-depth knowledge of the Lebanese policy landscape related to youth, gender equality, and social inclusion;
  • Strong experience in stakeholder engagement, particularly working with youth groups, civil society organizations, universities, and policymakers.

• Skills and Competencies:
  • Expertise in gender analysis and integrating gender perspectives into policy development;
  • Strong communication skills, including public speaking, facilitation, and writing;
  • Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and produce high-quality work under tight deadlines;
  • Experience in preparing reports and policy recommendations;
  • Fluent in Arabic and English; proficiency in French is a plus;
  • Knowledge of youth development issues in the MENA region is highly desirable.