Gender Analysis Consultant - Beirut

Work Arrangement:

Job Description

Consultancy Objective: The primary goal of the consultancy is to conduct an in-depth gender analysis in Lebanon. This analysis will focus on understanding the specific challenges and opportunities for different gender groups amidst Lebanon's current socio-political and economic crisis. The objective aligns with IRC's Transitional Development Assistance (TDA) program, which is dedicated to empowering women and marginalized groups and enhancing community resilience.

Consultant's Role: The consultant will undertake a thorough examination of gender-specific impacts related to Lebanon's economic challenges, political instability, and social tensions. They will engage with a diverse range of stakeholders, including local communities and women's groups, to collect comprehensive data. The consultant's responsibility includes synthesizing this data into actionable strategies and recommendations that support gender equality and empowerment, in accordance with IRC's objectives and BMZ's guidelines.

Core Question:

What are the specific gender-related challenges and opportunities in Lebanon, and how can a gender-transformative approach effectively address these issues to enhance gender equality and empower women and marginalized groups within the context of IRC's programming and in alignment with the BMZ Feminist Development Strategy?

Specific Inquiry Questions:

Understanding Gender Disparities: What are the most significant gender disparities in Lebanon, particularly in terms of access to resources, opportunities, and participation in decision-making processes, considering age , disability, minorities and other gender characteristics ?

How do these disparities manifest in various sectors, and are there intersectional aspects that should be considered?

Violence against Women:

- What is the prevalence of gender-based violence in Lebanon, and what existing preventive and responsive measures are in place? - Are there specific cultural or societal factors contributing to the persistence of gender-based violence?

Impact of Crises on Gender Groups:

- How have recent economic and political crises in Lebanon specifically impacted women and marginalized gender groups? - Are there discernible differences in the impact on various gender groups, and what specific vulnerabilities have emerged? - What types of violence against women and girls have increased in your community due to the economic crisis?

Social Norms and Cultural Practices:

- What are the prevailing societal attitudes and cultural norms regarding gender roles in Lebanon? - How do these norms influence decision-making processes, access to services, and opportunities for different gender and age groups including disability status?

Barriers and Enablers to Gender Equality:

- What are the key barriers hindering gender equality in Lebanon in terms of women’s involvement in decision making, access to services (medical, education, job opportunities, entrepreneurship support,…)? - Identify potential factors that could facilitate progress in overcoming these barriers for each of these diverse groups?

Effectiveness of Existing Interventions:

- How effective have current gender-focused interventions been in Lebanon? - Identify gaps or opportunities for improvement, considering the specific context, diverse groups and needs of the target population?

Alignment with BMZ Feminist Development Strategy:

How can gender analysis findings be aligned with the principles of the BMZ Feminist Development Strategy to enhance gender equality and empowerment in IRC's programming?

Methodology:

The consultancy will be required to design a proposal on how the Gender Analysis is intended to be conducted. The proposal should include a timeline for the analysis along with a detailed workplan.

Followed by a thorough desk review which constitutes the inception phase and includes national policy documents, BMZ requirements and gender related policies, IRC proposes the use of qualitative and quantitative approaches in gathering information from a wide array of sources. These sources would include direct and indirect community members, clients, Ministries, Qaem Maqams in Bekaa and the North including Akkar, IRC Local partners and apprenticeship Employers, security staff, project coordinators, managers, monitoring & evaluation staff, program staff, local authorities, and local and international organizations working in women protection and empowerment, GBV prevention, Social cohesion/Peace building, and Economic Recovery and Development in North and Bekaa.

Target Groups:

- Status: Lebanese Host Community, Syrian Refugees. - Age Groups: Women, Men, Boys and Girls

Areas: Bekaa, North

Ethics/protection:

- The consultant is requested to include a section on research ethical considerations in the inception report which elaborates on protection issues and other ethical concerns. - The consultant(s) should take all reasonable steps to ensure that the analysis is designed and conducted to respect and protect the rights and welfare of people participating in this assessment, and to ensure that the analysis is technically accurate, reliable, and legitimate, conducted in a transparent and impartial manner, and contributes to organizational learning and accountability. - The Consultant should also adhere to the IRC safeguarding policy to ensure the do no harm to the community and the people who are part of the exercise.

Treatment of information:

All data and information received for the purpose of this assignment are to be treated confidentially and are only to be used in connection with the execution of these terms of reference. All intellectual property rights arising from the execution of these terms of reference are assigned to the IRC. The contents of written material obtained and used in this assignment may not be disclosed to any third parties. No data should stay with the consultant following the approved end of the assignment.

Deliverables:

- Inception report which will outline the key scope of the work and intended work plan of the analysis, and detailed analysis questions. The inception report should detail the consultant’s understanding of what is being assessed and why, to show how each question will be answered through: Desk review; Proposed methods; Proposed sources of data; and Data collection tools and procedures. It should also include the timeline and deliverables of the gender analysis. The inception report will be shared after 7 days of the consultancy start date and discussed and agreed upon with IRC. - Validation Workshop with the key staff of the project including senior management following the preliminary analysis of the data being collected. - A Draft Final Report in English which will be shared with the assessment management, who will be providing their comments in 3 days. - A Final analysis Report in English within 10 days from receiving the comments on the draft report which should not exceed 40 pages including: - Title page and Cover photo. - Table of contents. - Acknowledgement Statement (optional) - Executive summary - List of acronyms and abbreviations - Background of the project - Description of the analysis methodology - Main findings supported with quotes charts and numbers**. This will include in-depth look at gender dynamics in the country, emphasizing the impact of various socio-political and economic challenges on different gender groups. It will also highlight key gender-related issues and assess the roles and challenges faced by various gender groups. - Conclusion. - Recommendation where the consultant will propose gender-transformative strategies and actionable recommendations for IRC's programming. The Women's Protection and Empowerment department can assist in data collection, enriching the analysis with diverse insights from local communities and women's groups. - A power point presentation in English to key IRC stakeholders, including methodology, main findings, recommended strategy.

Payment Rate and Schedule:

Two payments based on the number of days worked:

- First payment at the submission of the inception report and acceptance by IRC, which will not exceed 50% of the agreed overall amount. - Final payment 50% following the submission of final report and acceptance by IRC.

Logistics Support

The consultancy will be responsible for their own transportation and accommodation in Lebanon. IRC can support the consultancy in Data collectors if needed.

Qualifications

- A relevant degree with a minimum of 5 years of experience in fields related to gender studies, social sciences, or similar areas. - Experience working in Lebanon or similar contexts, with a strong understanding of local gender dynamics. - Demonstrated experience in conducting gender analyses, with excellent communication skills in English and Arabic. - Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality analytical documents on gender-related issues. - Excellent data analysis skills and ability to articulate the linkage between findings, analysis, and program recommendations. - Proven experience and track record of timely and high-quality completion of assignments - High level of organization and time management, as well as an ability to learn quickly and produce high quality work under tight deadlines.

How to apply:

- Applicants should submit a Technical Proposal including a preliminary methodology and a provisional timeframe, Financial proposal/s (with USD daily rate), Curriculum Vitae, Cover letter expressing their interest in the assignment, Sample of related assessments reports (or links) done by them and that are publicly shared. During submittal applicates should indicate “IRC Lebanon Gender Analysis Consultancy” in the subject. - Closing Date: Feb10th, 2024 - The applications will be scored by an IRC committee and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Equality, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.