Program Scoping Support Consultancy – Lebanon At Cowater International

KEY INFORMATION
Title: Program Scoping Support Consultancy
Position/ Contract Type: Short Term Consultancy, open to individuals and companies
Duration of Initial Contract: 6 to 8 months, starting ASAP (up to a total of 25 days)
Position Location: The Consultant is required to be living in Lebanon
Language Required: Arabic, English, and French (All documents must adhere to the language specifications as per agreement with GAC Lebanon).

1. SUMMARY OF THE ME-FSSP PROJECT
Launched in December 2021 and implemented by Cowater International, the Middle East Support Services Project (ME-FSSP) will primarily support the development and humanitarian objectives of Canada’s Middle East Strategy by providing administrative, financial, procurement, and logistical services in Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon and the region.
The Middle East Field Support Services (ME-FSS) will also support the regional development programming for the Government of Canada through the provision of technical specialists in gender equality, governance and human rights, and environment and climate action.

2. BACKGROUND
Since 2016, Canada has committed over $585 million in international assistance for Lebanon as part of its whole-of-government Middle East Strategy. Programming funded by Canada improves access to education, livelihoods, health and protection services for both vulnerable Lebanese and refugees, in addition to providing essential services, such as water, sanitation, hygiene, shelter, food and cash assistance. In addition, Canada aims to promote gender equality with a particular focus on women and youth. Canada further supports Lebanon’s security and stability. Based on the rising demand for transparency and accountability to the public and the importance of visibility and communications, the objective is to amplify via social media, success stories, and other materials Canada’s support to Lebanon and the impact Canada’s programming is having on the country and its population.

3. OBJECTIVE
The objective of this consultancy is to enable the Global Affairs Canada (GAC) team to make informed decisions regarding Canada’s development engagement in Lebanon. The consultant will achieve this by conducting a comprehensive analysis of the current development context, identifying underfunded or unfunded sectors, engaging with relevant stakeholders, mapping Lebanon’s aid architecture, and maintaining a roster of potential implementation partners.

4. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES AND DELIVERABLES

Description of services
The consultant will be responsible for supporting and advising the International Assistance in Lebanon team on program planning. Specifically, the consultant will be responsible for producing analytical pieces on Lebanon’s development landscape, with a focus on underfunded or unfunded sectors, as well as maintaining a roster of potential implementation partners active in Lebanon. The consultant will be expected to have knowledge of Canada’s development priorities under the Feminist International Assistance Policy and the Middle East Strategy.

Deliverables will include:

A. Work plan: As per the discussions with GAC team in Lebanon, the Consultant should submit an initial work plan with all reports/ documents to be submitted with a clear timeline.

B. Current Development Context Analysis:
○ Produce an in-depth analysis of Lebanon’s current development landscape, with a specific focus on underfunded or unfunded sectors.
○ Develop options for Canada’s potential engagement and programming in Lebanon, aligning with the Feminist International Assistance Policy and the Middle East Strategy.

C. Stakeholder Engagement:
○ Engage with relevant UN agencies and other development stakeholders to identify gaps in existing development programming.
○ Explore potential entry points for Canada to enhance its impact in Lebanon.

D. Aid Architecture Mapping:
○ Provide a comprehensive mapping and analysis of Lebanon’s aid architecture.
○ Identify frameworks and sector working groups best positioned to advance Canada’s development objectives.

E. International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGO) Mapping:
○ Conduct a mapping of International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) active in Lebanon, including details such as sector of focus, funding profile, current programming, geographic profile, and potential contacts.
○ Maintain a dynamic roster of potential implementation partners in Lebanon.

F. Program Planning Support:
○ Support program planning and scoping by developing additional products as necessary.
○ Provide ongoing advice and insights to the International Assistance in Lebanon team as they refine program strategies.

5. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Consultant:
The Consultant is responsible to deliver the services described in section 4 of this TOR according to the agreed timelines, expected results, and deliverables outlined in the Service Requisitions/ Table, and any additional services as requested by the Technical Authority. The Consultant will work in close collaboration with GAC field staff and HQ’s programming teams and assigned HQ Specialists, and whenever necessary with other consultants.

The Technical Authority (TA)/ Program Technical Lead (PTL):
The TA/PTL, identified by GAC Lebanon is responsible for:
○ The provision of service requisitions to the Consultant, including the approval of the Consultant’s assigned work and deliverables.
○ Reporting to GAC on the completion of services and deliverables against the approved tasking as set out in the online Tracking Table and/or Service Requisition forms. A detailed reporting schedule will be agreed upon and attached to the contract.
ME-FSSP team:
○ Managing the competitive process of identifying and hiring the Consultant, including signing the contract.
○ Review and approve payments based on the invoices and timesheets submitted by the Consultant.

6. REPORTING
The Consultant is expected to work in close cooperation with GAC in Lebanon to produce reports as follows:
○ The Consultant reports directly to ME-FSSP (Project Manager) who has full responsibility for the administration of the contract, including the approval of timesheets and invoices. Technical assignments including the Tracking Table, Service Requisitions and deliverables, evaluation of the quality of services and deliverables against the Tracking Table, etc. are approved by GAC’s TA/PTL in Lebanon. Reports include, but are not limited to:
○ Financial reporting which consists of a detailed monthly invoice, covering the Consultant’s fees for the services rendered during the previous month indicating the date, the day and the number of hours worked for each day as well as any necessary and reasonable expenses incurred during the previous month, including all original receipts in support of the expenses claimed.
○ Narrative, research or analytical reports, as requested by GAC.

7. LOCATION, TIMELINES AND ESTIMATED LEVEL OF EFFORTS
○ This contract will be valid until the 30th of September 2024.

○ The Consultant should be located in Lebanon.

○ The Consultant must be ready to travel to different locations in Lebanon to support GAC’s development and, to a lesser extent, humanitarian assistance programs’ planning and monitoring activities and to meet with partners. The ME-FSSP PM must approve all travel prior to the travel.

○ The basis for payment and payment schedule will be based on a fixed-time rate contract.

○ The level of effort is estimated at up to 25 days depending on the needs and activities of the program. ○ No activities/tasks should be undertaken without GAC Lebanon TA/PTL’s approval.

8. ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS
○ The contract will be signed between Cowater International/ME-FSSP and the selected candidate.
○ Work will be performed out of the Consultant’s own office and locations identified by GAC Lebanon, and the Consultant will be responsible for providing all required overhead, including maintaining internet access and an email account.
○ The Consultant will be paid according to the agreed-upon daily rate based on the level of effort reflected in the monthly financial report and requisition forms. Activities and services rendered should be in line with the Tracking Table (or requisition forms) agreed and approved by the TA/PTL.

9. EDUCATION
Master’s Degree in International Development, Public Policy, International Relations, or a related field. Alternatively, individuals with substantial relevant experience will be considered.

10. EXPERIENCE

○ Significant and proven expertise in conducting research, along with strong skills in analysis, presentation, and communication.
○ Demonstrated expertise in international development, particularly in Lebanon and the Middle East region.
○ Proven experience in program planning, Business analysis ,stakeholder engagement, and mapping exercises.
Additional desirable qualifications:
○ Knowledge of Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy and the Middle East Strategy: Familiarity with Canada’s development priorities, especially under the Feminist International Assistance Policy and the Middle East Strategy, is essential for aligning the consultancy with the client’s goals.
○ Experience in engaging with UN agencies, governmental bodies, NGOs, and other stakeholders in Lebanon.
○ Ability to use relevant data collection and presentation tools and applications.