Feasibility Study and Baseline Survey for the Project -Strengthening the resilience in Lebanon

BASIC CONTACT INFORMATION

Location: Lebanon

Contract Type: Service Contract

Application Deadline: 14th February 2025

Duration of Initial Contract: 37 working days

1. Background and Rationale:

Context Analysis

Lebanon remains in the grip of a profound economic and political crisis, compounded since October 2023 by escalating armed conflicts in the south of the country. Tensions intensified further in September 2024, when Israeli military action in Lebanon resulted in widespread civilian displacement from the South and Bekaa regions as part of the broader Middle East conflict. However, a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, initiated in late November 2024, has largely held, leading to a reduction in hostilities.

The ongoing economic crisis in Lebanon is marked by high inflation, surging food prices, and persistently high unemployment rates. The Lebanese pound has lost over 90% of its value against the US dollar, and more than 80% of the population now lives below the poverty line. Food security has deteriorated significantly, with essential goods becoming increasingly inaccessible for large segments of the population.

Lebanon hosts over 1.5 million Syrian refugees, who constitute around 30% of the country’s population. Syrian households are affected by the crisis, with nearly nine out of ten Syrians living below the poverty line as of 2022. Employment opportunities for Syrians are predominantly in low-wage, insecure informal sectors, exacerbating their impoverishment and food insecurity.

In addition, Lebanon is home to approximately 400,000 Palestinian refugees, including those without identity documents recognized by the Lebanese government and over 45,000 Palestinian refugees from Syria. Among this latter group, 40% lack legal residency, further marginalizing them socially and economically.

Over the past three years, relations between various social groups in Lebanon have worsened, particularly in Beqaa, Akkar, and the South. Key sources of conflict include competition for jobs (50%), perceived inequities in aid distribution (26%), and limited access to services (3%) (LCRP 2023). This has contributed to rising crime rates and fears of civil unrest.

Economic pressures have intensified protection risks, especially for women and girls, while child labor has become increasingly prevalent.

Young adults are among those most affected by the crisis. Youth unemployment has risen sharply, from 23.3% in 2019 to 48.8% in 2022 (ILO 2023). Women are twice as likely to be unemployed as men (UN OCHA 2023) and often receive lower wages and fewer benefits (ESCWA 2022). People with disabilities face additional barriers to employment, limiting their ability to achieve economic stability.

In response, Johanniter International Assistance (JIA), through a consortium with arche noVa and JIA’s local partners MAPs and Nabaa, received funds to implement a five-year project from Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Transitional Development Assistance. The project focuses on enhancing resilience by improving livelihoods, strengthening food security, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Key initiatives include establishing livelihood service hubs for career development and vocational training, as well as equipping local entrepreneurs and farmers with essential tools and resources for income generation. The project emphasizes gender equality by empowering women and ensuring their participation in decision-making while also fostering social cohesion and peaceful coexistence between refugees and host communities. These efforts align with Lebanon’s transitional development strategy, supporting long-term stability and economic growth.

Project Overview:

The project focuses on key locations, including Saida, Bourj Hamoud, and the Bekaa region, targeting displaced Syrians, Palestinian refugees, and vulnerable Lebanese communities. This intervention seeks to address the root causes of economic instability, promote self-reliance, and foster social cohesion among diverse groups. The project is structured around two primary outcomes:

1. Improving employability and employment through vocational training, job matching, cash-for-work initiatives, and startup business support.
2. 1. Enhancing food security by strengthening local food production and agricultural practices.

By offering targeted support and resources, the initiative aims to improve livelihoods, ensure food security, and foster resilient communities. The project also integrates gender throughout its implementation, ensuring an equal and inclusive work environment for both men and women from affected communities.

Additionally, the project promotes peaceful coexistence and sustainable development by integrating refugees and host communities, working to enhance social cohesion and address shared challenges through collaborative efforts.

Consortium Structure

The project is being implemented through a consortium comprising Arche NoVa (AN) as the consortium leader, with implementing partner organization Mada, and JIA as the co-lead partner with implementing partners, MAPS and Nabaa. Within this framework, JIA holds the primary responsibility for managing and technically overseeing Outcome 1. Additionally, JIA provides support and monitoring for its implementing partners, MAPS and Nabaa, who are responsible for carrying out project activities on the ground. JIA’s role includes delivering technical assistance, building the capacity of its partners, ensuring project compliance, and reporting all progress and outcomes to the consortium leader, AN.

The overall objective of the project is:

• Strengthening the resilience of vulnerable women, young adults and men in Lebanon by improving livelihoods and increasing food security.

The specific objectives of the project are:

1. Improved livelihood security for young adults, men and women through improved access to the labour market and better income opportunities.
2. Improved food security and economic resilience through the application of sustainable agricultural practices and strengthened agricultural value chains.

Johanniter is responsible for implementing Outcome 1, while arche noVa will oversee the implementation of Outcome 2. However, Johanniter will be responsible for executing one specific activity under Outcome 2, which falls under arche noVa’s scope. As a result, the study will primarily focus on Outcome 1 and the specific activity of Johanniter under outcome 2 as outlined below;

At the end of the project implementation, the project seek to realize the following outputs under outcome 1:

1. Livelihood Service Hubs (LSH) are established and operational in Saida, Beirut and Bekaa to support Lebanese, Palestinians and Syrians in finding work.
2. Young people, women and men looking for work are given better employment prospects through participation in vocational training programmes, apprenticeships and community collectives
3. Targeted youth, women and men carry out market-oriented, income-generating activities by improving their knowledge and access to necessary inputs and resources, and managing disputes and problems relevant to the community, leading to sustainable economic empowerment and social cohesion.

In addition to realizing the following outputs under outcome 2:

2.1 Agroecology and other sustainable practices are adopted individually and collectively by actors in the agricultural value chain (farmers, cooperatives)

The project targets vulnerable groups in the regions of Beirut, South Lebanon and Bekaa, in particular: the Lebanese host community, Syrian refugees and Palestinian refugees. The project focuses in particular on women and youth, people with disabilities and female-headed households.

The project covers the four subject areas listed in the table below:

Thematic area JUH

Food and nutrition security 6,607

Peaceful and inclusive coexistence 916

Reconstruction of infrastructure and basic services 1,002

Disaster risk management (DRM) 0

In total 8,335

About implementing partner under outcome 1:

MAPs: Multi-Aid Programs (MAPs) is a Syrian humanitarian, community-based, non-profit organization headquartered in Lebanon, focusing on refugees and vulnerable populations. Established in early 2013, MAPs provides services in education, healthcare, relief, capacity building, and empowerment for refugee families. Operating in marginalized communities across Bekaa and Arsal, MAPs has reached over 500,000 Syrian refugees and local community members in Lebanon, offering non-formal education, healthcare, continuing education, community service, and relief items.

Nabaa: Developmental Action Without Borders “Naba’a”, is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting marginalized communities, particularly children, youth, and women, within Palestinian and Lebanese populations in Lebanon.

Naba’a envisions a society where these groups are empowered, protected, and integrated, actively participating in shaping a future characterized by equity, opportunity, and justice.

To achieve this, Naba’a focuses on several key areas such as:

Enabling Rights & Participation, Protection & Resilience, Intercommunal Peace Actions and Emergency Response.

About Johanniter: Johanniter is a German Non-Governmental organization, dedicated to excellence in the field of first aid, ambulance service, social service programs and other projects in the medical and social field. The Federal Headquarters are based in Berlin, Germany.

Johanniter International Assistance (JIA) is the operational unit for humanitarian aid, development co-operation and emergency relief, implementing and supporting mostly health projects worldwide. (www.johanniter.de)

Johanniter has been operational in Lebanon since 2012, responding to multiple crises, including the Syrian conflict, the Beirut explosion, the ongoing economic crisis, and the recent military escalation in southern Lebanon. Johanniter’s interventions address the diverse needs of Syrian refugees, Palestinian refugees, and vulnerable Lebanese host communities.

About implementing partner under outcome 2:

Nabaa and Johanniter: Explained above

arche noVa: arche noVa is a German humanitarian organization founded in 1992, dedicated to providing emergency aid, rehabilitation, and development assistance to people in crisis situations. Since 2016, arche noVa has been active in Lebanon, focusing on improving living conditions for both Syrian refugees and Lebanese host communities.

In the North and Akkar regions, the organization’s efforts are concentrated on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), as well as food security and livelihood projects.

In the Bekaa Valley, arche noVa supports three schools, enabling children from Syrian backgrounds to continue their education. This support encompasses daily school lessons, teacher training, construction of new playgrounds, and psychosocial support for both children and parents.

Throughout its initiatives in Lebanon, arche noVa collaborates closely with local partners such as Tankamel Sawa, MADA, and the Social Support Society and Education (SSSE), as well as with water and agricultural authorities, to ensure effective and sustainable interventions.

1. Integrated Study Purpose, Objective, and Use:

Purpose of the study

The integrated study aims to:

• provide a comprehensive understanding of the project’s operational context, validating its relevance, effectiveness, and sustainability, and their feasibility in the changing regional political dynamics and context in Lebanon and its potential impact on the project objectives;
• provide an information base against which to monitor and assess progress and effectiveness of the intended action.

This study will guide the implementation of the project by analyzing the economic, social, and cultural factors that influence employability, business running and social cohesion. The findings will enable informed decision-making, resource allocation, and adaptive planning to achieve the project’s objectives, and will establish current figures/values for project outcome and impact indicators and where possible, compare these to national averages.

Objectives of the study
Feasibility:

1. Analyze the feasibility of proposed actions per OECD criteria including vocational training, job-matching initiatives, cash-for-work programs, and startup/continuation of business support within the targeted regions given the rapid context changing.
2. Validate the feasibility of the project and its proposed activities within the targeted regions given the rapid context changing.
3. To analyse the gaps, recommendations and suggestions for quality project implementation.

Baseline:

1. To define the existing status of the initial situation of the target groups through the analytical findings.
2. To assess the key indicators against which change, and progress will be assessed at the end of the project.

Use of the study findings

The report will be combining Feasibility Study and Baseline Survey in one report to analyze and assess the achievement of the project “Strengthening the resilience of vulnerable women, young adults and men in Lebanon by improving livelihoods and increasing food security”.

The feasibility study component will serve as a critical tool to provide detailed information and well-founded justifications for the proposed project. It aims to address the root causes of livelihood vulnerabilities, food insecurity, and social tensions by recommending contextualized and conflict-sensitive approaches and methodologies. These strategies will be designed to mitigate vulnerabilities despite the dynamic context while reinforcing social cohesion among the target group. The findings of the study will offer a comprehensive analysis of key considerations, including relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability. This will ensure a robust foundation for decision-making and project implementation.

Additionally, the baseline survey component will address identified data gaps and establish an information base to monitor and assess the progress and effectiveness of the intervention both during and after implementation. This survey will determine current values for project outcome and impact, output and activity indicators, providing a benchmark against which progress can be measured. Wherever possible, these values will be compared to national averages to contextualize the project’s impact and significance.

1. Scope of the study, approach, and methods:

All activities, engagement, and dialoguing with relevant stakeholders most importantly with the people we work with will be grounded and based on the Johanniter Code of Conduct to guarantee effectiveness and the integrity of this piece of work.

The identification of interviewees, and respondents, tools for the study, and processes will be gender-sensitive, inclusive, culturally sensitive, and participatory. The necessary consent will be solicited before the engagement with relevant interviewees, and responders, this includes taking photos and personal information and testimonies.

Efforts shall be exerted to safeguard the inclusivity and engagement of relevant stakeholders to bring out their voices on how they perceive project; notably, the refugees and host communities, the most vulnerable conflict-affected populations, civil societies, government counterparts, community and local authorities’ leaders. Key Informants Interviews (KIIs) with representatives from the community, government authorities, and other relevant actors (if any) should be held. Similarly, FGDs, and individual surveys with a selected sample from the refugees and host-communities or beneficiaries should be conducted to assess how the project needs to implemented according to their expectations, objectives and priorities.

This study will involve a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods to collect and analyze both primary and secondary data.

• The sources for primary data will include responses from key informant interviews with the Nabaa and MAPs teams in Lebanon, the people we work with, relevant line Ministry such as the Ministry of Education and National Employment Office.
• The Secondary data sources will include data coming from LHIF, UN agencies, KFW working group, Livelihood cluster, Relief Web, ACAPS and World Bank, and any other relevant humanitarian platforms.

The data collection methods will include specific qualitative and quantitative tools that will be selected to ensure the participation of relevant stakeholders. The consultant will rely on the following data collection methods:

Qualitative:

• Key informant interviews (KIIs) for stakeholders and partners including open-ended questions.
• Focus group discussion (FGD) with people we work with (open–ended questions).

Quantitative:

• Data collection for the quantitative data (individual survey)

Consultants are requested to propose their own methodology of data collection in the proposal, however it will be finalized later with common understanding and in consultation with Johanniter and partners.

The proposal should contain the following methodological topics as a minimum:

• The evaluator’s understanding of the evaluation process and questions
• Description of the phases related to the evaluation approach proposed.
• Sources of information for primary data collection (include a field visit plan where possible or remote
• data collection
• Sampling strategies, including area and population group represented in the sample, sampling
• procedures and sample size.
• Instruments to be used for data collection.
• Different types of data analysis that will be carried out.
• Reference indicators and benchmarks for each of the study question (if relevant).

1. Process and timeline:

This study will commence on 24th February 2024 and will conclude on 14th April 2024 with the full and final report to be submitted to Johanniter – Middle East region.

This study encompasses a two phases process, that includes:

1. Conducting a feasibility study, with a strong focus on providing recommendations to the team on how to adapt project implementation and approaches to the context and in line with the agreement with the donor.
2. Conducting a baseline study to assess the initial situation of the project and inform the baseline of key indicators in the logframe.

The following deadlines apply to the consultancy:

Submit the first draft inception report to Johanniter for review 28th February 2025

Submit the final inception report 7th March 2025

Submit the draft report to Johanniter for review 4th April 2025

Submit the final report 14th April 2025

The table below present the breakdown of days allocated to the consultancy. In their inception report, consultants are expected to provide an overview on how these days (particularly for on-site observation) will be allocated between the feasibility study and baseline survey phases.

Consultancy phases

Desk Study

• Preparation and work plan development (with detailed deadlines).
• Review of key program documents, project proposal and tools; introduction with program partners and stakeholders; and refining the study framework and methodology.

On-site Observation

• Meeting with project partners; review theory of change; present findings of document review and confirm data collection tools.
• Secondary data collection.
• Fieldwork; community, partner, and stakeholder consultation (primary data collection).
• Present preliminary findings to Johanniter Team and partners for comments and suggestions to proceed to comprehensive analysis and report writing.

Analysis and Report

• analysis and draft report; validating findings with partners (and people we work with) – details to be discussed with the selected candidate

Johanniter feedback

• Johanniter provide feedback to the consultant on the draft and final reports.

Report Writing

• After receiving Johanniter’s feedback the consultant finalize the report and submit it by 14th April 2025.

  Products to be delivered by the consultant.

The consultant shall deliver, within the schedule presented in chapter 4, the following products:

• The work plan includes a detailed methodology and data analysis plan (study and survey design, data analysis steps, and operational work plan)
• Inception Report (with key parameters and indicators to be considered for the feasibility study and baseline survey including the methodologies for data collection and dissemination).
• Data collection tools for proposed study based on the project objectives as elaborated in the project document.
• Cleaned final dataset containing all data collected for the study, including KII/FGD analysis.
• The consultant will provide two different reports: 1. an Inception report, 2. Combined Feasibility Analysis and Baseline Study report.

Inception report: The inception report will include, among others:

• the suggested methodologies, approaches and tools suggested for the study.
• suggested format for the study and any suggested adaptation to the core standard criteria for the combined study.

Feasibility and Baseline Study:

• Feasibility Component (more focused on analyzing the feasibility of the planned actions based on the political and regional development and the adaptation of project activities to the conflict and resilience building to achieve the project results ) will include:
• An executive summary. It should include the major findings of the feasibility study and summarize conclusions and recommendations.
• Methods and techniques used (including relevant underlying values and assumptions, theories) with a justification of the selections made (of persons interviewed).
• A triangulated assessment of the project´s methodologies, partnership, and key ways of working
• The identification of key results to inform project activities and approaches.
• The assessment of the project’s potential sustainability.
• Lessons learn and recommendations.

The criteria for the Feasibility Study should be according to BMZ TDA criteria and should ensure that the project is effective, sustainable, and aligned with BMZ’s TDA objectives. Below are the primary criteria:

1. Relevance and Alignment: Consideration of local needs and active participation of stakeholders in the implementation process.
2. Effectiveness: A clear identification of the problem the project intends to address throughout the project period including the continuing crisis. And an assessment of how well the project’s intended outcomes can be achieved.
3. Efficiency: Feasibility of the organizational, logistical and programmatic setup to execute the project successfully and achieve the planned objectives.
4. Sustainability: Assessment of the environmental consequences and adherence to environmental safeguards; Consideration of the project’s effect on social structures, including vulnerable and marginalized groups; Evaluation of local institutions’ ability to sustain the project after the project ends; and Mechanisms for ongoing funding or self-sustainability post-implementation.

e. Risks and Mitigation: Identification of political, economic, social, and environmental risks that could impact the project, and measures to minimize identified risks and ensure project continuity.

f. Impact and Scalability: Potential contribution to poverty reduction, economic growth, and social inclusion. And opportunities to expand or replicate the project in other regions or contexts.

g. Gender and Inclusion: How the project addresses gender disparities and promotes gender equality.

Inclusion: Consideration of marginalized and vulnerable groups, ensuring they benefit equitably from the project.

The Baseline Component(incorporating inputs from the review) will include:

• An executive summary that describes the project objectives, target groups, and geographical areas.
• Key findings of the baseline data and insights.
• Methods and techniques used (including relevant underlying values and assumptions, theories) with a justification of the selections made (of persons interviewed).
• Analysis and findings highlighting significant trends, patterns, and disparities.
• Identify gaps between current conditions and project objectives.
• Review the logframe and identify baseline value for each indicator of the project.
• Analysis and way forward, to address the status of outcome indicators and project impact.
• Recommendations for improving the quality delivery of the project.

Responsibility:

Consultant’s or consulting firm’s roles and responsibilities:

• Facilitate desk review of the relevant project documents such as project proposal, resilience analysis, peace and conflict analysis and gender and equality analysis.
  • Facilitate key informant interviews (KIIs) with project-relevant participants from the relevant ministries and stakeholders including National Employment Office, clusters and NGOs.
  • Facilitate Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with people served by this project.
  • Prepare high-quality data collection tools (agreed in advance by Johanniter and partners).
  • Undertake primary data collection using high-quality data collection tools.
  • Present preliminary findings to the project team to get feedback.
  • Preparation and delivery intermediate and final products in the quality and time specified in chapters
  • 4 and 5 of the present ToR.
  • Information gathering according to agreed methodology and propose acceptable sampling methods with a high confidence level and small margin of error.
  • Submission to the Johanniter any documentation and information may be required within the framework of the consultancy.
  • Make sure the final report in English is reviewed by the professional English editor.
  • All deliverables must be made in line with agreed deadlines.

Johanniter roles and responsibilities:

• Review the consultant tools and inception report and provide inputs/ comments.
  • Review the work plan and make sure it is linked with the timeline and project mandate.
  • Provide all key documentation relevant to the evaluation (project proposal, logframe, study relevant contract annexes, implemented analyses).
  • Review the analysis of collected data.
  • Review the draft and final versions of the Feasibility Study and Baseline Survey report.
  • Provide the coordination and support to the consultant to engage with key stakeholders.
  • Provide in a timely manner to the consultant any documentation and information necessary to carry out this consultancy.
  • Engaging actively in the development of the work plan and development of tools.
  • Providing constructive feedback on drafts of report and process throughout
  • Based on the findings and recommendations of the study, prepare a management response and action plan.
  • Timely Payment of consultancy fees to the consultant.

NABAA and MAPs roles and responsibilities:

• Provide essential information about project participants, livelihood service hubs, and other relevant information.
  • Facilitate coordination with project participants and stakeholders relating to meetings, interviews, and focus group discussions.
  • Provide logistic and administrative (including permit if necessary) support in terms of visiting the project sites.
  • Provide inputs and comments in the initial draft of the report.
  • Provide in a timely manner to the consultant any documentation and information necessary to carry out this consultancy.

arche noVa roles and responsibilities:

• Review the draft versions of the combined Feasibility Study and Baseline Survey report
• Provide necessary information about the project to the consultant.

Time and Schedule:

The Feasibility and Baseline Study process will commence on 24th February 2025 and will conclude on 14th April 2025 with the full and final reports to be submitted to Johanniter Middle East region team.

Management of the Consultant Contract:

The consultant will be commissioned by the Johanniter Head of Mission in the Middle East and be lead/supervised by the Senior Program Manager who is responsible for day-to-day coordination and will also be the primary focal point of contact from Johanniter. NABAA and MAPs will support and facilitate the mission of the consultant team during the study and survey process.

1. Intellectual property and data protection

All intellectual property generated by the consultancy will be owned by Johanniter and implementing partners, who will retain the rights to disseminate and publish the final report. The agency will follow the data protection policy of Johanniter while collecting, processing, and storing the program-related data.

Essential experience of the consultant

• Master’s degree in Economics, Social Science, Business Administration or similar fields, with at least 5 years of experience in Research and Livelihood Sector.
• At least 3 years of experience in the design and implementation of feasibility studies, baseline surveys, evaluations, and assessments including qualitative and quantitative data collection.
• Knowledge and experience of working with BMZ-TDA funded projects.
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of research methodologies and processes.
• Experienced in conducting evaluation, research, analysis, statistics, and or similar studies in the past- experience.
• Consultant can be national or international but should be based in Lebanon.
• Experience in gathering and systematizing large amounts of data.
• Proven ability to manage highly confidential and sensitive information through a protection lens.
• Excellent written and oral English.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines with high standards and quality of reporting

Application and selection process:

Interested applicants should apply along with:

• Cover letter– with the name, position, phone number, email, and address of the company.
• Full technical proposal. This includes a detailed budget, activities, timeframe, human resources, and methodologies.

• CV of all suggested team members.

• Sample reports– Please include two similar reports as sample work, completed by the consultant (dated after 2021).
• Tender Declaration Form – with signature
• The quotation should be on an official head letter signed and stamped with the date indicated (scanned in PDF**-**Format).
• A financial proposal with a detailed breakdown of costs for the study. (Definition of the expected services, schedule, and costs must be included in the quotation: listing and explanation of the products, services, and activities (e.g. in tabular form) to be provided by the consultant, including time frame and detailed cost breakdown.)
• The quotation should contain the gross daily rate and the total cost inclusive (with Tax if applicable) in EURO currency.
• Mention the contact person in the quotation.

Selection Process will include:

Phase 1: Technical Evaluation Stage (60%)

Phase 2: Financial Evaluation (40%)

Budget

The indicative budget for this consultancy is 16,000 EUR including VAT and 10% Withholding Tax (WHT).

This budget includes the consultant’s fee and taxes, any travel and expenses that might be required for data collection (depending on the proposed methodology), and any costs related to telephone or Skype use, transcriptions, software licenses, and office materials.

Payment for the service:

Payment will be made as follows:

• Milestone 1: On signing of the contract and upon submission of the work plan – 25%
• Milestone 2: On providing the draft reports – 50%
• Milestone 3: On providing the final Reports – 25%

Note: There will be a withholding tax of 10% for the consultant which is inclusive of the full cost.

How to apply

In the situation that the consultant does not meet the agreed deadlines (without advance agreement from Johanniter), the second payment will be reduced by 5% for each calendar day if the submission is late.

Please send your email applications to Mohammad.Mustafa@thejohanniter.org and roqaya.alsaaideh@thejohanniter.org Queries regarding the consultancy can also be directed to this email address.

Interested applicants are requested to apply by 14th February 2025 and must be flexible to be immediately available from 24th February 2025 onwards, as the deadline for the consultancy completion is on the 14th April 2025 upon the approval of the final report. Due to time constraints, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Finally, please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Thank you!