Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Civil / Structural Engineer - Junior Consultant, Rome

Closing date: Thursday, 28 December 2017
JOB TITLE: Engineer
TYPE OF CONTRACT: Consultant
UNIT/DIVISION: WFP Engineering
DUTY STATION (City, Country): HQ
DURATION: 6 months
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:
WFP is an operational leader in engineering services, and WFP Engineering provides engineering support to the wider humanitarian community. It is made up of experienced and specialist engineers, managing the construction of critical infrastructure projects for WFP operations and the communities we serve.
WFP Engineering activities provide support for the planning, design, procurement and construction phases of WFP infrastructure and engineering projects in the field. Furthermore, they provide engineering support to a range of different disciplines including civil, structural, mechanical and electrical engineering, and construction project management. WFP
Engineering is increasingly engaged in supporting WFP field operations in providing infrastructure critical for food security; building community resilience and sustainable development; and in planning, mobilising and managing engineering activities related to emergency response.
This position will be with the WFP Engineering at Rome Headquarters. This position requires the engagement of a competent junior civil or structural engineer, who will work with and report to senior engineering staff. The main tasks required of the position will include engineering design and review; engineering project management; construction procurement processes; contract management for construction activities, and Public Procurement Contracting in a UN environment.
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a strong competence and progressively responsible roles ln one or more of the following engineering technologies: , competence in concrete and steel constructions/designs, road and pavement design and construction, particularly in tropical zones; water services; planning and programming engineering design or construction activities.
The candidate will be responsible for the engineering administration and coordination of infrastructure inputs to the WFP's Energy Efficiency Programme (EEP).
ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES AND DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT:
The Engineer will work within WFP Engineering based at Rome HQ and will provide support in relation to the technical, financial and administrative aspects of whatever projects or fields of work with which WFP Engineering is involved.
Under the general supervision of the Chief Engineer, WFP Engineering, and within delegated authority, the duties required of the Project Engineer shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
  • Provide advice on feasibility studies, cost estimations and design concepts. Undertake preliminary or detailed designs (including but not limited to drawings, schematics, master-plans, design calculations, design reports, and technical specifications) requiring a detailed knowledge of the discipline and of relevant International standards and codes of practice.
  • Assist in developing project budgets or preliminary and detailed costs estimations to implement civil, structural, electrical, mechanical or special systems within the projects (including project schedules). Work-time estimates could be also required. Manage and report on project budgets and financial commitments.
  • Prepare, write and assemble project documentation for engineering or construction procurement actions, including drawings, technical specifications, briefs, scope of work, contracts and tender documents, for technical review and approval; this includes the preparation of tender analysis reports, to contribute to and/or manage tender evaluations, and support corporate procurement procedures.
  • Manage and maintain technical and administrative records and documentation for construction projects, compiling and managing records and reports, when required. This includes but is not limited to the following tasks : tracking and recording activities and decisions, financial and administrative processes, as well as contractual matters and correspondences; provide technical advice and support to the design phase, and subsequent construction phases, when necessary.
  • Provide support to site engineering teams with support including undertaking field missions as required.
  • Undertake and analyse technical surveys and assessments related to project planning and preparation.
  • Review, interpret and critique/comment on third-party or other proposals, method statements and schedules, in particular technical drawings, schematics, and computer-generated design reports.
  • Participate in design reviews of architectural, structural, mechanical and electrical systems.
  • Operate computer-aided engineering, surveying, GIS and design software packages and equipment to perform engineering tasks.
  • Support emergency responses in the field. This will require travel to remote locations on short notice and require an active participation in developing logistics and infrastructure solutions to support WFPs operations in an emergency context.
  • Assist in managing Quality Assurance and Quality Control procedures for construction projects.
  • Any other tasks or responsibilities that may be assigned by the Chief Engineer from time to time.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
Education:
  • University Degree Bachelor Civil or Structural Engineering.
Experience:
  • At least 1 year post-graduate professionally relevant civil or structural engineering experience.
Knowledge & Skills:
  • Good written and verbal communication skills
  • Hold or be eligible for Professional, Chartered or equivalent professional engineering accreditation from an internationally recognised professional supervisory body.
  • Knowledge and/or experience in engineering design
  • Knowledge and/or experience of construction site 'health and safety' systems.
  • Knowledge and/or experience of public procurement procedures, International contract formats, and construction management procedures.
  • Computer literate.
  • Microsoft Project.
  • Microsoft Office including (MS Word and Excel).
  • AutoCAD
Languages:
  • Fluent working knowledge (proficiency/level C) of English
  • Intermediate knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is desirable
Closing date: 28 DECEMBER 2017
To apply for the position, follow the link below:
https://career5.successfactors.eu/career?career_ns=job_listing&company=C0000168410P&navBarLevel=JOB_SEARCH&rcm_site_locale=en_GB&career_job_req_id=72244

Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Project Senior Engineer, Kiev


Closing date: Wednesday, 10 January 2018
Following the Maidan revolution of 2013/14, reform has moved to the top of the agenda for the Ukrainian government and its international partners. Within that context, reform of the civilian security sector has been identified as a key priority.
The Government of Ukraine identified some specific reform needs and first steps have been initiated to address shortcomings in the Rule of Law area. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine is undergoing a major restructuring with the creation of the National Police of Ukraine (NPU) as an independent agency in 2015, followed by the country-wide recertification process of the former militia staff. Further and complementary efforts are needed to guarantee sustainability of reforms.
UNOPS Ukraine.
The UNOPS Ukraine Office has been established in April 2017. At present UNOPS manages an extensive portfolio of projects in Ukraine and is seeking to expand its delivery. Accordingly, UNOPS is now shifting direct representational and oversight functions to Ukraine.
UNOPS works with multiple partners including the Governments of Ukraine, bilateral and multilateral donors, and United Nations Agencies, Funds and Programme. In keeping with EU-Ukraine Association Agreement of 27 June 2014 and other Government reform initiatives, UNOPS is particularly interested in strengthening its coordination and liaison capacity with relevant Government institutions, Government led mechanisms and emerging trust fund instruments.
The Support for Rule of Law Reforms in Ukraine Project.
UNOPS provides project management implementation services and support for the European Delegation and the Government of Ukraine project, focused on reform of the Rule of Law system in Ukraine and to align its functioning with the best European and International practices.
The Project aims to support the creation of an efficient law-enforcement system respectful of human rights in support of the people of Ukraine, via provision of the necessary support to the National Police and other Ukrainian authorities in charge of civilian law-enforcement. On substance matters, the project relies on the EU Advisory Mission [EUAM] to Ukraine which is a Rule of Law and Police Mission, based in Kiev and with presences in Kharkiv and Lviv.
Purpose and Scope of Assignment
Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Project Senior Engineer will undertake following tasks/duties in his/her area of responsibility:
  • Lead and supervise all engineering works. 

  • Contribute to development, implementation, monitoring and updating of the Project plans and strategies in order to ensure delivery is to the scope budget and time. 

  • Provide regular reports to the Project Manager and provide inputs for the periodic and final reports to inform donors and the key stakeholders of trends and conditions in the Project. 

  • Closely monitor and assess performance of UNOPS engineers and consultants, as agreed with the Project Manager. 

  • Provide expertise opinion/advise the Project Manager on all engineering issues. 

  • Support the Project Manager in establishing the framework for engagement of external and internal stakeholders and implementation of the stakeholder engagement plan. 

  • Formulate and/or check and revise all technical documents/designs.

  • Manage contractors and contract execution, supervise the quality of the site reports. 

  • Support the Project Manager in managing risks and issues, as stipulated by the Project's Risk Management Strategy.
10. Update Project quality register, risk register and lessons learned log in the time frame stipulated by the Project's strategic documents.
11. Maintain electronic record in UNOPS database for the Project documentation as stipulated by the configuration management standards of the Geneva o ce and/or as instructed by the Project Manager.
12. Ensure respect of Health and Safety procedures on the site and report any irregularity
13. Ensure that aspects of good governance are integrated into the rehabilitation/reconstruction projects
Monitoring and Progress Controls
The Project Senior Engineer delivers to, and supports, the project life cycle. They must be able to apply, independently, the below duties and responsibilities of the project success criteria:
  • Stakeholder Management:
  • Establish positive and fruitful working relationships with all members of the Project Team, Beneficiaries and Clients, as appropriate, providing advice and guidance on specific and general civil engineering issues and where appropriate other technical matters.
  • Delivery and Performance:
  • Responsible for:-
  • Management of the project engineers.
  • All civil works / infrastructure projects implemented following the envisaged timeline, budget, in line with national construction legislation and UNOPS norms and standards.
  • Strong technical contribution to individual project development, including financial aspects.
  • Reports from meetings and site visits produced within 2 working days.
  • Provision of photo documentation illustrating the infrastructure activities on the site.
  • Timely, accurate and worthy contribution for all reports envisaged as standard project reporting.
  • Procedures:
  • Follow the Project Management Cycle Instructions and ensure that all organizational policy is complied with (Organizational Directives and Administrative Instructions).
  • Support the Project Manager in the delivery of all technical and project related documentation as directed.
  • Knowledge Management:
  • Participate in the relevant Communities of Practice.
  • Personnel Management:
  • Ensure safety and security for all personnel and comply with UNDSS standards.
  • Core Values and Principles:
  • Understand and respect UNOPS sustainability principles.
  • Look for ways to embed UNOPS sustainability principles in day to day project management.
  • Seek opportunities to champion gender equality at work place.
  • Champion and communicate project's sustainability aspects with key stakeholders.
  • Understand and Respect National ownership and capacity.
  • Understand the principles of the Paris Declaration on aid effectiveness and mainstream them into the project plans.
  • Partnerships and Coordination.
  • Understand the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) and UNOPS, the project's place in the UN system.
  • Know the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and seek to contribute within the deliverables of the project.
  • Strive to build strong partnerships and effective coordination among relevant project actors (e.g. United Nations, governments, and non-governmental organizations or other relevant partners.
  • Accountability for results and the use of resources.
  • The project management processes are designed to deliver maximum accountability, transparency and results. If a project or processes is not in line with this, it is the responsibility of the Project Senior Engineer to raise the issue to a supervisor.
  • Excellence.
  • Contribute to innovation and the adaptation of best practice standards of sustainability and quality.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
  • Master's degree in civil engineering is required.
  • A Bachelor's degree in civil engineering combination with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the master's degree.
  • With master's degree Minimum (5) years of relevant professional engineering experience at site; with bachelor's degree minimum seven (7) years of relevant professional engineering experience at site.
  • Experience in works related to management of complex construction and reconstructions works.
  • Experience in working with the EU and other UN agencies is not necessary but will be considered as advantage.
  • An understanding of the functioning of the Ukrainian Rule of Law sector would be an advantage.
  • Experience working in a project-based environment is required.
  • Fluency in English and Ukrainian is required.
  • Valid graduate engineer's licenses for responsible designer/contractor as per Ukrainian regulations.
  • Ability to travel independently; driver license (B category) is desirable.
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
  • Familiarity with FIDIC Contracts.
  • Knowledge of MS Office and MS Project is required
  • Knowledge of AutoCAD.
  • Excellent organisational and inter-personal skills.
  • Ability to formulate written and oral information clearly and persuasively.
  • Accountability for management of time, establishing clear performance goals, standards, and responsibilities.
  • Ability to perform a variety of standard tasks related to results management, including screening and collecting of project documentation, projects data entering, preparation of revisions, filing, provision of information.
  • Ability to initiate and sustain relationships with key constituents.
  • Focusing on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback.
  • Ability to build strong relationships with clients and external actors.
  • Commitment to UNOPS' mission, vision and values, including cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
  • Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement Contract level: Local Specialist Level 10 Contract duration:1 year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability. For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx
  • Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
  • Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
  • Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
  • Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.
UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.
Working in some of the world's most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners' expectations.
With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.
A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.
Based in Geneva, the Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECR) supports UNOPS offices throughout the region through: management, financial and programmatic oversight of global and country-specific portfolios, clusters and operations centres, including hosting services; fund and management advisory services; project implementation; procuring goods and services; and managing human resources.
ECR ensures that projects are executed to the highest standards, providing a shared knowledge base and ensuring that best practices and lessons learned are disseminated between business units and projects across the entire region.
ECR operates global portfolios from offices in Geneva, Brussels and New York, and country-specific programmes from its operations and project centres located in Eastern Europe and Central Asian countries.
To apply for this job, refer the link below:
https://jobs.unops.org/Pages/ViewVacancy/VADetails.aspx?id=14683

WASH Coordinator - Emergency Response- Multiple Locations

Country: Other
Department: Emergency Response Team
Essential Job Duties/Scope of Work: International Medical Corps is a global, humanitarian, nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering through health care training and relief and development programs.
Established in 1984 by volunteer doctors and nurses, International Medical Corps is a private, voluntary, nonpolitical, nonsectarian organization. Its mission is to improve the quality of life through health interventions and related activities that build local capacity in underserved communities worldwide. By offering training and health care to local populations and medical assistance to people at highest risk, and with the flexibility to respond rapidly to emergency and development phases, International Medical Corps rehabilitates devastated health care systems and helps bring them back to self-reliance.
Program Background
International Medical Corps is a 'first-responder' both to natural and man-made disasters and has a mandate of working in remote locations. The organization has a comprehensive security management policy and plan in place and committed to do everything possible within its remit to ensure safety and security. Notwithstanding, the mandate and programming choices of International Medical Corps require staff with a high degree of resilience, sound judgement, the ability to move fast, and the willingness to travel and work in unstable situations and harsh conditions
The primary function of the WASH Manager includes supporting the Team in the assessment, planning, design, implementation, supervision, expansion/development and administration of technical interventions, and will directly oversee project implementation on the ground. The WASH Manager will be in charge of the prioritization and coordination of the start-up and management of technical interventions, and contribute to the development of concept papers and proposals for interventions in close cooperation with the team and under the supervision of the WASH Coordinator. In addition, the WASH manager will support with the training of local staff and stakeholders in WASH related topics and will also be responsible for compiling activity reports and guaranteeing quality of services.
Duties and Responsibilities
The individual will plan and implement WASH projects; foster internal and external networks with stakeholders and donors; provide technical support to the development of funding proposals; and manage a team of WASH staff. In addition, the WASH Manager will support the WASH program in project monitoring, regular reviews, donor report preparation, and capturing learning.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the essential functions under limited or basic living conditions and working environment. The duties and responsibilities listed are representative of the nature and level of work assigned and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
1. Assessment
  • Provide WASH technical support to needs assessment design, implementation and analysis
  • Support with the linkage between assessments and activity plans and budgets.
  • Support the assessment of in-country resources and capacities (human, material and financial) for WASH program roll-out as per agreed objectives.
  • Implement and maintain prescribed reporting systems to monitor and evaluate the objectives, indicators and outcomes of the project
2 . Program Design
  • Enforce the implementation of aims and objectives of WASH response program in line with the WASH strategy.
  • Select and design activities from an array of appropriate technologies for water systems for the given context, including source selection (ground water, surface water), abstraction, storage, treatment and distribution for new systems and/or the rehabilitation of old Water systems.
  • Select and design the most appropriate form of sanitation system (to include excreta disposal, vector control, solid waste disposal, drainage) taking into full account the local conditions, resources, customs and cultural norms.
  • Implement a hygiene promotion program, which suits the local context and is widely accepted by beneficiaries.
  • Ensure the consideration of cross cutting areas such as gender, protection, DRR and sustainability within all WASH interventions, also considering the importance of integration with other sectors such as health and nutrition
  • Ensure Sphere and National standards are considered through the program cycle and are well documented.
  • Develop concept papers, letters of intent, proposals and budgets in respect of the above.
3. Management and Implementation
  • Manage WASH program in a phased and prioritized manner with full consultation and co-ordination with International Medical Corps' staff and other agencies, both governmental and non-governmental.
  • Work closely with Human Resources team for hiring and building capacity of the WASH team.
  • Ensure the areas of gender and protection are considered throughout the project cycle with women being enabled to influence decision- making around WASH challenges.
  • Implement the appropriate supervisory, monitoring and evaluation systems for WASH interventions.
  • Work closely with program support functions (logistics and finance departments) for WASH program supplies and activities planning working with field teams and logistics to procure project supplies within the project budget
  • Maintain open lines of communications with all field staff
4. Information and Co-ordination
  • Provide regular updates and technical guidance to team on progress, priorities and challenges - verbally and in writing.
  • Responsible for creation of staff work-plans, staff training and development activities
  • Represent International Medical Corps to external stakeholders as needed and agreed with supervisor, such as Government bodies, donors and the cluster
  • Other duties as assigned.
5. Compliance & Ethics
Promotes and encourages a culture of compliance and ethics throughout International Medical Corps. As applicable to the position, maintains a clear understanding of International Medical Corps' and donor compliance and ethics standards and adheres to those standards. Conducts work with the highest level of integrity. Communicates these values to staff and to partners and requires them to adhere to these values.
Qualifications:
  • Minimum of bachelor's degree in water and sanitation engineering, civil engineering, Public Health or relevant technical WASH specialization
  • At least 3 years professional experience in design and implementation of water, sanitation and hygiene projects in development and /or emergency contexts; including water-point rehabilitation (including design and BoQ elaboration).An appreciation of WASH in health facilities and outbreak preparedness and/or response.
  • Demonstrated analytical, motivational, communication, project conceptualization and planning skills.
  • Prior experience working in emergency settings or insecure environments; IDP/refugee camp experience preferred.
  • Experience in overseeing implementation, tracking the progress, reporting against the agreed indicators and managing project budget.
  • Experience and understanding of key intuitional donors' policies, guidelines and strategies e.g. USAID, OFDA, ECHO, DFID and UN.
  • Demonstrated experience in WASH proposal development and preparation of internal and donor reports.
  • Ability to effectively present information (both written and verbally) and respond appropriately to questions from senior managers in the field, counterparts, senior government.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of linking WASH activities with other humanitarian sectors.
  • Ability to understand gender related challenges within the beneficiary groups
  • Works well in and promotes teamwork, comfortable in a multi-cultural environment, flexible and able to handle pressure well
  • Demonstrated experience of working closely with support functions (finance and logistics) on activity and procurement planning.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English required, working knowledge of French, Spanish or Arabic skills desirable.
International Medical Corps is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran.
For application refer the link below:
https://careers.internationalmedicalcorps.org/Careers.aspx?adata=EMsTUwd8Wc4gVhRs0bs7syrnqC0WwQTTHdJ7lQqR2%2fIWvsgM2bIqIFq1QKxyoPRmxblTTBjaAehz%2fhKJbvA%2f8mNm0byk3CQkwoByVSdrfBmNyCGdo%2b%2fGv1nOPATNpPFCiBli95EmOz9Cnr2NHTkPJ8AGAAmmA75JFMjPQLwdCXg0%2b8%2bUwjIKpgAKpu98wB%2f9ZQ%3d%3d

Monday, December 25, 2017

Research Consultant for the DFID programme


APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS GUIDELINE: 
Interested researchers or research firms are required to send an expression of interest email using the following subject line “DFID Research”. Upon expressing interest, the interested researcher or research firm will receive the detailed TOR, based on which they would submit their proposal.
CONTACT PERSON EMAIL: 
DESCRIPTION: 
Integrated Shelter and WASH response to meet the basic needs of the most vulnerable children and their families- Research TOR
           
Role: Research for the DFID programme
Funded by: DFID
Supervisor/s: MEAL Director         
Time Frame of Assignment: 20 December 2017 – 23 March 2018 (50 working days)
Location: Bekaa, Akkar, Beirut and Mount Lebanon Governorates

DFID Project Background
The “Integrated Shelter and WASH response to meet the basic needs of the most vulnerable children and their families” program is currently being implemented in Akkar, Bekaa, Beirut and Mount Lebanon regions. The program was initiated on 1 January 2017 and is intended to end on 31 December 2018. According to DFID’s theory of change, the goal of the programs to contribute to DFID’s identified impact of lives saved, civilians protected, suffering reduced and resilience built.

Research Scope and Purpose
Lebanon currently has the highest refugee-to-host-population ratio in the world. As of June 2017, the number of registered Syrian refugees in Lebanon had reached 1,001,051 million. The refugee population in Lebanon was less than 150,000 in January 2013, this number grew six times larger by the time the year ended. With this huge influx, the demand for housing has significantly increased causing a surge of rental prices within the Lebanese rental market.
It has been extensively discussed through literature on housing, how the informal nature of the rental market in Lebanon, its inelasticity, and the lack of regulations have all well-contributed to this drastic increase in rental prices. Numerous studies have shown that the vast majority (over 80%) of Syrian refugees are renting as a means for housing. According to the latest Vulnerability Assessment of Syrian Refugees (VASyR) in Lebanon, conducted jointly by UNICEF, UNHCR, and the WFP, in some cases Syrian refugees pay over 300 USD per month for rent (in Beirut). In addition, some studies have shown that the highest percentage of refugees’ incomes is spent on rent, values have reached as high as 92% (in Tripoli). where most families are obliged to cut food in order to pay for their rent. The issue of high rental prices has become a heavy burden to Syrian refugees and is numerously ranked by most studies as their first and utmost concern. Not only has this issue forced refugees to search for low-priced rentals with substandard shelter conditions, but also a large number of most vulnerable communities among refugees have resorted to severely insecure shelters including tents in informal settlements and within non-residential buildings. According to the VASyR conducted in 2016, 62% of Syrians in Lebanon lack affordable and suitable shelter. This decrease in availability of affordable and safe shelter options for vulnerable refugee communities, had been also strongly emphasized in the Shelter Strategy, co-led by the Ministry of Social Affairs and the UNHCR.
Since 2014, the shelter sector in Lebanon has embarked on numerous shelter initiatives, aiming to ensure adequate, safe, dignified, and secure living conditions to the most vulnerable communities. In light of the above and within the context of multiple evidence gaps related to shelter programming and its wider effects, this research aims to explore the effectiveness, sustainability, effect on refugee vulnerability and effect on housing market dynamics of the shelter programs described. The research will be covering the Bekaa, Akkar, Beirut and Mount Lebanon regions of Lebanon. It will be conducted on an area based level within cadastrals, where shelter programs have been extensively implemented for rehabilitation/upgrading buildings (occupied or non-occupied) for the use of vulnerable populations. As such, the research’s findings and the evidence generated from this research will be crucial in supporting the shelter sector for advocacy regarding decisions on housing for vulnerable populations, it will also contribute to assessing the sustainability of the impact delivered by these shelter programs on vulnerable populations. It will as well help better inform donors and other actors in the region about the changing situation and housing needs of the most vulnerable and the means to best serve them.
Research Question and Sub-questions
Research question: How has housing support (including Occupancy Free of Charge (OFC) interventions) affected the vulnerability of refugees and the dynamics of the local housing market?
Sub-Questions (to be refined with the researcher/s during Inception Phase)
  1. What are the typologies of housing used by the most vulnerable communities in the designated areas?
  2. What were the vulnerability changes for the households who benefited from shelter programming?  
  3. Are there any unified standards for adequate housing (including safe and child-friendly spaces, playgrounds, proximity to schools and healthcare facilities), if yes, what are they?
  4. What are the shelter programs that have been implemented in the designated areas (Bekaa, Akkar, Beirut and Mount Lebanon) since the year 2014?
  5. What are the main shelter-related challenges reported by children disaggregated by typologies of housing?
  6. What are the national rental pricing trends in Lebanon since 2012?
  7. What are the local rental pricing trends in the formal housing market of Bekaa, Akkar, Beirut and Mount Lebanon, since 2012?
  8. Are the prices different in the informal housing market (non-residential buildings, substandard residential buildings)?
  9. Are the prices different for female-headed households and child-headed households?
  10. Have the housing market (formal and informal) been saturated in these areas, and if not, what would be the most suitable in terms of programming and policy making for increasing housing stock?
  11. Is the program sustainable post OFC interventions? If not, what aspects of the program could be adjusted to make it more sustainable?

Deliverables
The research team will submit three reports and two presentations to the SCL Steering Committee:
  • Inception report: Following the desk review and prior to beginning of the field work, an inception report will be produced subject to approval by SCL. This report will detail a draft work plan with a summary of the primary information needs, the methodology to be used, and a work plan/schedule for the field visits and major deadlines. With respect to methodology, the inception report will include a description of how data will be collected and a sampling framework, data sources, and drafts of suggested data collection tools such as questionnaires and interview guides. It should also include the draft of the final report outline (i.e. Table of Content). 
Once the report is finalized and accepted, the research team must submit a request for any change in strategy, methodology or approach to the SCL MEAL Director.
  • Draft report: A draft research report will be submitted to SCL MEAL Director who will lead the revision process with the reference group and provide feedback within two weeks of receipt of the draft report. Quantitative and qualitative data collected and analysis developed should be annexed to the draft report.
  • Final report: The Final Research Report should include a two page executive summary that summarizes the key lessons learned, conclusions and recommendations. It should also include best practices case studies that can be shared with SCL technical and management staff. Quantitative and qualitative data collected and analysis developed should be annexed to the draft report.
All material collected in the undertaking of the research process should be lodged with the SCL Person to be referenced by the MEAL Director prior to the termination of the contract.
Presentation of findings:
  • At the end of the field work and after submission of the draft report, the research team will present preliminary findings to validate and prioritize learning at the SCL Lebanon level
  • After submission of the Final Research Report, the research team will provide a final presentation for relevant stakeholders

Essential Competencies Required
Save the Children Lebanon seeks expressions of interest from people with the following skills/qualifications and expertise:
  • Background in delivery of Shelter programs (process rather than engineering focus)
  • Understanding of the Lebanese housing market, housing and rental policies and agreements, and Security of Tenure– ideally in both global, local and humanitarian context
  • Sound and proved experience in conducting research, particularly utilization and learning focused research and projects’ evaluations.
  • Expertise in qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques
  • Expertise in participative research and evaluations with focus on child participation and designing assessment tools
Application Process
Interested researchers or research firms are required to send an expression of interest email to the following email address: lebanonhrb@savethechildren.org using the following subject line “DFID Research”. Upon expressing interest, the interested researcher or research firm will receive the detailed TOR, based on which they would submit their proposal to the same email address mentioned above (proposals over 4 pages will be automatically excluded). Proposals must include the following:
  • Outline of research framework and methods, proposed time frame and work plan, proposed research budget, and proposed payments schedule aligned with deliverables schedule
  • CVs and evidence of past research papers for each team member