Junior Non Key Expert Activity 1.1- Development of the National SD Strategy (NSDS)

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Junior Non-Key Expert (JNKE) for the Development of a National Social Dialogue Strategy – NSDS (JNKE 1.1 - up to 39 wd in 2018)

1.Context and background

The EU-funded Project “Promotion of Social Dialogue in Lebanon” aims to enhance the capacity of the Government of Lebanon and the Lebanese Social Partners and Civil Society to be promoters of Social Dialogue in order to strengthen social protection and improve and enforce labour legislation.

This project is funded by the European Union under the “Social Justice Programme” (SJP), which is comprised of eight projects. The SJP programme’s objective is to advocate for democracy, human rights and social justice in Lebanon, promoting good governance and gender equality at its core. Overall, the SJP programme supports the strengthening of the institutional framework for the protection of human rights and the development of democratic governance in Lebanon

The specific purpose of the Technical Assistance Contract between the EU and GOPA Consultants is to increase the capacities of the Ministry of Labour and Tripartite Social Partners to be promoters of social dialogue.

Three results have to be achieved in order to reach the purpose:

1. Operational and legal framework for social dialogue developed
2. Institutional and technical capacity of the Ministry of Labour and its tripartite social partners is reinforced to promote social dialogue
3. Tripartite social dialogue and collective bargaining are promoted at national level

The main beneficiary of the project is the Ministry of Labour (MoL), especially the “Professions and Trade Unions Department” and the “Labour Inspection, Prevention and Safety Department” of the MoL.

Technical Assistance is provided by a consortium consisting of GOPA Consultants (Germany) as the lead firm and EPTISA (Spain).

Other beneficiaries and partners of the project are the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the National Employment Office (NEO), Employer Organizations, Trade Unions, Civil Society Organisations and other relevant stakeholders involved in Social Dialogue.

The purpose of this TOR is to define the tasks and responsibilities of a Junior Non Key Expert (JNKE) for Activity 1.1: Development of the National Social Dialogue Strategy (NSDS) within the time-frame of the Operations Plan of the Project.

In close collaboration with the Senior Non Key Expert (SNKE) and the Team Leader (TL), the technical services will be delivered by the JNKE for a period of up to 39 (thirtynine) working days.

These TOR focus solely on the tasks and responsibilities of the JNKE.

2.Objectives of the assignment of the JNKE (39 wd)

The overall objective of the assignment of a JNKE is to support the SNKE 1.1 in the implementation of Activity 1.1 “Design the framework of a National Social Dialogue Strategy -NSDS” (SNKE 1.1).

This Activity consist of the following tasks and expected outcomes:

Task 1.1.1   Review and assess the major social policies documents of the social dialogue

Outcomes

• Focus groups with stakeholders
• Report on the situation of SD in Lebanon

Task 1.1.2   Draft the mains foundation of the strategy with an action plan

Outcomes

• Draft Framework for NSDS and action plan submitted to MOL for approval

Task 1.1.3   Organise consultations and consensus building, at least 2 workshops with MoL, Employer associations, trade unions, and other relevant stakeholders

Outcomes

• 3 workshops to involve stakeholders and reach consensus prepared and implemented

Task 1.1.4   Design and finalise drafting of the NSDS final version, including management tools and guidelines

Outcomes

• Final version of NSDS and action plan presented for approval in 1 tripartite workshop;  training manuals prepared

Task 1.1.5   Implement at least 3 trainings on method of implementation of the National Strategy to mobilise the staff of the MoL

Outcomes

• At least 3 days of training on the implementation of the NSDS prepared and implemented

Task 1.1.1 was already finished in 2017, the other tasks still have to be completed.

In close collaboration with the TL, and under guidance of the SNKE, the JNKE will support the SNKE in the implementation of Tasks 1.1.2 to 1.1.5.

3.Methodology and scope of work

For the implementation of Activity 1.1 “Design the framework of a National Social Dialogue Strategy (NSDS)”, the Technical Assistance Team (TAT) mainly will prepare and deliver a cohesive set of articulated building blocks, including an underlying rationale, jointly forming the framework of a National Social Dialogue Strategy (NSDS).

These building blocks will be discussed in a working group (for Activity 1.1). The working group will be established and chaired by the MOL and will consist of selected representatives from the Tripartite Social Partners (Employers Organizations, Trade Unions as well as Civil Society organizations).

It is important to conceptualize that the Working Group is indeed the driver and owner of processes, whereas the Team of NKEs will support and facilitate the process of elaborating the Strategy. In recognition of the fact that Social Dialogue is not only an objective, but also a modality in a constituting process, the short-term consultants (the SNKE and JNKE), in close collaboration with the MOL Coordinators and the Project management, should make submissions in the group meetings, for discussions, reflections and conclusions (on the progressive trajectory of the building blocks, finally forming the Strategy).

The SNKE and JNKE will also will be responsible for facilitating consultations and consensus building workshops pertaining to the National Social Dialogue Strategy with the MOL, Employers’ Associations, Trade Unions and other relevant stakeholders, design and finalize the NSDS final draft version, including management tools and guidelines and implement at least 3 trainings on the implementation of the National Strategy.

In close collaboration with the TL, and under guidance of the SNKE, the Junior NKE will:

• Collaborate with the TL and SNKE for this Activity in all professional matters as and when required;
• Complement the conceptual process of the development of a National Social Dialogue Strategy (NSDS) by providing selected material research for the building blocks, which will form the core of the Strategy, including and taking into account work already done by the project (e.g. paper on the foundation of the NSDS), international experiences and good practices with a stronger focus on the (MENA) region;
• Jointly with the SNKE partake in preparation of workshop, and provide support to the working group by making necessary arrangements and contacts;
• In cooperation with the SNKE facilitate consensus building meetings / workshops by fostering group work discussions and their documentations, making presentations in PPT and provide other reference materials/ modalities; A total of up to 3 one-day-workshops is envisaged to finalise the discussions and achieve agreement on a National Social Dialogue Strategy (NSDS);
• Assist in the evaluations of the workshop(s);
• Prepare and conduct at least 3 training workshops on the implementation of the National Strategy.
• Contribute to documentation (writing and printing) of all works providing evidence (as reports) in soft and hard copies; all workshop materials (distributed as background readers and/or facilitating discussions) must be translated into Arabic;

This list may not be exhaustive, and additional works (similar to the nature of this assignment) may be required by the TL.

4.Deliverables

The usual place of work is the project office in Beirut within the premises of ECOSOC.

The deliverables are as follows:

1. Assist the SNKE in developing and submitting concepts (so called “building blocks”) to be integrated into the final concise DRAFT Strategy on Social Dialogue;
2. Assist the SNKE in developing concepts for all workshops, to be conducted in the frame of this activity. The concepts should include the formulation of expected results, methodology and contents of the workshop, and the anticipated assessment by the participants. The concepts have to be presented to the TAT at least 2 weeks before the events
3. Assist the SNKE in organizing, implementing and assessing at least two (maximum six) consultation and consensus building workshops on the NSDS in close collaboration with the TAT;
4. On the basis of the Final Draft Strategy, the Junior NKE, with support from the Senior NKE, will develop a concise Draft Action Plan for submission to the Project TAT for sharing and discussion in the working group and final review;
5. Assist the SNKE in implementing at least 3 full-day training sessions. These workshops will be implemented for selected key individuals (“champions for social dialogue”) from the MOL and the Social Partners to ensure follow up on the implementation of the National Social Dialogue Strategy;
6. Following each of the workshops, a report, including feedback from participants, will be submitted to the TL;
7. Contribute to a final mission report of the NKE team. This report should integrate all the recommendations and suggestions proposed by the stakeholders (in workshops or other occasions) in order to foster national ownership of the strategy. All workshop materials (distributed as background readers and/or facilitating discussions) must be attached;

5.Time line and working days (up to 39 wd)

Works shall be implemented in the period from February 2018 until the end of the project in December 2018.

In order to deliver all the services requested, in total up to 39 working days are foreseen.

6.Language

All documents and deliverables are to be provided in English (of these, the project will translate a selection into Arabic if needed).

All workshops and trainings must be conducted in Arabic, the training materials should to be provided mainly in Arabic.

7.Qualification and Experience of the Expert

Qualification and key competences:

• University Degree (at least on Bachelor Level) in Social Science, Political Science, Public Administration or related fields;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Arabic. French will be considered as an asset
• Excellent writing and editing skills in English and Arabic (the CV provided will be used as one of the main proofs)
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong analytical and organizational skills
• Understanding and application of the consulting principle of capacity development
  (proven by previous assignments and / or relevant further training)

Professional experience:

• Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience, ideally in areas related to Strategy and Action Plan development in public sector settings, preferably in Technical Assistance Projects;
• Experience in ENPI region is an asset;
• Demonstrable workshop experience and facilitation skills (at least 3 workshops assisted and managed / organized);

• Familiar with the National scene and underlying currents in Social Dialogue, verified by track record of works, including publications.