Individual Consultancy – Current Situation of Labor Unions

1. About FES:

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) is German political public-interest institution founded in 1925 as political legacy of its namesake Friedrich Ebert, the first democratically elected German President.

The office of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) in Lebanon was established in 1966 and maintained its work as one of the few foreign organizations throughout the civil war (1975-1990).

In the post-war years, FES played a vital role in the strengthening of the Lebanese state and its institutions, i.e. through lobbyism for the re-launching of municipal elections and strategic support to key ministries.

Our mission focuses on the core ideas and values of social democracy – freedom, justice and solidarity. We promote a free society which offers all its citizens the same opportunities to participate on political, economic, social and cultural levels, regardless of their origin, sex, religion or orientation. We support a strong democracy, sustainable economic growth and a welfare state that provides quality education and improved health care combats poverty and provides protection against the challenges that life throws at citizens.

2. OBJECTIVE AND SCOPE OF THE WORK

The main reason of the proposed assignment is to carry out an in-depth study into the current situation of labor unions in Lebanon, in the aftermath of the October 17 uprising.

• To provide a brief historical overview of labor unions in postwar Lebanon to understand the reasons behind their current weakness.
• To map all major established unions, assess their degree of influence, and determine the degree of politico-sectarian cooptation.
• To scout potential progressive partners who can push for democratic change within established unions and determine needed areas of support.
• To map emerging alternative unions after October 17 and assess their potential of growth.
• To provide practical recommendations for the democratization and independence of established unions and methods of empowering emerging alternative ones.

N.B.: Research should comprise desk and/or field work, depending on the needs and suitability of each of the above-mentioned points.

The outcome of the study will be used for the following purposes:

• Obtain a holistic view of the situation of labor unions in Lebanon.
• Publish all, or sections, of the study with full credits to the author and supporting team.
• Tailor FES’ strategy of support to labor unions in the upcoming period based on the issued recommendations.

3. OUTPUTS/EXPECTED DELIVERABLES

• Deliverable 1: Detailed outline and methodology to be adopted by the consultant.
• Deliverable 2: First draft of the first half of the study detailing the historical overview and situation of established unions.
• Deliverable 3: First draft of the second half of the study detailing emerging alternative unions and support methods.
• Deliverable 4: Final report with recommendations.

4. DURATION OF THE CONTRACT

The consultancy’s duration will be based on the consultant’s assessment. The deadline of implementation is July 2020.

5. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT

FES will contract a lead consultant who will work either individually or with a team of their own choosing to undertake the assignment as described in this ToR.

The consultant will regularly report to FES to follow up on the report progress.

The Lead consultant will spearhead the assignment and will be responsible for the submission of the deliverables as requested.

All deliverables submitted by the consultants should be approved by FES before any payment is made.

6. DUTY STATION

The assignment is both field and home-based.

7. REQUIRED EXPERTISE AND QUALIFICATION:

Education qualification of the lead consultant:

• Postgraduate or advanced university degree (at least M. Sc. or equivalent) in the area of political science, international relations, social anthropology, development studies, social movements, or other related fields.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience on labor unions, workers’ rights, and union organizing in Lebanon.

Experience of the Lead Consultant:

• At least 5 years of professional experience on specified topic.
• Ability to conduct quality research.
• Good conceptual and practical knowledge of the political and socioeconomic context in Lebanon.
• Experience of working and collaborating with labor movements in Lebanon.
• Capability of gathering a well-versed support team if needed.

Language requirement:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Arabic and English.

8. PAYMENT MODALITIES

The consultants shall be paid the consultancy fee upon completion of the following milestones.

• 50% after acceptance of detailed outline and methodology.
• 50% after completion and submission of full study.