Call For A Legal Expert: To Conduct A Review Of The Lebanese Regulatory And Legal Framework Pertaining To Issues That Impact Multiple Populations Left ‘Furthest-Behind’
Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs
TORs for Legal Expert
to the
Localizing the SDGs: Listening to the Voices of the ‘Furthest-behind’ project
The Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs at the American University of Beirut (AUB) and the United Nations (UN) in Lebanon are seeking a legal expert to conduct a review of the Lebanese regulatory and legal framework pertaining to issues that impact multiple populations left ‘furthest-behind’ for the project “Localizing the SDGs: Listening to the Voices of the ‘Furthest-behind’”.The project aims to explore the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with a focus on the sustainable development goals (SDGs), in Lebanon through an innovative lens, focusing on a bottom-up approach that would engage and cater to the needs of target communities, in this case those left ‘furthest-behind’. The project also aims to ensure that we take into consideration the needs of those ‘furthest-behind’ in national and local deliberations over the localization of the 2030 Agenda in Lebanon and in the formation of development policies in the country.
1. Background
The 2015 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focus on three main aspects: social, economic and environmental sustainable development. The 17 goals aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all. Fundamental to the SDGs is the notion of leaving no one behind. The SDGs build on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), adding new areas for global action such as economic inequality, sustainable consumption and climate change. The SDGs’ success, however, will largely depend on the ability and implementation of governments around the world. In Lebanon, the SDGs provide an opportunity for work on much needed policies and sustainable development initiatives on the local level. Within this context, the United Nations (UN) in Lebanon, in collaboration with the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs, aims to approach the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals in Lebanon through an innovative frame, focusing on a bottom-up approach that would cater to the needs of the target communities and engage them, since localizing the SDGs involves promoting local multi-stakeholder ownership of the agenda. The approach would also provide the foundations for ensuring the consideration of the voices of those ‘furthest-behind’ in national and local deliberations over the localization of the 2030 Agenda in Lebanon and in the formulation of national development policies. ‘Furthest-behind’ refers to those communities and/or members of a community who are most vulnerable and disadvantaged in a society.
As one of its main objectives, the project will commission two research projects that generate knowledge on the ‘furthest-behind’ groups’ and populations’ views of the SDGs or elements related to development planning discourses, and channel the views of those left ‘furthest-behind’ to the policy-making spaces to contribute to the localization of the SDGs in Lebanon at a national policy level. To achieve the latter, it is imperative to understand the legal and regulatory context within which these research projects will be conducted because national laws and policies may influence the issues being studied, the targeted groups left ‘furthest-behind’, and potentially, the implementation of the recommendations resulting from the research. Since the grant research will not address the legal and regulatory context surrounding these issues, it will be supported by a review of current laws and policies, which will be conducted by an expert in the field.
2. Objectives of the Consultation Generate knowledge on the regulatory and legal framework that directly pertains to the groups identified through the research papers. To this purpose, a review of the regulatory and legal framework will be conducted which identifies current Lebanese laws and policies that facilitate, and/or impact study outcomes, and that directly impact groups targeted in the commissioned studies. Disseminate study findings, with the assistance and knowledge of the Issam Fares Institute, which contain policy recommendations and suggested priority measures to ensure that policy-makers and researchers are aware of the findings and their implications for the sustainable development agenda in Lebanon.
3. Expected Results
In order to ensure that the review of the legal framework meets the objectives outlined above, the following criteria must be fulfilled:
The legal expert must coordinate with research award grantees to ensure a comprehensive review of the regulatory and legal matters that may impact study outcomes, and that impact the targeted ‘furthest-behind’ groups in reaching their main SDG/development priorities. The legal expert must consult with members from relevant civil society organizations, government ministries, and relevant UN agencies involved in service provision or advocacy to the research target groups or related policy formulation to ensure a comprehensive review of the regulatory and legal matters that directly impact their lives.
Deliverable Deadline An outline of the proposed report, to be submitted to the committee for review directly after selection, and consultation with award grantees. June 2017 A report highlighting the current Lebanese laws and policies that facilitate, and/or impact study outcomes and that directly impact groups targeted in the funded research studies. After receiving feedback from the selection committee, the report will be published by the Issam Fares Institute in collaboration with the UN in Lebanon. July 2017 A final presentation of the main findings of the review, to be presented to decision-makers and other stakeholders during a stakeholder meeting for the project. August-September 2017
Duration of the Consultancy
The assignment is not considered a full-time commitment, and the individual researcher is expected to balance the assignment with other roles/assignments, if need be. The assignment is expected to be completed between 20 to 30 working days between May and September 2017, with the proposals to include an estimated budget reflecting this expected amount of working days. Aside from a strict adherence to the deliverables and results, the manner in which the individual researcher organizes their work is open.
5. Qualifications of the Successful Consultant
A well-established legal research track record, ideally in Lebanon or the Arab region, as demonstrated by publications. A Masters or PhD in Social Sciences, Law, or Government/International Relations.
6. Recommended Presentation of Expression of Interest
It is requested to present the submitted proposal by email to Ms. Maysa Baroud, the project coordinator, at [email protected] by May 16, 2017, along the following lines:
Personal CV, indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details of the Candidate. Brief description in the form of an expression of interest on why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable for the legal research, including specific references to the methodologies previously applied. Sample of a previous legal research. Financial proposal that indicates a total sum.
Shortlisted candidates will be expected to attend a meeting with the researchers on May 22, 2017 (this date is tentative and subject to change).
7. Criteria for Selection of the Best Proposal
Criteria Weight Max. Point Technical Competence 70% 100 Education (40) Methodology (60) Financial (Lower Offer/Offer*100) 30% 100 Total Score Technical Score * 0.7 + Financial Score * 0.3
