Baseline Assessment and Stakeholder Mapping Analyst

1.2. Intervention Summary

Search for Common Ground is implementing a 9-month project funded by Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and scheduled to conclude in December 2018. The overall goal of the Selat Wasel 2 project: Strategic networks of mediators are established to sustainably support and address fault lines within targeted communities in Syria. We will contribute to this goal through the two following specific objectives:
1. Specific Objective 1: Expand and support dialogue and communication channels for
Syrian civil society actors and community members across dividing lines

2. Specific Objective 2: Strengthen the capacities of Syrian civil society actors and key community members to mediate conflict across strategic fault lines
Through this project, Search intends to achieve the following key results:
1. Capacities of up to 72 key community actors in seven targeted areas are assessed
and developed to better address local fault lines
2. At least 35 local conflict networking meetings are conducted by local Syrian civil
society actors to support multi-Track peace efforts

2. The Baseline Assessment
2.1. Objectives
Search is conducting a Baseline Assessment and Stakeholder Mapping of the Syrian context,
which will feed into shaping the Selat Wasel 2 project activities. The aim of the study is to:
1. Identifying existing and potential key community stakeholders, their capacities and
background, in targeted areas; 2. Investigate dispute resolution mechanisms and
connectors and dividers in targeted areas; 3. Research on network establishment best
practices available in the Syrian community; 4. Understanding the potential risks of
establishing inclusive networks in the targeted areas. This will mainly contribute to
developing outreach and strict selection criteria for working with civil society, grassroots
actors, and youth as a key actors.

Below are the specific lines of inquiry :

● Identifying existing and potential key community stakeholders, youth and
other informal actors such as, local councils, tribal representatives, IDP camp
managers, civil defence groups, media activists, and educated professionals,
among others, who are “important civil voices” in Syria, and their capacities
and background, in targeted areas.
● Understanding conflict dynamics in selected areas including sources of
conflict ,types of conflict and dividing lines.
● Identifying connectors and dividers among key stakeholders in each area.
● Cast a wide net which will allow us to identify community influencers who
are not usually part of the peace architecture.
● Investigate dispute resolution mechanisms and structures, if any exists, in
the 7 areas targeted.
● Research on network establishment best practices available in the Syrian
community.

● Understanding the potential risks of establishing inclusive networks in the
targeted areas.
● Contribute to developing outreach and strict selection criteria for working
with civil society, grassroots actors, and youth as a key actor
● Provide recommendations on preventive measures to be taken by Search to
accommodate the challenges that might affect the function and sustainability
of the networks to be established during the project
● Understand what key community stakeholders capacities need to be
developed, mainly Field officers team, and identify entry points for creating
linkages and networks.

Recommend best practices to conduct successful and sustainable networking activities.
a. Audience
The primary audience of the Baseline Assessment will be Search, project participants and
direct stakeholders, and the peace building community at large.
The secondary audience will be the donor, Gesellschaft für Internationale
Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), which will use the findings and recommendations to strengthen its
current project and future programming.
b. Methodology
Approach
The Search approach to the study is grounded in the guiding principles of our work:
participatory, culturally sensitive, committed to building capacity, affirming and positive
while honest and productively critical, and valuing knowledge and approaches from within
the context. Search and the hired consultant will agree upon a joint set of standards when
negotiating the final contract of agreement.
The below principles should be taken into account:

● Inclusiveness—the methodology should include a wide range of viewpoints,
specifically gender and age-sensitivity when applicable.
● Mixed-method approaches—both qualitative and quantitative methods need
to be present in the methodology.
● Rigor of evidence—gathered information needs to be reliable and
transparent
● Ethics—the methodology needs to consider ethics in order to insure that the
evaluation is fully objective.

Methodology & Scope of study:
The study will investigate the two principal target groups: Project direct stakeholders, such
as the Field Officers and project participants, and indirect stakeholders, such the wider
Syrian community of the targeted areas.
The sample size should be adequate and representative of the target groups. In addition the
study should employ both quantitative and qualitative participatory methods to establish
the project baseline.
It will draw on the following sources:

● Desk study review: It is important to review project documents, logical
framework and other relevant sources of data to complete the assessment.
● Key informant interviews: Interviews will be conducted to gather in depth
information on key questions.
● Focus group discussions to gather in depth information regarding the key
questions described above.
● Community Surveys: Surveys should be distributed to members of the
community including men, women, and youth groups and others as
appropriate to collect numerical information related to the study’s key
questions.

2. Implementation Information
a. Evaluation Team
The consultant will work closely with Search Lebanon DM&E Manager who will be
ensuring that all milestones are met. He will also act as focal point on all issues including
logistics and recruitment of local researchers, and will sign off on the final papers in
consultation with the MENA Regional DM&E Specialist and with the final approval of the
Lebanon Country Director.
b. Deliverables
● Within Ten days from signing the contract, the consultant should submit an
Inception report, which clearly defines the evaluation methodology, such as clear
outlines for the focus group discussions, KII questions, survey questionnaires and
research timeline with specific deadlines for each deliverable. The inception report
should also clearly explain the sampling methodology and sample size for the

quantitative survey and a clear and logical number for the KIIs. The inception report
and the data collection tools need formal approval from Search before starting the
data collection in the field.
● A draft Baseline Assessment report to be submitted within 6 days of completion
of the data collection for review and comments from Search country team and the
Regional DME specialist. The review and feedback of the report could be more than
one round depending on the quality of the report and the extent to which the
comments and suggestions from first round have been incorporated.
● A presentation on preliminary findings within 3 days that highlights the major parts
in the study.
● A Final Baseline Assessment to be submitted after incorporating the comments of
Search. The report should be written in English, 30-35 pages excluding annexes, and
follows Search’s template consisting of:

- Cover page, Search will provide sample cover sheet for reference
- Table of contents, list of acronyms, abbreviations and list of tables and
charts.
- Executive summary, including key findings and recommendations – 3-
4 pages.
- Background information and context analysis presented per key
criteria with a brief description
- Baseline methodology with clear explanation of sampling and
limitations, KIIs, participants’ selection and data analysis approach.
- Research findings, analysis, with associated data presented, where
appropriate in clear graphs or charts. The findings can include
subsections for each research criteria.
- Conclusion and Recommendations.
- The recommendations should be framed according to each section of
project.
- Appendices should include collected data, detailed description of the
methodology with research instruments, list of interviewees.

● Once the draft is submitted and reviewed, Search may decide based on the quality of
the draft whether the consultant may be required to revise the draft, working
closely with Search DM&E manager as necessary.
● The report should be submitted electronically in a MS – Word document. The
consultant is responsible for English editing of the final report which should be wellformatted. The report will be credited to the evaluator and potentially placed in the
public domain at the decision of Search.
● All handwritten and electronic transcripts of interviews and KIIs, hard copies of
survey questionnaires, photographs taken during the assessment and any
equipment received from Search for the purpose of the study should be submitted
to Search. Furthermore all information generated during the baseline study will be
the sole property of Search and is subject to submission to Search along with the
final report, prior to the end of the contract.
c. Estimated Working days:
● As per the below deadlines, Search estimates the consultant would need between 45
and 50 working days to conclude the study.

3. Deadlines
● Consultant recruitment deadline: June 8, 2018
● Deadline for finalising the data collection tools: June 13, 2018
● Deadline for finalising data collection: July 23, 2018
● Deadline for the draft report: July 29, 2018
● Presentation on preliminary findings: July 31, 2018
● Deadline for the final deliverables: August 12, 2018

4. Logistical Support
Search Lebanon will provide the consultant with logistical support through:
● Ensuring that the consultant receives key documents in a timely manner
● Helping to set up the data collection needed arrangements
● Arranging meetings with the project team and key staff
● Providing administrative support such as photocopying, fax machines, and office
space

5. The Baseline Assessment Consultant
Consultant’s Qualifications
Search Lebanon seeks an experienced Baseline Assessment and Stakeholder Mapping
Analyst for Syria with the following qualifications:
● Excellent written and spoken English skills required, including demonstrated ability
in writing briefing papers and other information products, and fluency in Arabic

● Master’s Degree in a related area, preferably in Middle Eastern studies, conflict
resolution, international studies, peace-building, human rights or related area
● At least 7 years of experience in research, and monitoring & evaluation of which a
minimum of 5 years of related research experience, including both academic and
project-oriented research
● Extensive experience working on the context in Syria and on the Syrian refugee
crisis
● Experience in developing and managing Focus Group Discussions, Interviews, and
Surveys
● Experience in conflict transformation and peacebuilding
● Ability to be flexible with time and work schedule
● Attention to detail and ability to meet tight deadlines
● Capable of establishing and recruiting a network of local researchers who will assist
in conducting the assessment and mapping
● Able to read, digest and accurately analyse large amounts of information, provide
succinct summaries and explain the significance of that information
● Previous experience working with Syrian civil society and in a similar project is
considered an advantage
● Proven ability to negotiate multiple relationships with various partners for research
purposes
● Demonstrated writing and analytical skills;
● Excellent interpersonal and networking skills;
● Cultural sensitivity and adaptability;

Sound good? To apply, interested consultants should:
To receive full Terms of Reference, please apply by sending a cover letter and resume with
projected start date at Application Link https://sfcg.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php?id=1153 . After which you will receive full ToR to submit
your full proposal