Result of Service

A database of all relevant publications, reports and data sets needed for the drafting of the full CCA update and a final report including : The proposed methodology for conducting the CCA process, the initial desk review of relevant literature, a list of stakeholders that need to be interviewed, a detailed outline for the CCA update, a workplan for the CCA development.

Work Location

Remote

Expected duration

2 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Background: Lebanon has been suffering from one of the worst economic crises in the world since late 2019, changing the country’s classification from a high to a now low-middle-income country. The multi-faceted crisis has impacted almost all aspects of the lives of people in Lebanon, the country’s economy, and its environment. The currency depreciation since October 2019 continued to drive skyrocketing inflation with pronounced impact on the most vulnerable people, being forced to make difficult trade-offs to cope with the decline of purchasing power and livelihoods. The crisis has also impacted the capacities and services of all state institutions, affecting the well-being of people in Lebanon, especially as demand for public services increases. Since the escalation of hostilities on 17 September 2024, Lebanon has experienced an unprecedented surge in casualties and internal displacement, dramatically compounding the already profound toll of over 11 months of violence. The escalations are further exacerbating the multiple crises that have overwhelmed the nation’s already strained resources and infrastructure, particularly impacting vulnerable populations who lack access to essential services and basic necessities. The ongoing crises confirm the critical need for timely information, statistics and analysis to inform response plans, policies, recovery and development strategies and reform programmes. The United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (hereafter the CF) organizes the UNCT’s priorities in four main categories: People, Prosperity, Peace and Governance, and Planet. As part of the CF development and implementation in the first year, a theory of change (TOC) and a resulting joint work plan for 2023 were developed. In April 2024, the UNCT, in agreement with the Government and in consultation with Regional Directors, extended the Cooperation Framework from end of December 2025 until end of December 2026 given the political stagnation, regional instability and uncertainty and lack of data for strategic evaluation and planning for the new framework. As part of the CF cycle, a review of the theory of change was conducted in early 2023 to help align the CF and its joint workplan to results-based management standards. In parallel, a 2023 update of the Common Country Analysis (CCA) was also conducted to reflect the ongoing context in Lebanon. This exercise will constitute Lebanon’s second CCA update in this CF cycle. It comes at a time of increasing challenges in an environment that still faces systemic structural challenges to development. Providing an integrated and holistic understanding of the context, the overall trends, challenges and opportunities for support in the coming period will be key to informing the planning and implementation of activities of the UN Country Team in the remainder of the CF cycle. This year, the review of the CCA will also draw on, and be connected to, the process to develop situation and needs analysis to underpin 2025 planning for the humanitarian and stabilization response in Lebanon. The Lebanon Response Plan (LRP) is co-led by the Government of Lebanon and the UN and aims to support vulnerable Lebanese, displaced Syrians, Palestinian refugees and migrants through assistance and public service provision and contribute to the stability of Lebanese institutions. In addition, a Flash Appeal was launched by the UN in October 2024 requesting further funds to meet needs arising from the escalation of hostilities. For the 2025 planning, sectors coordination structures and partners will convene to analyse available needs-based data, add qualitative insights, and consider planning assumptions (given the highly dynamic nature of the context). Duties and Responsibilities: a. Develop a methodology to collect inputs from the UNCT and other stakeholders. b. Conduct, where needed, consultations with key stakeholders (government, development partners, civil society, private sector) together with the RCO. c. Prepare a database of all needed references, documentation and datasets needed for the development of the CCA, including a reference to each relevant section. d. Draft the final methodology of the CCA update that would include a detailed outline and workplan to support the development of the CCA update. e. Ensure coordination of the CCA update plan with other ongoing or planned assessments by the UN country team. f. Prepare, design, and present the detailed CCA methodology and steps for the process of review and endorsement. g. Ensure to set up a methodology which supports a common UN understanding of the context and challenges and a holistic approach to the analysis through the different UN assessments, as well as ensuring to integrate ithe UN principles: (i) Leave no one behind, (ii) Human rights-based approach’ (iii) gender equality and women’s empowerment, (iv) resilience; (v) accountability; and (vi) sustainability. For each of the above responsibilities, this should be done in a way that builds on, and avoids duplication with, the 2025 humanitarian/stabilization response planning process.

Qualifications/special skills

A masters degree or equivalent in development studies, economics, social sciences, international relations, or related area is required. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A minimum of 7 years of professional work experience in conducting country/national level situational analysis, UN common country programming processes, some of which must be related to 2030 Agenda for sustainable development/SDGs and SDG nationalization and reporting processes is required.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable. Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of ‘confident’ in two of the four areas.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.