TERMS OF REFERENCE

UNRWA is a United Nations agency established by the General Assembly in 1949 and is mandated to provide assistance and protection to a population of some 5 million registered Palestine refugees. Its mission is to help Palestine refugees in Jordan, , , and the to achieve their full potential in human development, pending a just solution to their plight. UNRWA’s services encompass education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance and emergency assistance. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions.

Protection Baseline Study of Non - ID in Lebanon (Local/International)

BACKGROUND

Palestine refugees are defined as “persons whose normal place of residence was Palestine during the period 1 June 1946 to 15 May 1948, and who lost both home and means of livelihood as a result of the 1948 conflict.” Palestine refugees in Lebanon (PRL) face substantial challenges to the full enjoyment of their human rights. There are an estimated 270,000 PRL, most of whom have either been residing in Lebanon since 1948 or who were born in the country. In addition to that, around 33,000 Palestine refugees from Syria (PRS) have been seeking refuge from conflict in neighboring Syria, which exacerbates the precarious condition of PRL having become the “host community”. The presence of large numbers of refugees from Syria also places already limited resources, infrastructure and services for Palestine refugees in Lebanon under additional strain.

In addition to those larger groups currently present in Lebanon, there are an estimated 3,000-5,000 “Non-ID” Palestinians in Lebanon who are often considered to be the most vulnerable Palestinians in Lebanon. These are Palestinians who began arriving in Lebanon in the 1960s and do not hold formal, valid identification documents. While some of them are registered with UNRWA in other fields (mainly Gaza or Jordan), they are not registered with the Lebanese authorities and none are entitled to identity documents issued and recognized by Lebanon. Without documentation and legal status in Lebanon, Non-ID Palestinians face restrictions on movement, risk arrest or detention, and face severe obstacles completing civil registration procedures or accessing other rights. These challenges lead to acute humanitarian consequences, in particular limiting access to public services and formal employment. Non-ID Palestinians are also denied the possibility of traveling abroad. This group is referred to as “Palestinian” rather than “Palestine refugees” because not all of them are registered in other fields of UNRWA Operations, although they are all benefitting from UNRWA services, even if to a different extent. There are very few publications on the protection situation and status of Non-ID Palestinians available. Moreover, they are generally outdated or do not contain methodologically strong, evidence- based, and reliable information about Non-ID Palestinians, to be used for advocacy and programming purposes.

Given the dearth of reliable, current information, UNRWA, in cooperation with the Norwegian Refugee Council in Lebanon, intends to commission a ‘Baseline Study of the protection situation of Non-ID Palestinian in Lebanon’. It will be used as a reference point, for UNRWA and other organizations, to advocate for Non-ID Palestinians’ rights based on a solid set of data and information. Generating quality data and its analysis will also help enhance UNRWA’s protection response by promoting evidence-based programming.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study is to collate, synthesize and analyze information through a desk review, interviews, focus group discussions and other relevant methods on the general situation and protection challenges faced by Non-ID Palestinians in Lebanon, including the current availability of civil documentation. The Study will also consider any limitations on access to basic services (including UNRWA services) and on the enjoyment of rights. See further below, ‘Key Issues to be Addressed’.

Outputs

The expected outputs of the study will be as follows:

• A research proposal (4-6 pages) setting out the proposed research approach and methodology. • Final report (max 30 pages) and its executive summary (3-5 pages) detailing the main findings of the study and operational recommendations to main stakeholders.

The study is expected to take place in the first half of 2018. The exact timetable of activities will be agreed with the consultants.

SCOPE

The potential scope of the study is significant given that the last thorough and methodologically sound study about Non-ID Palestinians dates back to the “2005 Survey Report on the Situation of Non-ID ” published by the Danish Refugee Council. The protection situation has since evolved, as well as the advocacy possibilities for UNRWA and its partners with the relevant authorities. It will be important that the parameters of the study are methodologically sound, clear and achievable in order to arrive at a meaningful analysis.

The study must therefore include, at a minimum:

• Historic background in relation to their presence in Lebanon and overview of the applicable legal frameworks; • An examination of the protection situation of Non-ID Palestinians in all Areas of Lebanon, namely Central Lebanon Area, North Lebanon Area, Beqaa, Saida and Tyre. • A focus on the protection situation in 2018, with reference to trends and developments from previous years. • Key metrics and analysis rather than specific case studies. Perceptions of Palestine refugees are expected to be part of the assessment. • Humanitarian response to the protection and service related issues faced by non-IDs Palestinians. • Sets of recommendations for all relevant stakeholders (UN agencies, NGOs, Academia, Lebanese and Palestinian actors and authorities, among others).

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Under the direct supervision of Field Protection Officer and in accordance with established Agency Policy and Procedures, the incumbent will:

KEY ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED

A detailed research plan will be developed by the selected consultants, however, it is expected that the study will address the following key issues:

• Providing key facts and figures of Non-ID Palestinians that can be used in UNRWA’s and other agencies’ protection advocacy; • The legal status and civil documentation available to Non-ID Palestinians; • Current and past regulations and practices by the Lebanese authorities in relation to documentation and civil status regarding Non-ID Palestinians (ie Special Identification Card, SIC); • Limitations faced by Non-ID Palestinians in relation to freedom of movement and access to education, health, housing, employment, civil status registration, and access to justice; • Other existing limitations or obstacles, related to humanitarian and human rights standards and provisions; • Any specific vulnerability related to age, gender and diversity; • Existence of community-based protection mechanisms, specifically related to Non-ID Palestinians; • Mapping of all organizations (national or international) currently providing assistance to Non-ID Palestinians in Lebanon; • Recommendations for all relevant stakeholders, including UNRWA and duty bearers, to address the main protection challenges and obstacles faced by Non-ID Palestinians.

METHODOLOGY

A detailed methodology will be proposed by the selected consultants to conduct the study, however, it is envisaged that it will comprise of a desk review of relevant documents, interviews with key UNRWA and NRC staff and other key actors/partners in the region and interviews with the population (methodology to be defined). The following main elements would be included:

• A review of relevant secondary source external reports (UN, NGO, civil society, research institute, etc.) • A review of existing UNRWA policies (HQ and field level) about the inclusion of Non-IDs Palestinians in UNRWA programmes and services; • Reference to UNRWA’s advocacy documents. • Semi-structured interviews with key UNRWA staff at Lebanon field office. • Establish and consult with research institutes and experts working on Palestine refugee protection issues in the region. • Speaking to community leaders / members themselves should be strict requirement of the study (eg selected interviews, focus group discussions).

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE UNRWA will commission a team of two consultants with prior experience of conducting protection assessments in humanitarian and development contexts. The team of consultants should include one senior consultant with at least 8 years relevant experience and a second with at least 5 years relevant experience. The consultancy team is encouraged to consider specific resources for the field work with speaking collaborators for the interview and recollection of information, and teams with at least one Arabic speaking consultant will be given preference.

CONSULTANT 1

• Advanced university degree from an accredited educational institution in human rights, law, international development, or other related field; • At least 8 years of experience in conflict and post conflict humanitarian protection and human rights experience • Prior experience of carrying out protection assessments and studies. • Protection programming experience in complex emergencies and post conflict settings • Solid research and analysis experience; • Ability to synthesize significant amounts of information on protection issues. • Excellent analytical, communication, and writing skills including experience in drafting reports; • Experience in liaising with different counterparts, facilitating consultations, meetings and workshops.

CONSULTANT 2

• Advanced university degree from an accredited educational institution in human rights, social sciences, international development, or other related field; • At least 5 years of experience in conflict and post conflict humanitarian protection and human rights experience • Prior experience of carrying out protection assessments and studies. • Protection programming experience in complex emergencies and post conflict settings • Solid research and analysis experience; • Ability to synthesize significant amounts of information on protection issues. • Excellent analytical, communication, and writing skills including experience in drafting reports • Experience in liaising with different counterparts, facilitating consultations, meetings and workshops.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Protection Advocacy Officer and Field Protection Officer will be overall responsible within UNRWA for coordinating and managing the production of the study. The technical support of the Legal Aid Unit Coordinator, Lebanon Protection Officer and Senior Protection Officer (International Protection), as well as NRC Lebanon’s ICLA Specialist, will help to guide the consultants throughout the study and the process. The Steering Group (composed of the above mentioned UNRWA and NRC staff) will be involved in the selection of the experts to conduct the study, the consultation process within the Agency and the review of the draft documents.

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

The study is expected to take 20-30 working days (for each consultant) and take place in the first half of 2018. The exact timetable of activities will be agreed with the consultants. The consultants will be expected to work from their current location with field work in Lebanon. The remuneration for this consultancy will be fixed depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate.

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HOW TO APPLY The team of consultants should submit their application (all in English) demonstrating clearly the knowledge and experience required to meet the consultancy requirements to Matteo Benatti, Field Protection Officer UNRWA Lebanon (m.benatti@.org) clearly indicating the title of this consultancy “Protection Study of Palestinian Non-IDs in Lebanon” in the subject line of the message. The deadline for the submission of applications is 05/02/2018 (late applications will not be considered).

The joint application should include:

• Cover letter including a brief outline of the methodology and work plan for conducting the study; • CVs demonstrating clearly the knowledge and experience required to meet the consultancy requirements; • Indication of availability • Proposed budget and fees

Please do not send individual applications.

UNRWA is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from both women and men. UNRWA encourages applications from qualified and experienced female candidates. Due to a large number of applications, only qualified applicants under serious consideration will be contacted.