Baseline Study in Lebanon at Mousawat Organization

Purpose and objectives

The baseline study will establish credible starting values, measurement definitions and a practical evidence base for ReACT’s outcome and selected output indicators, and refine understanding of beneficiary needs, vulnerabilities and access barriers in the three target regions. It will support the project MEAL plan and future comparison, while complementing the separate rapid gender assessment.

Define and validate baseline indicator measurement protocols, denominators, tools and data sources using the approved project logframe.
Assess starting conditions relating to physical and mental well-being, everyday functional independence, satisfaction of immediate basic needs and disability-inclusive service access.
Document initial needs and barriers related to healthcare, rehabilitation, psychosocial support, food/cash assistance, livelihoods and accessible shelter.
Provide baseline findings disaggregated, where safe and feasible, by gender/sex, age, disability, displacement status, nationality and geographic area; recommend realistic follow-up monitoring arrangements.

3. Scope of work and key questions

A. Review and operationalise the logframe

Review outcome indicators, including improvement in physical/mental well-being (end target 75%), increased independence in daily activities (70%), assisted households reporting basic needs met (70%), and trained NGO staff reporting at least 40% improvement in practices (target 50%). Confirm how each should be operationally defined and measured; do not treat project targets or provisional zeros as observed baselines.

B. Understand baseline vulnerability and access

Map prevailing circumstances and differences across the three areas, and document access to PHC, nursing/medications/diagnostics, mobile rehabilitation, CBR/MHPSS, food and cash, livelihoods, and minor home repairs.

C. Verify data and sampling feasibility

Review existing program databases and 2026 needs assessment information; identify suitable sampling frame, inclusion criteria, regional coverage and minimum disaggregation; record data gaps and limitations.

D. Strengthen MEAL readiness

Recommend survey/interview questions, indicator reference sheets, outcome measurement and baseline-to-endline comparability, including approaches for unique beneficiaries, double-counting, data protection and future monitoring.

4. Methodology and ethical requirements

Applicants must propose an achievable, proportionate mixed-method approach for five working days and all three regions. Expected elements are a desk review of the approved application, logframe, existing Mousawat databases and prior needs/gender assessments; accessible quantitative or structured interviews where feasible; selected key-informant interviews and/or focused group consultations; rapid triangulation and validation with Mousawat. The consultant will submit the proposed sample, participant categories, geographic coverage, tools and any limitations in the inception note. Mousawat will facilitate introductions and available documents, subject to consent and data-sharing rules.

Obtain informed, voluntary consent; apply a Do No Harm, conflict-sensitive, disability-inclusive and age-appropriate approach.
Provide safe participation options and accessible communication; consult women/girls and other marginalised groups separately where appropriate and safe.
Ensure privacy, secure storage, data minimisation and anonymised reporting; do not include names or case-identifying details in public deliverables.
Follow Mousawat safeguarding, prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse, and complaints/referral procedures; never pressure participants to disclose violence or trauma.
Disaggregate findings only when sample size and confidentiality allow; clearly distinguish primary findings, secondary evidence and consultant interpretations.

5. Deliverables and indicative working days

Deliverable

Minimum content

Effort

1. Inception note and tools

Methodology, work schedule, sampling and respondent strategy, desk-review list, accessibility/ethics protocols, interview/survey tools and indicator mapping.

1 day

2. Field consultations and concise evidence summary

Primary evidence from three regions, consultation record without identifying personal data, cleaned/anonymised aggregate information and documented limitations.

2 days

3. Draft report and validation

Draft analytical findings, tables and early recommendations; presentation/discussion with Mousawat MEAL and Gender Advisor.

1 day

4. Final report and handover

Final edited report (English), executive summary, methodological annexes, non-identifying tools/data summaries and practical recommendations.

1 day

The five days are consultancy working days, not necessarily five consecutive calendar days. Final submission and review dates will be agreed in the contract. The indicative operational goal is completion during November 2026; the approved application only specifies the beginning of the project / first month.

6. Required profile

Advanced degree in monitoring and evaluation, public health, social sciences, statistics, development or another relevant field (equivalent experience may be considered).
Demonstrated experience designing and conducting baselines, mixed-method assessments and results-based monitoring/logframe indicator measurement.
Experience with disability inclusion, humanitarian health/rehabilitation or livelihoods/cash programmes and data disaggregation.
Contextual familiarity with Lebanon and vulnerable Lebanese, Palestinian and Syrian refugee and displaced communities.
Ability to undertake field engagement across all three regions, subject to security/access arrangements.
Strong analytical and report-writing skills in English; ability to conduct field consultations in Arabic.
Proven commitment to confidentiality, safeguarding, research ethics, accessibility and conflict sensitivity.

Application package and selection

Updated CV (individual consultant) or lead consultant CV and team details if applying as a firm.
Short technical proposal (suggested maximum 3–4 pages): understanding, methodology, workplan for five days, coverage of all three regions, ethics and accessibility, anticipated risks/mitigation.
Financial offer in EUR with a clear breakdown of professional fees and travel/logistics (inclusive of all applicable costs and taxes).
At least one relevant sample of a comparable assignment (redacted where confidential) and contact details for two professional references.
Availability for the start-up period and confirmation of ability to work in the required areas.

Evaluation framework : technical quality/methodology 40%; relevant experience and qualifications 35%; practical workplan and regional accessibility 15%; financial competitiveness 10%. Mousawat may invite shortlisted applicants for an interview and/or clarification. Selection must comply with Mousawat’s procurement procedures and any applicable donor rules.

9. How to apply

Send one application package by 3 November 2026 to [email protected] with the subject line: “ReACT – Baseline Study Consultant – [Applicant Name]”. Applications received after the published deadline may not be considered. Only shortlisted applicants may be contacted. Mousawat is committed to equitable, non-discriminatory selection and encourages qualified applicants with disabilities to apply.