Baseline Study

 

Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center (Sabeel) was established in 1987 with the primary mission to amplify the voice of Palestinian Christians, challenging the theological discourse that justified the dispossession of the Palestinian people. Additionally, Sabeel is dedicated to empowering the local community in Jerusalem, fostering resilience, defending their rights, and preserving their cultural heritage. Beyond its local focus, Sabeel has emerged as a leader in interfaith dialogue and peacebuilding initiatives.

 

This Terms of Reference (ToR) outlines the framework for conducting a baseline study that will serve as a crucial tool for monitoring, evaluating, and measuring the ‘Influencing Civil Society Influencers’ project.

Sabeel plans to bring 250 influencers to Jerusalem from the USA, Canada, and the UK to promote East Jerusalem as a Palestinian destination through businesses, culture, and societal issues.

 

The project has two objectives: 1. Effect positive transformation in thinking, advocacy, and action within the broader North American and European cultural context, in favour of holding all entities and sides accountable for implementing international law and seeking a viable end to the occupation of East Jerusalem; and 2. Work to preserve the Palestinian identity of Jerusalem while strengthening the resilience of the native Palestinian population—as tourists, travellers, and pilgrims are inspired to seek out authentically indigenous Palestinian experiences in East Jerusalem and who are then inspired to become advocates and activists within their communities of origin.

 

The project anticipates three results: 1. Direct exposure of civil society influencers to Palestinian experiences in East Jerusalem has resulted in a reduced level of misinformation, misunderstanding, and mistrust; 2. Tourists, travellers, and pilgrims have been inspired to seek out authentically indigenous Palestinian experiences in East Jerusalem, as defined and mediated by Palestinian civil society actors, and who are then inspired to be advocates and activists within their communities of origin; and 3. Palestinian communities define what in the Holy Land is Palestinian and in doing so have helped stimulate the resilience and resourcefulness of the indigenous population.

 

Target groups: 250 influencers mainly from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada; Friends of Sabeel US, UK, and Canada; Jerusalem businesses, cultural centres, non-governmental organizations and community centres, places of worship,

 

Final beneficiaries: It is estimated that the action, in the long term, will impact a broader range of other influencers, US, UK, and Canadian policymakers, US, UK, and Canadian civil society organizations, academic institutions, feminist and indigenous academics, faith-based groups, activists, environmentalists, black and brown alliances and coalitions, among others. In the oPt, final beneficiaries include Jerusalem businesses, places of worship, the community including youth and women, among others.

 

Purpose of Baseline Study: This is a performance baseline study aiming to establish clear benchmarks at the early stages of the project related to outcomes, outputs, and results in the logical framework. The baseline will verify the validity of indicators referenced in the logical framework, complete missing baseline information, and triangulate baselines, indicators, and targets. The progress achieved by the project will be measured, and impact will be assessed against these benchmarks. Identified indicators and values will be used to monitor and evaluate the project progress and the change that occurred because of the project. The baseline survey will be part of a larger monitoring and evaluation approach. It is the basis of measuring change over time to the action's outcome and impact indicators. The baseline will allow the project to measure impact accurately through the Mid-term assessment and Final evaluation.

 

Scope of the Baseline Study: This baseline survey should be completed by 31 March 2024.

1. Literature review of the project document, logical framework, action plan, monitoring and evaluation framework, literature and statistics on Jerusalem, other sources specified by Sabeel and the consultant/firm.
2. Preparations of baseline survey methodologies, research tools and sampling. The methodology has to be approved by Sabeel prior to implementation. It should include interviews with Sabeel staff, private sector entities including hotels, travel agencies, non-governmental organizations, cultural centers, places of worship to be detailed in the contract. All necessary meetings and interviews to be conducted in Jerusalem:
3. Data analysis (quantitative and qualitative) and submitting the inception and preliminary report.
4. Debriefing session with Sabeel and donors (if available) including Friends of Sabeel in the US, UK, and Canada.
5. Final report.

The baseline survey will be carried out by the consultant/firm and supported by Sabeel staff.

Results to be achieved by the Consultant: The consultant/consultancy firm is expected to compile comprehensive information clearly disaggregated based on vulnerabilities, gender, age, people with disabilities (PwD’s), geographic divisions, socio economic groupings, etc. to facilitate the future evaluation of changes expected to be achieved by the project.

The survey has two objectives:

1. To assess the current logical framework and its indicators (both quantitative and qualitative) and update them (if needed), so they are suitable for measuring the progress and actual change in response to the objectives/indicators of the project.

 

2. To update the logical framework by providing a baseline value for the indicator related to the expected results, outcomes, and the output level. The consultant/firm needs to assess the means of verification and update them (if needed), assessing means of verification and developing tools at this stage would be key for quality reporting throughout the project life cycle.

Stakeholder Participation: The consultant will be provided with stakeholder information including NGOs/CBOs, the private sector, places of worship, among others. The baseline survey will be carried out by the consultant/firm and supported by Sabeel staff.

Roles and responsibilities of the consultant:

1. To develop the tools, methodology and detailed timeframe for collecting data. The methodology must include clear details on the approach the consultant/consultancy firm will take to identify the baseline.
2. To share tools and methodology with Sabeel for approval before the survey begins.
3. To implement the baseline methodology, including interviews with all relevant stakeholders and the administration of questionnaires, focus groups, and one-to-one interviews in the field.
4. To communicate with stakeholders and to coordinate logistics when needed.
5. To explain the data in an appropriate statistical analysis and provide the raw data in an external document.
6. To write a report detailing the findings and recommendations.

 

1. Inception report that outlines the study design, tools, and detailed work plan, no later than 5 days after getting the approval on the offer.
2. Methodology Documentation: A detailed document outlining the research methodology used, including sampling techniques, data collection tools, and any modifications made during the research process. Following submission of methodology, Sabeel staff will work closely with the consultant to develop questionnaires and surveys.
3. Presentation: An initial presentation summarizing key findings and insights for Sabeel, providing a concise overview of the baseline research.
4. Interim Progress Report: Progress report outlining the status of the research, challenges encountered, and any adjustments made to the initial plan. In addition, actionable recommendations for baselines based on the findings of the research and an action plan to address all gaps in the logical framework.
5. Final Presentation/Briefing: A final presentation or briefing session for Sabeel, summarizing the overall research process, key findings, and recommendations. The final report will be submitted to Sabeel and will not be considered final until approved by Sabeel.
6. Final Baseline Research Report: A comprehensive report presenting the findings of the baseline research. The report should include an executive summary, introduction, methodology, results, analysis, conclusions, and recommendations. Data should be presented in a clear and organized manner, with supporting charts, graphs, and tables.

 

Sabeel will provide the consultant/consultancy firm with comments and feedback on the deliverables  according to the timeframe template to be agreed upon following recruitment.

In addition to the final report and PPT presentations, the consultant is required to handover all baseline related documents and information including:

• Annotated Tools and Instruments: Copies of survey questionnaires, interview guides, or any other tools used for data collection, along with annotations explaining the rationale behind each question or section.
• Data Sets: Raw data sets collected during the research, including survey responses, interview transcripts, or any other relevant data. Ensure that the data sets are well-organized, labeled, and documented for future reference or analysis.

 

All reports will be in English and communication with stakeholders in Arabic.

 

 

• Preferably a master’s degree in social science or other related academic field, familiarity with statistical methods.
• Proven track record in undertaking baseline survey using both quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Proven track record in undertaking baseline survey for national or international NGOs.
• Good reporting, writing, communication skills, and analytical skills.
• Proven evaluation skills such as indicator development, sampling, participatory evaluation methodology, appreciative enquiry methods, and interviews, among others.
• In-depth knowledge of the Palestinian context.
• Holder of Jerusalem ID required.

 

Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter including financial offer, resume, and recommendations from two references for similar work to [email protected] by

22 February 2024. Please include ‘Baseline Study in the subject line.

Sabeel is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.