Social studies

AVSI: Integration of Child Protection in Education

April 6, 2021

AVSI in collaboration with War Child Holland and Terre des Hommes Italy is undertaking a two-year programme titled “Back to the Future II” (BTF II). The programme seeks to promote the enrolment and the retention of refugee and vulnerable Lebanese children aged between three to 17 years old in formal education. InfoPro was commissioned to assess and provide evidence-based recommendations on the impact of child protection (CP) integration in the education response within the Back to the Future programme. Methodology: Desk Review, nine Key Informant Interviews, six Focus Group Discussions, and 280 surveys with caregivers and children.

UNICEF: Vulnerability Assessment of Syrian Refugees (VASYR)

January 28, 2021

A study for UNICEF to identify problems faced by women, men and children refugees and their coping mechanisms. Refugees’ key priorities and how they are being met through assistance, community perceptions and gaps in humanitarian assistance, and their future plans. Methodology: 32 focus groups of Syrian refugees residing in informal tented settlements and in host communities.
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UNICEF: Perspective on Health & Hygiene Needs and Barriers

January 21, 2021

A study for UNICEF to identify the actual health and hygiene needs of Informal Tented Settlements (ISs) to assist in evolving health and hygiene activities. Methodology: In-depth interviews with key actors and Focus Groups Discussions (FGDs) with refugees residing in ISs.

EU: Final Evaluation of Afkar III Programme

January 1, 2021

The DAC framework for evaluation was utilized to assess the extent to which the EU financed project has met its objectives. Methodology: Desk Research, Key Informant / In-Depth Interviews, and focus groups with project beneficiaries.

World Bank: Three Case Studies on Gender Workforce Diversity

January 1, 2021

Three case studies from the private sector in Lebanon commissioned by the World Bank. They focus on 1) Family Friendly Policies (FFPs) 2) Anti-Sexual Harassment and Safe Work Environment and 3) Women in Leadership Positions. Methodology: Desk research, in-depth interviews with top management, and focus groups with employees.

Water Project Final Evaluation

January 1, 2021

A study for a NGO consortium by Gruppo di Volontariato Civile (GVC), Comitato Internazionale per lo Sviluppo dei Popoli (CISP), and Arab Countries Water Utilities Association (ACWUA). End-line evaluation of a three-year project (MyahCon) that strengthens infrastructural and managerial capacities of local water establishments in 12 communities in the North, Bekaa, and the South. Methodology: Key Informant Interviews with stakeholders, Focus Group Discussions with beneficiaries, and individual interviews.

ACTED: Final External Evaluation

December 14, 2020

A study for ACTED to evaluate their multi-sector program. The main objective of the program was to enhance the resilience of vulnerable host and refugee communities in Lebanon, through the promotion of livelihood opportunities, protection support and advocacy for their wellbeing. The target groups that were engaged to achieve the project objectives were vulnerable refugees and host communities, 13 Social Development Centers, 13 Civil Society Organizations, government authorities, private sector actors, government authorities, and the general public. The aim of the study was to assess the extent to which the project has met its objectives and to provide an external opinion on the relevance and performance of the project, as compared to the original plan. Methodology: Desk research, 15 Key Informant Interviews (KII) with Stakeholders, and three focus groups according to five DAC criteria (relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, sustainability, impact). Actionable recommendations and best practices were presented to enhance the planning, implementation, and management of future projects.
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Final Evaluation of Improving Access to Quality Health Care for Persons with Disabilities in Lebanon Program

September 11, 2020

The DAC framework for evaluation was utilized to assess the Improving Access to Quality Health Care for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Lebanon programme conducted by IMC. Methodology: Desk Research, 40 Key Informant and In-Depth Interviews, in addition to 10 focus groups and a survey with 450 PWDs.

UNICEF: Third-Party Monitoring – Adolescent and Youth Program

February 5, 2020

A Third Party Monitoring Program for UNICEF, conducting an assessment of the Adolescent & Youth Program. The UNICEF youth and adolescents section intends to monitor the running programs and the work performance of UNICEF partners in community centers. Methodology: 40 visits to assess the youth programs implemented by the following UNICEF partners. Evaluate the following: Youth Basic Literacy and Numeracy (YBLN), Life skills training, Youth Led Initiative, Awareness Raising Sessions, Agricultural Courses, Non-formal vocational or competency-based skills training, Innovation skills training, Mentorship, Sports for Development training (S4D).
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USAID: Qitabi 2 Baseline Assessment

January 24, 2020

A study for QITABI-2 project implemented by World Learning and financed by USAID. Gathering baseline data by surveying students and teachers in Grades 2, 3, and 6 in public and private schools. The project will enhance the provision of educational services in Lebanon and specifically the skills of children in reading, math, writing, and social and emotional learning (SEL) skills. Methodology: Assess schools and conduct surveys with principals, teachers, and students.Read more

World Vision: Child Protection, Advocacy, and Livelihoods Baseline Survey

January 1, 2020

Baseline evaluation to provide clear evidence of children’s well-being pre and post World Vision’s Child Protection and livelihood interventions. Methodology: Desk Research and 2,920 Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews (CATI) with caregivers.

ACTED: Food Security Value Chain Study

January 1, 2020

A Food Security Value Chain Assessment. The objective was to identify food value chains critical to food security, key bottlenecks and impediments to agricultural production along selected value chains, and propose solutions and recommendations to alleviate efficiency bottlenecks. A desk research exercise was conducted to identifying gaps in available information. A list of the basic food commodities for vulnerable population groups especially those affected by the Beirut port blast was identified. A prioritization matrix was prepared and four value chains were selected. A full value chain analysis across the four products selected was then conducted. Methodology: Desk research, Methodology: Desk research, 20 key-informant interviews (KIIs) with sector experts and representatives, and a quantitative survey with 208 farmers, cooperative members, business owners, and other market actors along each step of the value chain.

USAID and Social Impact: Midterm Performance Evaluation for LIFE

October 24, 2019

A study for Social Impact, USAID’s monitoring arm. Conduct a mid-term performance evaluation of the LIFE project. An OECD DAC approach was utilized. Three criteria were assessed; Relevance, Effectiveness, and Sustainability, in addition to cross-cutting issues such as gender. Methodology: 28 focus groups were conducted with beneficiaries of the LIFE project.
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World Bank and GDS: Value Chain Analysis in six sectors

June 18, 2019

A study for Global Development Solutions (GDS) and the World Bank. Identify and select two potential value chains for analysis from the following six sectors: agriculture and agro-processing; recycling and waste management; information, communications and technology entrepreneurship; municipal services; construction; and trade and Tripoli port development and trade logistics. Methodology: Collecting background research and figures on the various sectors being covered. In-depth interviews were also conducted with all key players in order to identify the value chains to be adopted. A prioritization assessment matrix was formulated to assess the various sectors with the highest potential using a set of different criteria. A snowball sampling method (commonly used to identify value chain stakeholders) was used to determine additional entities/companies to interview along the value chain. InfoPro and GDS conducted semi-structured interviews with stakeholders at every step in the value chain, including firms, government, NGOs, industry organizations, and others.
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TOTAL and DAR: Oil Drilling Social Impact Baseline

March 12, 2019

A study for Total and Dar Group. The Council of Ministers awarded the oil drilling exploration and production licenses to the consortium composed of Total, ENI and JSC Novatek. Total E&P Liban – which was planning to start its drilling activities – and as per its internal requirements and to meet regulations needed to launch a Social Baseline Study (SBS). The main objective was to gain a thorough understanding of the socio-economic context and human environment of the future site(s) before the drilling operations begin. Methodology: Desk research, focus groups with fishermen and farmers, and 60 Key Informant Interviews with various stakeholders.
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UNICEF: Assessment of E-Course on Child Protection

February 4, 2019

A study for UNICEF to evaluate ‘E-Course on Child Protection Case Management’ designed to strengthen the professional capacity of social workers and case managers in Lebanon. The course was developed by UNICEF and the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) to better address issues of violence, exploitation, and abuse among children. Methodology: Four focus groups of participants who have completed the E-course. Also assessed: Experience of end-users with online learning, knowledge gained by end-users, obstacles and challenges faced, and ways of improving and optimizing the effectiveness of the E-course.
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OXFAM: Barriers to Women’s Participation in the National and Local Economy and their Utilization of Available Entrepreneurial Opportunities

January 1, 2019

A study for Oxfam to identify the obstacles that females face in becoming active members in the economy and the steps to be undertaken to open the doors to their becoming social entrepreneurs. The study focused on North Lebanon and Bekaa with a specific focus on the seven BADAEL areas under study. Methodology: 30 focus groups and 1,800 household interviews with Syrian refugees, Palestinian refugees, and vulnerable Lebanese, in addition to 33 key informant interviews with key stakeholders.
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USAID and Social Impact: Evaluation of Lebanon Industrial Value Chain

November 1, 2018

A study for Social Impact to assess a final performance evaluation of the Lebanon Industrial Value Chain Development (LIVCD) Project is a five year program funded by USAID. The study is to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the project by documenting critical successes as well as shortcomings of the project. Furthermore, the evaluation had to shed light on the approach and activities implemented under LIVCD with regards to achieving outputs, outcomes, and the sustainability of its interventions. Methodology: 28 focus groups split across the various value chains conducted under the program.
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UNICEF: Assessment of the UNICEF MIN-ILA/ Reaching School Program

June 19, 2018

A study for UNICEF to hold focus group discussions with Syrian refugees who are receiving assistance from the Reaching School program and the MIN-ILA program. Methodology: Eight focus group. Explored the perception of beneficiaries with regard to programs’ design, monetization, and its impact on the lives of the beneficiaries. The focus groups also delved into recommendations and suggestions for improving the program to better suit refugees needs regarding the transportation of their children to school.
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USAID and Social Impact: Country Level Gender Analysis

January 1, 2018

A study to assess existing gender gaps, opportunities and needs that the USAID / Lebanon program can address to better achieve its objectives. The study also delved into the different perceptions of women and men that are particularly disadvantaged or have strong unmet needs for empowerment. Methodology: 56 focus groups and 71 in-depth interviews with representatives from USAID, civil society organizations, municipal members of both genders, ministries and donors.
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World Bank: Teacher Observation Study

December 21, 2017

A study for the World Bank, part of the R4R program, to identify the obstacles that are delaying educational development and provide decision makers with quantitative data that can assist in changing and developing new policies. The survey was conducted together with staff from the Ministry of Education (DOPS). Identify classroom practices by assessing teacher training and teacher behavior to student perceptions across Grade 4 and 7 classrooms using CLASS, an instrument developed by the World Bank. The exercise was conducted in 120 schools. In total, 888 classroom observations were conducted and 707 teachers were assessed.
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World Bank and MSI: Student Assessment Study

December 21, 2017

A study commissioned by Management System International and the World Bank, part of the R4R program. The aim of the Student Assessment Study was to understand student learning outcomes and student perception in Lebanese schools over two waves. The scope of work included sampling 145 schools and the assessment of 15,000 students. The data used in the study was gathered from public, private, and subsidized private schools, and classrooms including first and second shifts.
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UNICEF and AVSI: Vocational Training Program for Youth

December 6, 2017

A study commissioned by AVSI / UNICEF to identify sub-sectors, across eight criteria, with the highest capacity for employment and entrepreneurship of Syrian refugees and host community youth, females, and disabled individuals, taking into account their skill set. Methodology: 450 in-depth interviews with formal and informal businesses – with micro to small operations.
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UNICEF: Assessment of the THRIVE Program

September 29, 2017

A study for UNICEF to assess the THRIVE program under the UN’s Social Development Goals. The Ministry of Public Health launched a national action plan for children and mothers called THRIVE Lebanon, a four-year long cross-government commitment on four key areas of child development. As part of their efforts under THRIVE, UNICEF was in the process of developing a comprehensive communication strategy on health, nutrition, and wash. Prior to development, The objective of the study is an informative qualitative survey to gain a better understanding of the knowledge, practices, and behaviors among the Lebanese, Palestinian, and Syrian populations with regard to these topics. Methodology: 14 focus groups with mothers, fathers, and grandmothers of all three nationalities and 19 in-depth interviews with Lebanese, Palestinian, and Syrian medical professionals.
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Category: Social studies

AVSI: Integration of Child Protection in Education

UNICEF: Vulnerability Assessment of Syrian Refugees (VASYR)

UNICEF: Perspective on Health & Hygiene Needs and Barriers

EU: Final Evaluation of Afkar III Programme

World Bank: Three Case Studies on Gender Workforce Diversity

Water Project Final Evaluation

ACTED: Final External Evaluation

Final Evaluation of Improving Access to Quality Health Care for Persons with Disabilities in Lebanon Program

UNICEF: Third-Party Monitoring – Adolescent and Youth Program

USAID: Qitabi 2 Baseline Assessment

World Vision: Child Protection, Advocacy, and Livelihoods Baseline Survey

ACTED: Food Security Value Chain Study

USAID and Social Impact: Midterm Performance Evaluation for LIFE

World Bank and GDS: Value Chain Analysis in six sectors

TOTAL and DAR: Oil Drilling Social Impact Baseline

UNICEF: Assessment of E-Course on Child Protection

OXFAM: Barriers to Women’s Participation in the National and Local Economy and their Utilization of Available Entrepreneurial Opportunities

USAID and Social Impact: Evaluation of Lebanon Industrial Value Chain

UNICEF: Assessment of the UNICEF MIN-ILA/ Reaching School Program

USAID and Social Impact: Country Level Gender Analysis

World Bank: Teacher Observation Study

World Bank and MSI: Student Assessment Study

UNICEF and AVSI: Vocational Training Program for Youth

UNICEF: Assessment of the THRIVE Program

Portfolio Projects