Terms of Reference Expert on Reforming Disability Assessment and Determination Framework in Lebanon BACKGROUND Lebanon is undergoing a period of reflection and transformation in its approach to disability rights and inclusion, ensuring that the framework in inclusive of all persons with disabilities, including refguees and forcibly displaced persons (FDPs). Central to this effort is the integration of disability into a socially inclusive social protection framework, ensuring that persons with disabilities are not only recognized but actively supported within broader social systems. Recognizing the need to ensure equity and accessibility, efforts are being made to reexamine existing systems and adapt them to international standards. This includes creating a more inclusive environment where persons with disabilities can participate actively and equitably across all aspects of life. The current disability assessment framework, while providing a foundation, requires substantial reform to align with international standards and the evolving understanding of disability as a multidimensional concept. Moving beyond traditional approaches, the focus now is on fostering inclusion, empowerment, and active participation for persons with disabilities across all spheres of life.   Disability assessment in Lebanon has long been rooted in a predominantly medical model, evaluating disability primarily through medical diagnoses and physical impairments. This approach does not adequately capture the social, environmental, and functional dimensions of disability, often resulting in limited access to appropriate services and support for them. As Lebanon seeks to modernize its frameworks, there is an increasing recognition of the necessity to adopt a holistic and inclusive approach to disability assessment.   The Rights and Access (R&A) program, under the mandate of the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA), is currently responsible for conducting disability assessments for Lebanese. However, the program’s operations remain deeply rooted in the medical model, which limits its ability to address the broader social inclusion needs of persons with disabilities. Efforts to reform this framework have gained momentum in recent years, with initiatives that have explored international frameworks, piloted alternative assessment models, and introduced training for stakeholders. These efforts emphasized the importance of transitioning to a social model, focusing on empowerment and addressing barriers to access.   While the Rights and Access (R&A) program under the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) is responsible for conducting these assessments for Lebanese citizens, non-Lebanese persons with disabilities, including refugees and forcibly displaced persons (FDPs), undergo separate classification and registration processes through UNHCR and UNRWA. These parallel systems create challenges in alignment and eligibility for services, including access to the National Disability Allowance (NDA), making it difficult to ensure coherence across population groups.   While some pilot programs have tested alternative assessment models, these have revealed critical gaps in measuring functional capacity and underscored the need for broader reforms. Capacity-building initiatives, supported by international organizations, have introduced the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and advocated for a rights-based approach. These reforms are critical not only for enhancing service delivery but also for fostering inclusion and empowerment among persons with disabilities, ensuring their full integration into all aspects of life.   Additionally, recent analyses have highlighted the historical and systemic challenges faced by persons with disabilities in Lebanon, including refugees and forcibly displaced persons, underscoring the need for comprehensive policy reforms, including amendments to existing laws, to ensure full rights and access. A rights-based approach advocates for systems that prioritize functional capacities, individual needs, and active participation in society.   Within the framework of its broader efforts to reform the social protection system in Lebanon and its specific work under pillar 3 (social protection) of the PROSPECTS programme that aims to improve prospects for refugees and Lebanese host communities,, the ILO, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) and other key partners, seeks to hire a national expert to review the current disability assessment practices, propose reforms aligned with international standards, and support the operationalization of a new, inclusive framework. OBJECTIVE The overall objective of this consultancy is to provide the ILO and MOSA teams technical guidance towards reforming the disability assessment system in Lebanon, informed by the UNCRPD - framework ratified by Lebanon in February 2023 – and international best practices. This includes providing technical expertise, facilitating engagement amongst stakeholders, and developing actionable recommendations for implementing the new system.   SCOPE OF WORK AND ACTIVITIES The consultant is expected to collaborate with the disability expert[1] on international frameworks to undertake the following tasks: Conduct a comprehensive review of the existing disability assessment framework in Lebanon, including policies, tools, and practices, benchmarking it with international standards and a rights-based approach based on functionality, support needs, inclusion, and access to services. This also includes an analysis of disability assessment methodologies used by UNHCR, UNRWA for non-Lebanese to understand differences, commonalities, and gaps, and explore possibilities for alignment to ensure a more coherent approach to disability classification and determination across population groups. Collect and review international practices for social and rights-based disability assessments, identifying relevant approaches for Lebanon's socio-economic context. Facilitate engagement amongst key stakeholders, including MoSA, UNHCR, UNRWA, OPDs, caregivers, service providers, and other relevant actors working with Lebnease and non-Lebanese persons with disabilities, to gather input and build consensus. Develop a roadmap for transitioning to a social model of disability assessment, including the necessary legal reforms, operational adjustments, and capacity-building initiatives. This roadmap should integrate guidance on creating an enabling environment for persons with disabilities, fostering collaboration between public and private sectors, and leveraging community resources to enhance accessibility and participation. Pilot and validate the proposed framework with select stakeholders/persons with disabilities and make necessary adjustments based on feedback. METHODOLOGY The consultant is expected to adopt a participatory and inclusive methodology to ensure that the reform process is grounded in the needs and experiences of persons with disabilities and aligns with international best practices. Key methodological steps include:   Participatory Approach: Engage directly with persons with disabilities, their families, service providers, and key stakeholders to ensure their perspectives shape the assessment reform. Desk Research: Conduct an extensive review of existing documentation, policies, legal frameworks, and international disability assessment practices. Stakeholder Engagement: Organize consultations, focus group discussions, and interviews with representatives from MoSA, OPDs, NGOs, and other relevant actors. Data Analysis: Utilize both qualitative and quantitative data to inform the design and implementation of the new disability assessment framework. Pilot Testing: Employ an iterative approach to test and refine the framework with selected stakeholders/beneficiaries to ensure its feasibility and effectiveness. Capacity Building: Deliver tailored training programs to equip key actors with the skills and knowledge around disability identification, assessment, and determination processes and international practices. DELIVERABLES The consultant will be responsible for the following deliverables:   Inception Report: Supporting the preparation of a detailed document outlining the consultant’s understanding of the assignment, methodology, and work plan, in collaboration with the disability expert on international frameworks. Assessment Review and Recommendations: Contributing to a report summarizing the analysis of the current disability assessment framework, incorporating stakeholders’ inputs and international practices, and the perspectives of both Lebanese and non-Lebanese persons with disabilities, led by the disability expert on international frameworks. Interim presentation to stakeholders: Preparing and delivering a presentation of the assessment’s results and the workplan to develop a new disability assessment framework. Proposed Disability Assessment and Determination Framework: Contributing to a comprehensive framework, including legal amendments, operational guidelines, and tools tailored to Lebanon’s context, in collaboration with the disability expert on international frameworks and refined based on findings from stakeholder engagement and desk review, and ready for pilot implementation. Consultative workshop on Disability Assessment and Determination Framework: Preparing and leading a consultative workshop among all stakeholders to present the framework and gather feedback on the proposal. The workshop organization and logistics will be responsibility of the ILO, the consultant will be expected to prepare agenda, content, and provide technical expertise and facilitation. Pilot Testing: Designing, facilitating, conducting and documenting the pilot testing of the proposed disability assessment and determination framework, with the relevant stakeholders. Final Report: Contributing to the final consolidated document capturing all activities, final recommendations, and an actionable implementation roadmap.   N Deliverable Deadline Number of working days Payment 1 Inception report 0.5 months from contract start 2 10% 2 Assessment report 1.5 months from contract start 7 - 3 Assessment presentation 2 months from contract start 3 - 4 Reform framework 3 months from contract start 12 30% 5 Consultative workshop 3.5 months from contract start 5 - 6 Pilot Testing 4 months from contract start 8 40% 7 Final Report 5 months from contract start 3 20% TIMELINE AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE The consultancy is expected to start in March 2025 and be completed by August 2025 for a total of 40 working days. The External Collaborator can propose an alternative timeline to be evaluated.   REQUIRED PROFILE The ILO is seeking a research expert with the following qualifications and experience: Advanced degree in social sciences, public policy, disability studies, or related fields. At least 5 years of experience working on disability rights, social protection, or similar fields, with a focus on Lebanese disability assessment frameworks. Proven knowledge of international disability frameworks, including the CRPD. Experience in stakeholder engagement and participatory approaches. Familiarity with Lebanon’s socio-economic context and disability landscape is highly desirable. Excellent analytical, communication, and report-writing skills. Experience working with international organizations such as the ILO, UN agencies, OPDs, and NGOs, and demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality, policy-relevant research. Reporting and Supervision The consultant will report to the Social Protection Officer under overall guidance of the Social Protection Technical Officer and PROSPECTS CTA and work in close coordination with MoSA and other relevant partners. Regular progress updates will be required, including bi-weekly meetings and a mid-term review.   Application Process Individual consultants are invited to share the following documents by March 14, 2025 with the ILO Regional Social Protection team at: [email protected] and [email protected] Email subject heading should mention Expert on Reforming Disability Assessment and Determination Framework in Lebanon •           A cover letter outlining fit for the assignment. •           CV (including references) •           An example of previous work on a similar assignment. •           Financial proposal (Daily Rate)   [1] The expert will be hired by the ILO through a separate application process.