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Tenders are invited for External Research Consultant/Research on the Impact of Opioid Agonist Therapy (Oat) on Quality of Life Closing Date: Saturday, 14. Nov 2026 Intervention Sector(s): Advocacy & Awareness, Education, Gender issues, Health, Mental Health Remuneration range: > 6000 (USD) Duration of Contract: November 2026 May 2027 1.Background Under the French Development Agency (AFD)-funded project, Empowering Lives, Transforming Systems: A Multi-Faceted Approach to Substance Use, Mental Health, and Rights in Lebanon, Skoun Lebanese Addictions Center, in consortium with SIDC and AJEM, is implementing an initiative to strengthen responses to substance use, mental health, and rights in Lebanon. A key component of the project is to generate evidence that can inform service delivery, advocacy, and policy dialogue on harm reduction and opioid agonist therapy (OAT). OAT is an evidence-based intervention for people with opioid dependence. However, evidence on its broader impact on beneficiaries quality of life, including health, personal development, social functioning and well-being, can contribute to strengthening understanding and support for OAT within Lebanon. The project will commission an external research consultant to conduct a study assessing the impact of OAT on the quality of life of beneficiaries. The study is intended to generate credible, methodologically sound evidence that can be used as a key advocacy resource to support the expansion and integration of OAT services. The project must obtain Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval and approval from the National Mental Health Program (NMHP) Ethics Committee before initiating any data collection, given the sensitive nature of the research topic and the target population. 2. Purpose of the Assignment The purpose of this assignment is to design and implement a rigorous mixed-methods study assessing the impact of OAT on the quality of life of people receiving treatment. The research should capture both measurable outcomes and the lived experiences of beneficiaries and translate the findings into practical conclusions and policy recommendations relevant to OAT services in Lebanon. 3. Specific Objectives Assess the perceived and measurable impact of OAT on beneficiaries overall quality of life. Examine changes or reported outcomes related to physical and mental health, treatment adherence, daily functioning, personal development, and social integration. Document beneficiaries experiences of OAT, including perceived benefits, challenges, barriers, and factors influencing treatment continuity. Capture perspectives that can help identify opportunities to improve the quality, accessibility, and sustainability of OAT services. Generate evidence that can be used to inform advocacy, policy dialogue, and future planning for OAT expansion and integration into the public healthcare system. Develop evidence-based recommendations for relevant service providers, policymakers, and other stakeholders. 4. Scope of Work The consultant will be responsible for the overall research design and implementation, in close coordination with Skoun and relevant consortium partners. The assignment will include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following: Review relevant literature, existing evidence, and available national information related to OAT and quality of life. Develop a detailed research methodology, including the study design, research questions, sampling strategy, data collection toolsincluding pilot testing of toolsand analysis framework. Develop quantitative survey tools to assess relevant dimensions such as quality of life, treatment adherence, health outcomes, social functioning, and integration. Design and facilitate qualitative data collection, including focus group discussions with OAT beneficiaries, using an appropriate and ethically sound approach. Ensure appropriate representation of OAT beneficiaries receiving services through the three consortium organizations and, where feasible and appropriate, participants beyond the consortium services. Coordinate with Skoun, SIDC, and AJEM regarding participant outreach and data collection arrangements. Conduct and/or supervise quantitative and qualitative data collection and ensure data quality and consistency. Analyse quantitative and qualitative data using appropriate methods and integrate findings across both components. Interpret findings in relation to the Lebanese context and relevant national and international evidence. Develop a comprehensive research report presenting methodology, findings, limitations, conclusions and recommendations. Develop clear policy and advocacy recommendations based on the evidence generated. Present key findings to Skoun and relevant consortium stakeholders and support dissemination of findings to policymakers, healthcare professionals, and civil society actors. 5. Proposed Research Methodology The study is expected to use a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative data. The final methodology will be proposed by the consultant and approved by Skoun before implementation. 5.1 Quantitative Component Administration of a structured survey to OAT beneficiaries. Assessment of relevant quality-of-life and treatment-related indicators, including health outcomes, treatment adherence, social functioning and personal well-being. Use of appropriate validated measures where relevant and feasible. Descriptive and, where appropriate, comparative or inferential analysis to identify relevant patterns and associations. 5.2 Qualitative Component Focus group discussions and/or individual interviews, when appropriate and needed, with OAT beneficiaries to explore lived experiences and perceived changes associated with treatment. Discussion of benefits, challenges, barriers, treatment experiences, social relationships, stigma, well-being and future needs. Thematic analysis of qualitative data to identify recurring themes and explanatory insights that complement the quantitative findings. 5.3 Triangulation and Interpretation The consultant will triangulate quantitative and qualitative findings to provide a balanced assessment of the impact of OAT. The analysis should clearly distinguish between findings supported by the collected data and interpretations or limitations. The consultant should also identify evidence gaps requiring further research. 6. Participants and Stakeholders The primary research population will be current and previous OAT beneficiaries, including individuals receiving treatment through Skoun, SIDC, and AJEM, and, where feasible, participants beyond the consortiums direct services and those who interrupted or discontinued their treatment. The study may also draw on perspectives from relevant healthcare professionals and other stakeholders, where this contributes to answering the research questions. OAT beneficiariesprimary research participants. Healthcare professionals and OAT service providerswhere relevant to the study design. Skoun, SIDC, and AJEMcoordination and facilitation of access to participants. NMHP and the Narcotics Department and relevant Ministry of Public Health stakeholdersconsultation and dissemination, as appropriate. Relevant policymakers, civil society actors, and technical stakeholderspotential users of the research findings. 7. Ethical Considerations and Data Protection Given the sensitive nature of the research population and topic, the consultant must apply appropriate ethical standards throughout the assignment. Participation must be voluntary and based on informed consent. The research must protect participants privacy, confidentiality and dignity and should minimize any potential risks associated with participation. Obtain informed consent from all participants before data collection. Ensure that participation or non-participation does not affect access to services. Maintain confidentiality and anonymize research data and reporting. Store and handle research data securely and restrict access to authorized personnel. Avoid collecting personally identifiable information unless strictly necessary for the research. Ensure that research tools and procedures are appropriate for the context and do not stigmatize or expose participants and are responsive to the needs of participants, especially during meetings. 8. Key Deliverables The consultant will be responsible for producing the following key deliverables: Inception and Methodology Note: A detailed note outlining the research methodology, research questions, sampling approach, data collection tools, analysis plan, and work plan. Research Instruments: Final quantitative survey and qualitative focus group discussion guides, subject to Skouns review and approval. Data Collection and Analysis: Completion of data collection, preparation of cleaned datasets, qualitative coding and analysis, and related analytical outputs. Draft Research Report: A comprehensive draft report presenting the research methodology, findings, analysis, limitations, and conclusions. Final Research Report: A final evidence-based report incorporating feedback from Skoun and relevant stakeholders, with clear policy and advocacy recommendations. Findings Presentation: A presentation of the key research findings and recommendations to Skoun and relevant project stakeholders. 9. Indicative Level of Effort and Timeline The assignment is expected to be completed within an agreed timeframe aligned with the project implementation schedule. The consultant will propose a detailed work plan as part of the inception phase, including the timing of tool development, data collection, analysis, draft reporting, feedback, and finalization. The exact number of working days and final completion date will be agreed with Skoun based on the proposed methodology and scope of work. Ph Tender Link : https://daleel-madani.org/civil-society-directory/skoun-lebanese-addictions-center/calls/external-research-consultantresearch-impact-opioid-agonist-therapy-oat-quality-life
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