Background Description of Emergency / Justification for Request (Please provide a short paragraph outlining the prevailing humanitarian situation and context)
The conflict between Israel and armed groups in Lebanon displaced an estimated one million people between 8 October 2023 and the ceasefire on 27 November 2024. Those affected included Lebanese nationals, Syrian and Palestinian refugees, as well as refugees of other nationalities and migrant populations. Despite the ceasefire, civilians in border areas continued to face physical insecurity, ongoing displacement, and limited opportunities for safe return. The majority of population in southern Lebanon still reports fearing they will need to leave their homes due to security threats, citing the fear of booming and shelling as the key reason. While a significant number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) have returned to their areas of origin, the pace of return has slowed, and by the end of May 2025, at least 80,000 people remained displaced. Continued displacement is largely driven by the destruction of homes and infrastructure, as well as ongoing military activity and the presence of Israeli forces, particularly in southern Lebanon. Displaced communities face persistent challenges in accessing basic services, with healthcare frequently reported as the most unavailable. Food insecurity and high costs of living further compound protection risks. Vulnerable groups face increased exposure to security threats, including exploitation, verbal and physical abuse. Various forms of gender-based violence is reported, too, underscoring severity of the risks faced during the conflict period and the urgent need to restore and expand GBV services, as significant rise in emotional abuse, denial of resources, and increased psychological distress driven by economic hardship were recorded.
Despite developments in neighboring Syria following the fall of the Al-Assad government in December 2024, Lebanon continues to face a complex and protracted refugee crisis, too. While voluntary repatriation has begun—with over 270,000 Syrians returning and more than 114,000 individuals expressing interest—new displacement continues. Since December 2024, nearly
100,000 Syrians have newly arrived in Lebanon, many facing limited shelter options, legal and documentation challenges, and high mental health and protection needs. The repatriation process, expected to continue into 2026, requires sustained support to ensure returns are safe, dignified, and voluntary, while services for new arrivals must be scaled up to address urgent gaps in health, education, and protection, including GBV.
At the same time the economic crisis has led to an increase in crime rates, as poverty and unemployment drive more individuals towards criminal activities. The lack of resources and weakened state institutions further hinder efforts to combat crime effectively. As a result, vulnerable populations, particularly women and girls, face heightened risks of exploitation, abuse, and other forms of violence. Community tensions have been rising, particularly with the deportation of Syrian refugees since April 2023. This has led to increased social unrest, affecting public safety and the overall security environment. The economic downturn and deteriorating living conditions have sparked protests and demonstrations, often leading to clashes with security forces. Lebanon's infrastructure, including health and protection systems, is severely depleted. The recent hostilities and economic crisis have compounded the state of fragility, but also brought immense pressure on local resources, leaving thousands of families without adequate shelter or basic necessities.
Within such a geo-political framework, the county continues to navigate a complex political and humanitarian landscape, shaped by the aftermath of the crisis, despite the diminished direct impact of war. Political fragility, economic crisis, and the deepening needs of forcibly moved populations remain urgent concerns. Millions are still in need of basic services, healthcare and support, while at the same time, funding cuts are limiting service provision and outreach to the most vulnerable. Although the acute emergency has subsided, urgent action is still required to scale up life-saving assistance, enhance coordination, and ensure safe access to affected populations. The humanitarian community has worked tirelessly to assess needs and respond to new displacements, but the magnitude of the crisis remains overwhelming. With increasing numbers of displaced persons, strained resources, and limited funding, the humanitarian situation in Lebanon’s recovery is threatened. The international community’s continued support is essential to address these lingering needs and o prevent further suffering.
To maintain UNFPA in the GBV WG under the protection sector and the SRH Sub-Working Group under the health sector, information management should support evidence-based program and coordination design under the 2025 and 2026 Lebanon response plan. This will ensure a more predictable, accountable, and effective response to GBV and SRH data collection in line with the UNFPA mandate in humanitarian settings.
Security Situation Summary in the country and main threats: (i.e, armed conflict, terrorism, crime, social unrest, hazard)
Lebanon is currently facing a volatile and unpredictable security situation marked by ongoing armed conflict, violent crime, terrorism, and social unrest. Recent escalation in hostilities has led to cross-border exchanges of fire, airstrikes targeting multiple regions, and widespread displacement. Violence has been particularly severe in Beirut and southern Lebanon, where over
100 airstrikes occurred in late September. Explosions on September 17-18 and intensified bombardment have caused significant casualties and strained emergency services. The situation is further complicated by rising violent crime and unresolved politically motivated killings.
Kidnapping for ransom or political motives remains a risk, often involving criminal groups. The presence of unexploded ordnance along the Syrian border and in areas affected by past conflicts poses an additional hazard, with landmines marked only sporadically. Refugee settlements,
especially near border areas, have seen increased violence, making these locations particularly unstable. Public infrastructure, including hospitals and water facilities, has been damaged, limiting essential services for affected populations. Frequent roadblocks and large-scale demonstrations are also common, disrupting movement and increasing the risk of sudden outbreaks of violence. The current security environment necessitates heightened caution and constant monitoring of local developments to ensure safety
Role Description
The Data in Emergency Specialist will support the GBV sub sector coordination and UNFPA programme (60% WG coordination and 40% Programme) in Lebanon by managing and coordinating information related to the ongoing humanitarian response to the crisis. Working under the direct supervision of the Program coordinator and GBV coordinator, the Data in Emergency Specialist will liaise closely with the members of the respective Working Groups, including UNFPA partners, to ensure that data collection, analysis, and dissemination processes are robust, comprehensive, and systematic. The role requires a deep understanding of gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information management, as well as experience in humanitarian contexts.
Job Purpose
The Data in Emergency Specialist will be responsible for managing and improving existing data systems and oversight mechanisms that guide the UNFPA Programme and coordination bodies in fulfilling their roles in Lebanon. This includes consolidating information on the scope and magnitude of the crisis, ensuring proper data management and producing high-quality analytical reports and visualizations. The Specialist will ensure that data and analysis are used to inform strategic planning and response, facilitate knowledge sharing, and enhance communication with stakeholders.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
Identify, seek out and analyze different types and combinations of data sources (quantitative and qualitative) to improve understanding of the GBV and SRH needs and service delivery environment.
Data Collection and Management
In line with WHO’s Ethical and Safety Recommendations for Researching, Documenting and
Monitoring Sexual Violence in Emergencies:
● Carry out the required analysis and calculations to produce the humanitarian key figures for the Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO) and the subsequent response plans, including needs severity analysis, People in Need (PiN), response targets, and financial requirements.
● Contribute to developing the plan for GBV WG and SRH Sub Working Group Response monitoring and strengthening the information management system to implement the response monitoring (e.g., activity info, service mapping and developing and 3/4/5Ws matrix).
● Collect accurate and timely data from the GBV and SRH service delivery partners who are members of the respective Working Groups.
● Conduct regular progress and gaps analysis and formulate priorities based on analysis findings to support service delivery (such as geographic targeting, types of services required) to fill gaps and avoid duplication.
● Facilitate evidence-based appeals for funding, resource mobilization, visibility and advocacy.
● Develop and maintain regular information management products (e.g., dashboards, service mappings, etc.) to visualize and report analysis findings on needs and services.
● Support the GBV Sub-Sector and SRH Working Group coordinators in facilitating data-driven decision-making
● Ensure the quality of information submitted by partners meets effective analysis requirements, including regular capacity building for partners (training, one-to-one support, learning sessions during meetings, refresher sessions, etc.)
● Undertake development and revision of tools and systems as necessary to facilitate quality reporting and data collection
● Represent the sectors in the inter-sector Information Management Working Group
(ISWG) and other IM joint events.
● Coordinate and work with other IMOs to maintain high standards of information management in line with humanitarian principles and guidelines and ensure integration of GBV and SRH information and needs indicators in the intra- and inter-sectoral assessments, analysis and IM products.
Programme Support
● Coordinate with the M&E officer on data sharing, monitoring, and reporting systems.
● Develop and generate dashboards to support decision-making at various levels.
● Produce monthly dashboards to assist programme and project teams in informed decision-making.
Knowledge Sharing and Communications
● Ensure appropriate knowledge sharing with donors, media, and strategic partners is effectively promoted.
● Ensure gender and sex aggregated data and inputs relevant to the sector are provided.
● Ensure effective communication and networking through partnership and collaboration, as well as help strengthen coordination among partners
Qualifications and Skills Required
○ Advanced degree in information or data management, social sciences, humanitarian affairs, development studies, demography, or a related field.
○ Minimum five years of professional experience in information management, including in field operations.
○ Expertise in Activity Info, data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI), mapping software
(ArcGIS), and Excel for data analysis.
○ Experience with GBV coordination and GBV/SRH IMS and understanding of ethical guidelines for GBV/SRH data collection and use.
○ Knowledge of humanitarian architecture, including the sectoral Approach, the refugee model, and experience working within inter-agency coordination mechanisms.
○ Proven ability to synthesize large amounts of information into concise resources for decision-making and advocacy.
○ Strong interest and motivation for inter-agency coordination.
○ Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work in multicultural and remote settings.
○ Proficiency in English is required; a working knowledge of Arabic is an asset.
This role is crucial in ensuring that UNFPA’s humanitarian response in Lebanon is guided by high-quality data and evidence, enabling effective delivery of life-saving services to affected populations and enhancing the overall response capacity.