Background:
Search for Common Ground, seeks the services of a Research Consultant who can lead the review/drafting of tools, comprehensive desk review, analysis of data and report writing for Conflict Scan on all Search’s projects in Nigeria for a period of a year. In this consultancy, Search is primarily interested in understanding the trends and background of the conflict in the project being implemented. The scan will also provide an analysis of the impact of the conflict along gender dimensions, and the responses of monitoring and conflict resolution agents like the Security Agencies, Traditional and Government Authorities, etc as well the policies, legislations and analysis of emerging issues around the project of concern and interest to Search for Common Ground, Nigeria. Currently, we have seven projects cutting across the peacebuilding and
development nexus and implemented in 15 states in the North-East, North-Central, North-West and South-South geo-political zones of the country: Adamawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Niger, Kebbi, Kwara, Katsina, Zamfara and the Federal Capital Territory. This does not exclude the possibility of expanding to other states of the federation, as our mandate requires us to work in any part of Nigeria, depending on the availability of funding.
These conflict scans and its recommendations will provide strategic programming guidance to the project which Search for Common Ground and the Project consortium are implementing. The Consultant is expected to work remotely. He/she should have experiences in similar conflict scans and assessments in all the geo-political zones of Nigeria.
Context
Search for Common Ground
Search is an international peacebuilding NGO that aims to transform the way individuals, groups, governments and companies deal with conflict, away from adversarial approaches and towards collaborative solutions. Headquartered in Washington DC, USA, and Brussels, Belgium, with 52 field offices in 33 countries, Search designs and implements multifaceted, culturally appropriate and conflict-sensitive programs using a diverse range of tools, including media and
training, to promote dialogue, increase knowledge and determine a positive shift in behaviors.
Search launched its programming in Nigeria in 2004 and since then, have remained the major stakeholder in the peacebuilding sector. We work with partners in target states to support the peaceful resolution and transformation of conflict.
About the Project
The overall plan of this consultancy is to bring on board, on retainership, a reliable, vest, and experienced firm that has conducted conflict scans, especially in our current project locations. This organization will be intimated of all Search’s projects that require conflict scan, their objectives, timelines and deliverables and will ensure that the mandate of Search and the donor are met.
Goal and Objectives of StudyTo achieve the project’s goal, the Consultant shall be guided by the following broad objectives;The specific objectives of the Consultancy are:
To undertake desk review of the conflict of interestTo develop and validate the research toolsTo administer the tools for data collectionTo identify the causal factors of the conflict, the actors and interventions.To analyze the tools and come out with the findings and recommendationsTo Produce useful knowledge for the quality of project activities and for decision-making by the actors.To provide a written report of the Conflict ScanTo provide a summary report for dissemination with partners and relevant stakeholderResearch MethodologyThe Consultant is expected to use methodologies that are in congruent with Search’s tools and guidelines for conflict scans, to bring the perspectives of different stakeholders in the project location and scope. This has to be through a participatory and solutions-oriented process that specifically includes women, youth, and other marginalized groups. Search’s conflict scans are usually conducted using a mixed methodology that includes both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods. This will allow for the triangulation of information, allowing for in-depth findings and recommendations. The study, from conception to recommendations, will be grounded in the principles of conflict sensitivity and Do No Harm to ensure that the needs of women and youths are met, in ways that do not entrench dividing lines between various groups in the community.Search’s Conflict scan usually targets key stakeholders and relevant populations in the locations where the project is being implemented as much as it is logistically feasible, and in line with the security context. Tools for the scan will be developed by the consultant and/ or team in collaboration with Search’s conflict and policy analysis team, research team, and the Project manager. Consequently, Search will remotely oversee the data collection process including engagement of data collectors, administration of tools and transcribing of data for the consultant’s analysis and report writing. The consultant will be required to analyze data and develop the comprehensive conflict scan report with guidance and reviews by Search’s in-country and Regional staff.Geographic LocationsThis retainership for Conflict scans will involve the entire country and is dependent on the projects won by Search for Common Ground, Nigeria. Presently, we are in the North-East, North-West, North-Central and South-South geo-political zones of Nigeria, implementing various projects on peacebuilding and community development. Most of these projects cover some Local Governments and local communities in line with the scope, goals and objectives of the project and theory of change.Deliverables: Search expects the consultant to deliver on the following key deliverables on each Conflict scanDraft and Finalized data collection methodologies and toolsCarry out comprehensive desk review on how the conflict context and trends has affectedthe project context and objectives. Support in the data collection process including training of data collectors and during data collection process Carry out analysis of primary and secondary data from data collection processDevelop comprehensive conflict scan reports based on findings from analysis of data and comprehensive desk review.Develop PowerPoint presentation with the conflict scan approach, summary of findings and recommendations for the validation meetings. Incorporate feedback from validation meetings and internal review of conflict scan reportSubmission of final conflict scan report (in English 40 pages max in length, excluding appendices) consistent with Search branding and standards for research. The Consultantshould ensure that the report: Uses the Search assessment template unless otherwise agreed in the contract. Fully explains the objectives and research questions of the study, limitations and methodology for analysis.Recommendations should be specific, accessible, and actionable.Includes clear references to the secondary sources usedAppendices should include detailed research instruments, terms of references and Consultant’s brief biography.
Note: Search’s team will be available to provide the required support for the conflict scan and development of the report. In addition, Search will share the following elements with the external consultant(s): Background materials including the project proposal, log frame, literature, and any other material necessary in the research.
BudgetThe Consultant and Search will agree on a detailed budget for each conflict scan based on the scope, context, deliverables and duration of the research. Each line item shall be budgeted for, separate from the consultancy fee. It should be noted that the budget shall hinge upon the economic realities of the time of the researchRequirements of ConsultantProficiency in English language (written and spoken).More than 10 years of experience in qualitative and quantitative data analysis and report development, review of secondary data and conducting interviews and surveys.Experience in conflict analysis and risk assessment and working with community and civil society actors .Experience working with international organizations;Experience conducting quantitative surveys and analysis;Experience working with SPSS;Similar studies done in the past within the regionsFamiliarity and experience with contextual challenges in the geographic location(s) where the study will take place.To ensure quality, all deliverables will be reviewed and approved by our country office and regional program manager/Institutional Learning Team prior to acceptance of the final product.
Selection Criteria
Consultant proposals will be selected for:
Relevance of approach to data collection, confidentiality, gender inclusiveness, Do No Harm principles, and the process for using these tools.Quality of proposed methods, conflict sensitivity approaches, and quality control measures.Qualifications and experience of the candidate in conducting research, data collection, data analysis and report development.Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
Search for Common Ground (Search) considers all forms of abuse towards children, youth and vulnerable adults to be unacceptable. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy set out the measures we will take to safeguard children, youth, and vulnerable adults. This includes proactive actions to prevent situations of abuse and harm occurring, and reactive actions to respond to situations where a child, youth or vulnerable adult is, or may be, suffering abuse.
Who is a child? A child is any human under the age of 18 as stipulated by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989.
Who is considered youth? Youth is the transitional period between adolescence and adulthood, for this policy we focus on the group of individuals ages 15 to 25 years old.
Who is a vulnerable adult? A person who by reason of disability, age, gender, social and economic status, illness, or the context they are in, may be unable to take care of or protect him or herself against abuse, harm or exploitation.
As part of our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, it is a requirement that all staff including but not limited to all permanent and temporary members of staff; Community based staff or incentive worker; Volunteers and interns; Consultants; Translators; Search’s Board of Directors; Invited visitors (including donors/ funders; media/ journalists); Partner organisations; Third-party contractors (i.e. supplies, builders, etc); Members of research bodies, academic
institutions, associates, and all Search’s affiliates, agree to abide by the Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and have signed it before commencing any work with the children. The umbrella term ‘Search affiliates’ will be used to refer to all people associated with Search.
It is a Mandatory requirement that any form of unacceptable behaviour which breaches this safeguarding policy must be reported. In the case of situations which are not covered by the safeguarding policy, Search expects its representatives to apply common sense whilst focusing on the “child’s best interests”.
Due to the complex and sensitive nature of the assessment, the data collection process should respect strict rules of confidentiality and ethical guidelines. The Consultant will take as many precautions as possible to be in line with the ethical considerations below:
Comprehensive and systematic inquiry: Consultant should make the most of the existing information and full range of stakeholders available at the time of the review. Consultant should conduct systematic, data-based inquiries. He or she should communicate his or her methods and approaches accurately and in sufficient detail to allow others to understand, interpret and critique his or her work. He or she should make clear the limitations of the review and its results.
Competence: Consultant should possess the abilities and skills and experience appropriate to undertake the tasks proposed and should practice within the limits of his or her professional training and competence.
Honesty and integrity: Consultant should be transparent with the contractor/constituent about: any conflict of interest, any change made in the negotiated project plan and the reasons why those changes were made, any risk that certain procedures or activities produce misleading review information.
Transparency and accountability: Consultant should be transparent with all stakeholders included in the process of creating the toolkit. Participants should be made aware that their tools, activities and ideas may be used in the toolkit, with reference, and the consultant should be accountable to them.
Respect for people: Consultant respect the security, dignity and self-worth of respondents, program participants. Consultant has the responsibility to be sensitive to and respect differences amongst participants in culture, religion, gender, disability, age and ethnicity.
Gender and Cultural Sensitivity: The consultant should be gender and culturally sensitive in its data collection methods and segregate all data by sex and age. Further, the consultant should ensure women are interviewed by a female enumerator. The consultant must ensure that the team is culture-sensitive, respectful and adheres to all cultural pointers.
Safeguarding: Search will support the consultant in training data collectors on Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) safeguard principles. However, the consultant should ensure safeguard principles and practices are observed and respected throughout the assignment. To ensure quality, all deliverables will be reviewed and approved by our Country office and Regional Program Manager/Institutional Learning Team prior to acceptance of the final product.
Data Quality Assurance and Management Search has high standards for data quality and has put into place several quality assurance mechanisms. Search’s Conflict scan approach is largely guided by its Common Ground
Approach – a set of principles and tools that have been applied across over 33 countries around the world. Search’s toolkits provide guidance on various aspects of conflict assessments.
Timeline: The timeline for any conflict scan is dependent on the scope of the research and the urgency attached to the deliverables. A scope of work with clearly agreed upon timelines will be signed with the successful candidate prior to any conflict scan engagement.
To apply, interested candidates (individuals or teams) are requested to submit the following two documents:
● Curriculum vitae (CV);
● A technical proposal proposing a methodology for data analysis, report writing and report development together with a current estimated financial proposal for a conflict scan in the geo-political zones we are presently working in.
● A short cover letter.
● The proposal should also highlight examples of similar assignments undertaken in the past.
Note: Only three documents can be submitted, so the CV/ Cover letter must be merged together
Applications must be submitted on or before [2nd October 2024].
