Comprehensive assessment to inform the formulation of contextualized strategies for humanitarian protection and IHL advocacy in conflict-affected part

About the organisation

Geneva Call is a neutral and impartial non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting respect for international humanitarian norms in armed conflict and other situations of violence, particularly those related to the protection of civilians.In the context of armed conflict, Geneva Call focuses its efforts on the protection of children, education, healthcare, humanitarian access and cultural heritage; preventing forced displacement and food insecurity; prohibiting sexual violence and working towards the elimination of gender discrimination; as well as curbing the use of anti-personnel mines and other means and methods which are not in compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL).In the Philippines, Geneva Call employs a mix of direct and indirect strategies to advocate for the added value of humanitarian engagement with armed actors, with the aim of preventing protection risks in humanitarian crises. Equipping local stakeholders for humanitarian engagement is equally a centrepiece of Geneva Call’s strategy, which aims for sustainability and local ownership.

Project Description

Geneva Call is implementing a project in the Philippines that aims to contribute to the enhanced protection of conflict-affected communities by conducting a comprehensive assessment that will inform the development of contextualized strategies to advocate for improved respect for IHL and civilian protection.
Specifically, the project will:

1. Analyse trends in IHL compliance and non-compliance in selected Provinces of the CARAGA and Northern Mindanao Regions, and Negros and Samar islands;
2. Determine the existing level of awareness of IHL/IHRL norms;
3. Assess existing cultural and traditional norms and capacities related to the promotion of rights among communities and relevant stakeholders;
4. Analyse specific vulnerabilities and the effect of the conflict on girls, women, boys and men, as well as indigenous people (IPs), and their roles therein;
5. Gather primary information on the broader humanitarian situation and protection risks;
6. Develop a mapping of the relevant actors for the protection of civilians and their communities;
7. Identify key stakeholders and establish initial communication and links with select actors;
8. Identify five (5) target areas where a Phase 2 -project building on the assessment results could bring added value from among the ten (10) provinces looked at during the assessment: Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur, Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, Samar, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Bukidnon, and Misamis Oriental;
9. Assess the security implications and risks of any future activities;

Scope of Work

The Operational Consultant will be hired to provide technical guidance to the project team in conducting a comprehensive assessment of conflict-related violence to inform the formulation of contextualised strategies for protection and IHL advocacy. S/he will lead the technical design of the study, methodology and direction, stakeholder engagement strategy, analysis, and writing the study report, in close coordination with the Geneva Call Project Coordinator, Engagement Coordinator, and MEAL Officer. The study’s data collection will be primarily implemented by the project team through approved methodologies. A Research Officer will be assigned to closely assist the Operational Consultant in research design, data analysis, and report writing.

KEY TASKS AND DELIVERABLES:

1. Participate/lead meetings for the provision of technical guidance to the project team, coordination with other program staff, and additional consultations to answer questions and clarify issues that may arise from the review of research outputs estimated 4 working days or 32 hours per month.
2. Lead the development of research design and plans, based on a literature review, stakeholder analysis, assessment of the specific needs of intended users, and other operational considerations.
3. Lead the design of data collection instruments and provide technical assistance in data collection as needed, which may include supporting the project team in engaging stakeholders who are critical for the mission of Geneva Call.
4. Lead data analysis and report writing, including technical supervision of the Research Officer assigned to assist the consultant.
5. Lead in the preparation and submission of the following reports:
a. An Inception Report (by mid-February) or a preliminary document detailing the proposed framework and methodology, work plan, timeline, list of stakeholders to be interviewed or engaged, and other related activities.
b. An Interim Report (by mid-March) describing the status of data collection and analysis, preliminary findings, and draft outline of the study report.
c. First draft of the study with presentation to the Review Committee (by mid-April). The first draft will be presentation to the Review Committee for review and revisions. The consultant shall ensure that comments on the first draft will be addressed in the final draft.
d. Final draft of the study with presentation (by mid-May), which includes an annexed document detailing the comments raised by the Review Committee during the draft stage and the changes/responses made to show how the comments have been addressed.

Institutional Arrangements and Contract Duration

1. For the duration of the contract, the Consultant shall report to the Head of Mission and Project Coordinator and work closely with the project team, Engagement Coordinator, and MEAL Officer.
2. The Consultant may be based in either Manila, Cotabato City, Iligan City, or other areas identified in the ten provinces covered by the study.
3. Domestic travel contingent upon the scope of work may be required, such as support requested by the project team in engaging critical stakeholders.
4. The Consultant will be subject to the Code of Conduct of Geneva Call and organizational policies related to data management and ethics, notably respecting the confidentiality of all information gathered and otherwise obtained. A non-disclosure agreement will be signed with this respect.
5. The Consultant will be given access to relevant information necessary for execution of the tasks under his or her assignment.
6. The Consultant will be responsible for providing his or her own working station (i.e. laptop, mobile phone) and must have access to reliable internet connection.
7. The Contractor shall be engaged for a period of approximately four months. The period of engagement includes estimated lead time for Geneva Call and the Review Committee to review outputs, give comments, certify approval/acceptance of outputs.
Compensation will be commensurate to the experience, skills and qualifications of the successful applicant but within the range of 6 000 – 7 000 Swiss Francs (CHF), which is all-inclusive and output-based.

THE APPLICATION WILL BE EVALUATED BASED ON THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

· Advanced degree in social science, political science, peace and conflict studies, public policy, development studies or other related fields.
·At least 7 years professional experience with research projects in peace and conflict, protection, development, humanitarian affairs, gender, or other related fields. Experience with projects in conflict-affected communities in an advantage.
· Experience working with conflict-affected communities and/or a strong network with key stakeholders in the aforementioned provinces covered by the study would be a distinct asset.
·Demonstrated strong knowledge of the themes of the research (armed conflict/violence, civilian protection, gender, and humanitarian norms) or other research topics related to armed conflict and violence.
·Fluency in the English language and proven ability to write high-quality reports (applicant will be required to provide work samples). Fluency in Filipino, Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Surigaonon and/or Waray would be an asset.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by Geneva Call for the next steps in the recruitment process which will include the preparation of a one-pager basic description of methodology and approaches on how the candidate will deliver the required outputs from the project as well as an interview.