Terms of Reference. Technical consultancy on SSR for the DRC project Lobi Mokolo ya Sika Tomorrow is another day Phase IV

Transcription

1 Terms of Reference Technical consultancy on SSR for the DRC project Lobi Mokolo ya Sika Tomorrow is another day Phase IV

2 1. Context Search for Common Ground is seeking a consultant or group of consultants to collaborate with the country and regional teams on an analysis of SFCG s contribution to Security Sector Reform (SSR) in DRC. While Search has team members available to support this work, and we are committed to an integrated approach to research, the team is specifically looking for an expert in SSR in DRC and more globally who will be able to support Search in defining its strategy in this sector. Additional experience and knowledge of peacebuilding work and of the DRC context will be prioritized in selection of consultant teams. About SFCG Search for Common Ground (SFCG) is an international conflict transformation 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 field offices in 35 countries, SFCG designs and implements multifaceted, culturally appropriate and conflictsensitive programs using a diverse range of tools, including media and training, to promote dialogue, increase knowledge and determine a positive shift in behaviors. SFCG has been working in the Democratic Republic of Congo since 2001, with offices in Kinshasa, Kalemie, Bukavu and Goma. The team works in collaboration with a network of civil society, media and government partners across dividing lines to promote positive societal change. Intervention Summary The fourth phase of the project Lobi Mokolo ya Sika ( ) is funded by the Department for International Development (DfID). Based on a longstanding partnership with Congolese authorities and civil society organisations, the project is implemented in close collaboration with the military (FARDC), the police (PNC) and local organizations. The Programme aims to improve civil-military relations and the accountability of the FARDC and the PNC. Building on results achieved since 2007, SFCG has adopted a multi-pronged approach using participatory trainings and innovative multi-media programming. The project is based on the following theory of change: if Congolese security forces and civilians gained knowledge and awareness about their roles, rights and mutual responsibilities and if they are able to communicate and interact in a more open, transparent and constructive manner, then, the behaviour, relationships and confidence between them will improve. Therefore, its overall objective is that mutual trust and confidence between civilians and security forces is strengthened as a result of improved conduct of security forces and ability of communities to hold them to account.

3 The SFCG DfID partnership project has the following objectives: Objective 1: To increase awareness and knowledge among Congolese security forces and civilians about their roles, rights and mutual responsibilities. Objective 2: To strengthen accountability, collaboration and communication between civilians and public security actors on key reforms and achievements. The Programme focuses on three main types of activities: 1. Awareness-raising and training 2. Reconciliation 3. Fight against impunity The use of media is a transversal component contributing to all of these activities. SFCG and partners identified intervention areas based on the revised International Security and Stabilization Support Strategy (I4S Strategy): - Areas where there are joint military operations MONUSCO/FARDC - Areas controlled by the FARDC - Areas taken back by the PNC Therefore, the areas of intervention are: Province North Kivu South Kivu Province Orientale Kinshasa Rusthuru/Ishasha Sake/Masisi/Walikalé Beni/Oicha/ /Bunyiakiri/Kalehe Walungu/Shabunda Bukavu/Uvira/Baraka/Fizi Bunia//Irumu/Mambassa Bunia/Djugu/Mahagui/Aru Haut Uele (TBD) Kinshasa SFCG provides sensitization sessions to FARDC soldiers and new recruited ones, as well as members of the PNC. This project also targets 100 PNC senior officers and officers at the provincial and national levels. The project is targeting as well at least civilians, in four provinces, through joint activities between civilians and security forces and community mobilization activities.

4 2. Purpose and Objectives of the Technical Strategy Document Objectives of the Technical Strategy Document This technical strategy document aims to define the work of SFCG in the context of the SSR and the peace and stabilization sector in DRC. This work will allow the SFCG-DRC team to reflect on programming and peacebuilding opportunities in the SSR process by defining its specific strategy in this sector. Supported through an analysis of SFCG current programs in addition to the existing global literature and national policies/ programmes; this document will allow SFCG to understand its contribution to the sector and SSR process. Specifically, this document is expected to define the technical strategy of SFCG in the SSR sector in the context of its evolution in DRC and taking into account the external factors impacting the process the extent to which SFCG contributes to the reform and how the work of current projects and programmes can contribute to developing a specific strategy of SFCG in SSR and peace and stabilization,. More specifically, the technical strategy will be developed through achieving the following specific objectives: 1. Analyze the current contribution of SFCG s theory of change and activities to the reform of the security sector and to stabilization ; 2. Analyze the dynamics of SSR in DRC and internal/external factors impacting its success; The final deliverable will be to define for SFCG a relevant technical strategy and guiding theory of change for this specific context. The document will also identify opportunities and provide recommendations for programming that take into account the specificity of SFCG s work and its other strategies (Gender, Youth ). Audience The primary users of this technical strategy document will be the Search and DfID offices in DRC. Secondary consumers would include, programme partners, SFCG & DfID Regional and HQ offices as well as DRC government. The technical strategy may also be shared to inform best practices in the field broadly on Search s DME for Peace interactive website, and may be made publicly available on the Search website. Research questions SFCG is looking for consultants interested in shaping the direction of this technical strategy based on what is most relevant to inform the direction of our work, to inform learning and support reflection within our organization. Therefore, research questions will be reviewed

5 by the external consultant in collaboration with Search s ILT (Institutional Learning Team) and DRC project team. Relevant research questions include the following: Context: 1. What are the current guiding principles, policy documents and government directives that inform the Security Sector Reform in DRC, especially within the current broader political and social climate in DRC? 2. What are the current existing barriers and opportunities to SSR in DRC? 3. More globally how can SFCG capitalize on existing knowledge to improve programming in this field? 4. What are the challenges of this work that still need to be overcome? How did the context shape Search s ability to collaborate effectively on programming? SFCG s Contribution and Strategy: 1. How do SFCG s SSR Programme s current theory of change and programming fit into the SSR in DRC and to the stabilization plan defined by the international community and the national government? a. Especially related to the I4S strategy? b. How is SFCG s approach complementary between national and provincial levels? c. To which extent are the committees put in place through the project sustainable? 2. What relevant challenges can be anticipated regarding implementation within the reform process (risk matrix)? 3. What are the opportunities that can be identified in SFCG programming that could be leveraged to improve the contribution of the organization to the SSR and to stabilization? a. How can SFCG bridge the local level work with the national level in order to make it sustainable? b. How can SFCG build durability into high-value field level activities? c. How can SFCG maximize impact of the communications strategy? d. Through a comparative analysis, how does SFCG DRC s approach to SSR relate to SFCG s approach in other countries (CAR, Nepal ) and to what extent can SFCG DRC benefit from these lessons learned and best practices?

6 4. What are the next steps for SFCG s reform strategy? a. Especially as it relates to gender integration? b. How can SFCG use available access to PNC and FARDC leadership to advocate for meaningful reform? c. What are the risks for SFCG programming in this sector and how to mitigate them? d. Is it relevant for SFCG to continue efforts in the fight against impunity? 2. Implementation Information The consultant(s) will report to SFCG ILT and DRC Team focal points. Search will be responsible for organizing and supporting logistics during data collection in collaboration with the consultant(s). Questions of substance that arise during the consultancy should be addressed to the focal points, and any progress made and updates throughout the activity should be communicated as well. Methodology The methodology will be developed in collaboration with the DME-DRC and Regional ILT units, taking into consideration a few main factors: Priority should be given to conflict sensitivity, in this case Search would like to use particular approaches for working with security forces and communities. Priority should be given to methods that capture change and allow for in-depth understanding of the different factors affecting the context and SFCG. Search will approve the final methodology before data collection begins. Deliverables Search for Common Ground is looking for consultants who are available between the period between September 2016 and January 2017 to collaborate with the country and regional team on this research. Applications should outline which of the following deliverables they would be available to provide: Literature review Production of a final technical strategy plan (inception report) detailing proposed methodology, calendar and written tools; Training of enumerators (if necessary); Data collection in the different locations (if necessary); Oversight of the data coding process (if necessary); A Final Report in English (30 pages max, excluding appendices) that consists of: o Executive summary o Table of contents

7 o Objectives, methodology and limitations of the development of the strategy o Research findings, analysis, and conclusions with associated data presented o SFCG strategy in SSR and stabilization o Recommendations for future programming o Appendices, which include detailed research instruments, list of interviewees, terms of references and consultant(s) brief biography Production of a two-pager document on SFCG s strategy in DRC in the SSR sector Power Point Presentation that highlights the key points of the consultancy and the overall strategy that was developed Submission of all raw data and databases to SFCG Logistical Support SFCG will collaborate fully with consultant(s) to create the best design. SFCG anticipates this consultancy can be done either by one individual or a team, by home-based or incountry. SFCG will work with the consultant(s) to identify and provide all relevant documents. Regular meetings even via phone or Skype will take place during the development of the technical strategy. In the case that a home-based methodology is proposed, it is possible a workshop and presentation of the technical strategy will take place with details to be defined with the consultant(s). In the case that in-country methodology is proposed SFCG will provide logistical support for the data collection (vehicles, fuel, and drivers) on the data collection sites identified. Timeframe The consultancy should be conducted in between 15 th September 2016 and 15 th February The table below provides details on the estimated timeline: Activities Dates ( ) Signature of contract with the consultant or team September 23 Planning and preparation (methodology, tool development) October 15 Data Collection & Analysis Oct. 15 Dec. 15 Draft of final report January 31 Final report February 15 Presentation/ workshop of technical strategy February TBD

8 4. Application Information Requirements of consultant The following skills and experience will be prioritized by Search for Common Ground in the selection process: Demonstrated extensive expertise and experience in SSR and stabilization Demonstrated extensive experience in the design and development of intervention strategies in SSR and stabilization Experience and expertise in SSR and stabilization in DRC and/ or more globally; Knowledge and experience of peacebuilding programs; Proficiency in English, French and Swahili within the team. More than 5 years of experience in research expertise within the team. Experience conducting fieldwork and data collection in DRC within the team. Research methods and data collection skills. Familiarity with ISSSS strategy in DRC and/or SFCG SSR programming in DRC is an asset. In addition, the consultant is required to respect the following Ethical Principles 1 : 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. 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. 1 Adapted from the American Evaluation Association Guiding Principles for Evaluators, July 2004

9 In addition, it is noted that Search adheres to specific evaluation standards, to be found in SFCG s evaluation guidelines: How to apply To apply, interested candidates (individuals or teams) are requested to submit the following documents: Curriculum vitae of main members of the proposed team; An expression of interest, outlining o relevant experience (referenced in the requirements above), o short biography/ies of the candidate(s), o Areas of interest for collaboration with Search (specific deliverables that the team is available to fulfill) o availability of the team Estimated daily rates for staff in relation to completion of the proposed deliverables Applications must be submitted before 9 September 2016 through the SFCG website under employment. A selection committee composed of SFCG ILT and DRC Team staff will evaluate candidates. Consultants will be assessed on the following selection criteria: Expression of Interest; Budgetary estimate; Experience and expertise of the consultant in the project s thematic or geographic area of coverage is advantageous; Fluency in English and Swahili on the team (French is highly desirable).