MENA - Research Consultancy

Terms of Reference for Research Consultancy to Support with a Participatory Action Research Framework

March – December 2024 

1. Background and Rationale:

1. Background:

Oxfam’s work on inequality in the MENA region has highlighted the significant impact of political capture and prevailing discourses on various aspects of our work. From power analyses in program design to the effectiveness of advocacy and influencing strategies, political capture poses obstacles to addressing socio-economic inequalities. Equipping ourselves with tools to understand and address these challenges, including political capture, is crucial. In this context, Oxfam MENA is facilitating several activities in collaboration with team members and partner organizations [1], to enhance the understanding of the role of political capture in exacerbating inequalities. These activities include an introductory webinar and a three-day workshop to be followed by a participatory research activity.

2. Objective:

The research activity that we are launching as part of our work on Political Capture in the MENA region will engage participants and trainees by using a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach throughout the research cycle, including: the research design, data collection and analysis, the guideline for influencing initiatives,  as well as the evaluation and reflection which often take place at each step of the research to better inform it and improve the collaboration between different stakeholders. 

Oxfam in MENA will be appointing an external research consultant to support the Senior Inequality Policy Advisor, the Research and Policy Advisor and the Project Manager in developing this framework, producing research and outlining the guideline for influencing initiatives with civil society organizations who are part of this effort, as well as drawing lessons learned from the PAR approach to be integrated in future research and policy work.

2.  Scope of Work, Deliverables and Timeline:

The contract with the consultant is divided in three phases to support the successful completion of the activity: 1) Initiation and Framing of the Research Process, 2) Coordination of the Research and Publication Efforts between Oxfam in MENA and Participating Partners and 3) Documenting Lessons Learned from the PAR Approach. 

As the scope of the assignment outlines below, the consultant will be assisted by the Oxfam in MENA Team working on this project to complete the listed tasks and deliverables.  She/He will report to the Senior Inequality Policy Advisor, and work closely with the Research and Policy Advisor and Project Manager to complete several tasks and deliverables.

Phase 1: Initiation and Framing of the Research Process:

Timeline: March 2024 – April 2024

Tasks and Deliverables:

-Guide Oxfam in MENA’s team in setting the research questions and outputs and preparing a workplan for the activity. 

-Review a preliminary research/ literature overview covering political capture, fiscal justice and taxation issues in Tunisia, Lebanon, and Jordan to be developed by the research and policy advisor.

-Support the team in drafting the agenda and guiding questions for a consultation session with partners (CSOs representatives) to be facilitated in March 2024 to present the framework of the activity and consult with the participants on the research questions, design, and methodology.

- Support the Research and Policy Advisor in drafting interview questions to inform the research methodology.

-Finalize the research proposal/framework with the team after the political capture workshop and consultation session with the partners.

-Attend regular meetings with the team to provide updates on the progress of the research framework and outline next steps.

Expected Contribution: 3 days before 29 March 2024

Phase 2: Coordination of the Research and Publication Efforts between Oxfam in MENA and Participating Partners

Timeline: April 2024 – December 2024

Tasks and Deliverables:

*The tasks and deliverables might be slightly modified after the finalization of the research design and framework during the first phase

-Supervise the research process and implementation of the activity, acting as a liaison between the participating researchers and the Oxfam in MENA Team

-Formulate an action plan in collaboration with the Project Manager defining ways of working and task ownership

-Organize monthly virtual calls/coordination sessions with the participants to discuss progress on the activity  

-Facilitate reflection sessions after the completion of each research steps and advise on best ways to adapt the research framework accordingly

-Develop the final research products based on input provided by different partners/participants 

Expected Contribution: 2 days per month over 9 months (Total of 18 days)

Phase 3: Documenting Lessons Learned using the PAR Approach:

Timeline: After the end of the Project, January 2025

Tasks and Deliverables:

-Write a short learning document in collaboration with the Oxfam MENA team, summarizing key takeaways from this activity and advising on the best ways to integrate the PAR approach in future research and policy outputs

-Facilitate a virtual learning session for Oxfam policy and research advisors, project managers as well as partners to present the PAR approach and takeaways from the learning document to explore various ways to adopt this approach in other projects and initiatives 

Expected Contribution: 2 days

3.  Application, Evaluation Criteria and Logistical Arrangements:

1. Application Process:

Interested researchers can apply to this vacancy by submitting:

1. Their updated resume
2. A motivation letter, highlighting their interests and showcasing ways they used the PAR approach in the past
3. A short research proposal (not exceeding 3 pages), with details on best use of PAR approach to create a research design/scope in the context of a shrinking space and an action plan detailing the research process
4. A budget indicating the consultant’s daily rate

2. Evaluation Criteria:

Evaluation criteria

Technical evaluation

70 points

Experience

Demonstrated experience in guiding research processes, drafting research proposals, and conducting literature reviews. The candidate should be also experienced in adapting research frameworks based on feedback and changing project needs. 

20 points

Good knowledge of Participatory Action Research approach (PAR) or similar participatory methodologies and a commitment to incorporating them into the project's approach.

25 points

Ability to facilitate consultation (online) sessions with diverse stakeholders, ensuring active participation and productive outcomes.

15 points

Education

Relevant educational background such as a degree in social sciences, development studies, or a related field, with extensive experience in working with different research methods.

10 points

Financial evaluation

30 points

Applicants should provide evidence of meeting these criteria in their applications, including their CV, motivation letter, and the short research proposal.

 Please submit the full application documents (as mentioned above) to lebanonprocurement@oxfam.org.uk  by midnight of March 25th, 2024, mentioning “MENA- Research Consultancy” in the Subject line.

[1] Partner organizations include Civil society organizations, activists, influencers, alternative media representatives, feminist advocates, and women's rights actors from Lebanon, Jordan and Tunisia, working on local and regional projects. Their work focuses mostly on political economy analysis within their respective countries, monitoring social and economic policies, as well as a dedication to feminist and women's rights causes and climate activism.