Terms of Reference for a Baseline Study and Stakeholder Mapping

Selat Wasel 2

Terms of Reference for a Baseline Study and Stakeholder Mapping

June 2018

1.2. Project Summary

Search for Common Ground is implementing a project called Selat Wasel 2, funded by the European Union and the German Federal Foreign Office and running from May to December 2018. The overall aim of the Selat Wasel 2 project is that Strategic networks of mediators are established to sustainably support and address fault lines within targeted communities in Syria. We will contribute to this goal through the two following specific objectives:

1. Specific Objective 1: Expand and support dialogue and communication channels for Syrian civil society actors and community members across dividing line

 2.   Specific Objective 2: Strengthen the capacities of Syrian civil society actors and key community members to mediate conflict across strategic fault lines

Through this project, Search intends to achieve the following key results:

Capacities of up to 72 key community actors in seven targeted areas are assessed and developed to better address local fault lines

At least 35 local conflict networking meetings are conducted by local Syrian civil society actors to support multi-Track peace efforts

The Baseline Assessment and Stakeholder Mapping

2.1. Objectives

Search is conducting a Baseline Assessment and Stakeholder Mapping of the Syrian context, which will feed into shaping the Selat Wasel 2 project activities. The aim of the study is to: 1. Identifying existing and potential key community stakeholders, their capacities and background, in targeted areas; 2. Investigate dispute resolution mechanisms and connectors and dividers in targeted areas; 3. Research on network establishment best practices available in the Syrian community; 4. Understanding the potential risks of establishing inclusive networks in the targeted areas. This will mainly contribute to developing outreach and strict selection criteria for working with civil society, grassroots actors, and youth as key actors.

Below are the specific lines of inquiry:

Identifying existing and potential key community stakeholders, youth and other informal actors such as, local councils, tribal representatives, IDP camp managers, civil defence groups, media activists, and educated professionals, among others, who are “important civil voices” in Syria, and their capacities and background, in targeted areas.

Understanding conflict dynamics in selected areas including sources of conflict, types of conflict and dividing lines.

Identifying connectors and dividers among key stakeholders in each area.

Cast a wide net which will allow us to identify community influencers who are not usually part of the peace architecture.

Investigate dispute resolution mechanisms and structures, if any exists, in the 7 areas targeted.

Research on network establishment best practices available in the Syrian community.

Understanding the potential risks of establishing inclusive networks in the targeted areas.

Contribute to developing outreach and strict selection criteria for working with civil society, grassroots actors, and youth as a key actor

Provide recommendations on preventive measures to be taken by Search to accommodate the challenges that might affect the function and sustainability of the networks to be established during the project

Understand what key community stakeholders’ capacities need to be developed, mainly Field officers team, and identify entry points for creating linkages and networks.

Recommend best practices to conduct successful and sustainable networking activities.

a. Audience

The primary audience of the Baseline Assessment will be Search, project participants and direct stakeholders, and the peace building community at large.

The secondary audience will be the Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), which will use the findings and recommendations to strengthen its current project and future programming.

b. Methodology

Approach

Search’s approach to the study is grounded in the guiding principles of our work: participatory, culturally sensitive, committed to building capacity, affirming and positive while honest and productively critical, and valuing knowledge and approaches from within the context. Search and the hired consultant will agree upon a joint set of standards when negotiating the final contract of agreement.

The below principles should be taken into account:

Inclusiveness—the methodology should include a wide range of viewpoints, specifically gender and age-sensitivity when applicable.

Mixed-method approaches—both qualitative and quantitative methods need to be present in the methodology.

Rigor of evidence—gathered information needs to be reliable and transparent

Ethics—the methodology needs to consider ethics in order to insure that the evaluation is fully objective.

 Methodology & Scope of study:

The study will investigate the two principal target groups: Project direct stakeholders, such as the Field Officers and project participants, and indirect stakeholders, such the wider Syrian community of the targeted areas.

The sample size should be adequate and representative of the target groups. In addition, the study should employ both quantitative and qualitative participatory methods to establish the project baseline.

 It will draw on the following sources:

Desk study review: It is important to review project documents, logical framework and other relevant sources of data to complete the assessment.

Key informant interviews: Interviews will be conducted to gather in depth information on key questions.

Focus group discussions to gather in depth information regarding the key questions described above.

Community Surveys: Surveys should be distributed to members of the community including men, women, and youth groups and others as appropriate to collect numerical information related to the study’s key questions.

2.                   Implementation Information            

a.                   Evaluation Team

The consultant will work closely with Search Lebanon DM&E Manager who will be ensuring that all milestones are met. He will also act as focal point on all issues including logistics and recruitment of local researchers and will sign off on the final papers in consultation with the MENA Regional DM&E Specialist and with the final approval of the Lebanon Country Director.

b.                  Deliverables                                   

Within Ten days from signing the contract, the consultant should submit an Inception report, which clearly defines the evaluation methodology, such as clear outlines for the focus group discussions, KII questions, survey questionnaires and research timeline with specific deadlines for each deliverable. The inception report should also clearly explain the sampling methodology and sample size for the quantitative survey and a clear and logical number for the KIIs. The inception report and the data collection tools need formal approval from Search before starting the data collection in the field.

A draft Baseline Assessment report to be submitted within 6 days of completion of the data collection for review and comments from Search country team and the Regional DME specialist. The review and feedback of the report could be more than one round depending on the quality of the report and the extent to which the comments and suggestions from first round have been incorporated.

A presentation on preliminary findings within 3 days that highlights the major parts in the study. 

A Final Baseline Assessment to be submitted after incorporating the comments of Search. The report should be written in English, 30-35 pages excluding annexes, and follows Search’s template consisting of:

Cover page, Search will provide sample cover sheet for reference

Table of contents, list of acronyms, abbreviations and list of tables and charts.

Executive summary, including key findings and recommendations – 3-4 pages.

Background information and context analysis presented per key criteria with a brief description

Baseline methodology with clear explanation of sampling and limitations, KIIs, participants’ selection and data analysis approach.

Research findings, analysis, with associated data presented, where appropriate in clear graphs or charts. The findings can include subsections for each research criteria.

Conclusion and Recommendations.

The recommendations should be framed according to each section of project.

Appendices should include collected data, detailed description of the methodology with research instruments, list of interviewees

Once the draft is submitted and reviewed, Search may decide based on the quality of the draft whether the consultant may be required to revise the draft, working closely with Search DM&E manager as necessary

The report should be submitted electronically in a MS – Word document. The consultant is responsible for English editing of the final report which should be well formatted. The report will be credited to the evaluator and potentially placed in the public domain at the decision of Search.

All handwritten and electronic transcripts of interviews and KIIs, hard copies of survey questionnaires, photographs taken during the assessment and any equipment received from Search for the purpose of the study should be submitted to Search. Furthermore, all information generated during the baseline study will be the sole property of Search and is subject to submission to Search along with the final report, prior to the end of the contract.

c. Estimated Working days:

As per the below deadlines, Search estimates the consultant would need between 45 and 50 working days to conclude the study.

3.       Deadlines

Consultant recruitment deadline: July 6, 2018

Deadline for finalising the data collection tools: July 15, 2018

Deadline for finalising data collection: August 26, 2018

Deadline for the draft report: September 2, 2018

Deadline for the final deliverables: September 16, 2018

4.                   Logistical Support

Search Lebanon will provide the consultant with logistical support through:

Ensuring that the consultant receives key documents in a timely manner

Helping to set up the data collection needed arrangements

Arranging meetings with the project team and key staff

Providing administrative support such as photocopying, fax machines, and office space

5.                   The Baseline Assessment Consultant           

Consultant’s Qualifications

Search Lebanon seeks an experienced Baseline Assessment and Stakeholder Mapping Analyst for Syria with the following qualifications:

• Excellent written and spoken English skills required, including demonstrated ability in writing briefing papers and other information products, and fluency in Arabic
• Master’s Degree in a related area, preferably in Middle Eastern studies, conflict resolution, international studies, peace-building, human rights or related area
• At least 7 years of experience in research, and monitoring & evaluation of which a minimum of 5 years of related research experience, including both academic and project-oriented research
• Extensive experience working on the context in Syria and on the Syrian refugee crisis
• Experience in developing and managing Focus Group Discussions, Interviews, and Surveys
• Experience in conflict transformation and peacebuilding
• Ability to be flexible with time and work schedule
• Attention to detail and ability to meet tight deadlines
• Capable of establishing and recruiting a network of local researchers who will assist in conducting the assessment and mapping
• Able to read, digest and accurately analyse large amounts of information, provide succinct summaries and explain the significance of that information
• Previous experience working with Syrian civil society and in a similar project is considered an advantage
• Proven ability to negotiate multiple relationships with various partners for research purposes
• Demonstrated writing and analytical skills;
• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills;
• Cultural sensitivity and adaptability