Consultant\ researcher Civil society networks at IMPACT civil society research and development

1. BACKGROUND:

• IMPACT – Civil Society Research and Development e.V. , founded in Berlin in 2013, is a non-profit civil society organization with offices in Iraq, Turkey and Syria. Civil society support is the core of IMPACT’s mission through long-term and balanced support to individuals and organizations in the conflict and developed countries. IMPACT main areas of intervention are capacity building, research, peace building and diaspora engagement.
• The Syrian Civil Society Network Platform (SCNP), a platform of 9 civil society networks, formed in early 2019, aims to act as a cross-country, cross network coordination platform. It aims “to strengthen the collaboration, capacity, and voices of rights-based Syrian civil society and diaspora networks and build dialogue and solidarity between Syrian organizations.”
• In the past 10 years, and with the evolution of Syrian civil society, several networks, alliances, and other models of coordination and networking were established. Recently, and especially in the past 2 years, the organization members of those networks are overwhelmed with the challenges of their own operations and programs, nevertheless the participation in those networks.

Since the establishment of SCNP, the platform has been providing a Syrian space for Syrian civil society networks 1- to discuss their strategies, and the challenges they are facing, and 2- to share experiences and knowledge about each other’s work especially that the platform is bringing networks of Syrian diaspora organizations from different countries, who are working in different sectors.

Within its mandate to strengthen the collaboration among civil society, SCNP is looking for tools, and techniques to improve the effectiveness of those alliances and coordination bodies.

2. PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

The researcher will develop a research paper to address the challenges that are facing Syrian civil society networks in the diaspora, and the opportunities to increase the effectiveness of those networks and alliances.

The overall objective of this consultation is to develop a research study to evaluate 4 years of the experience of civil society networks in the diaspora, lessons learned from working together, and explore opportunities for the contribution of those networks in the response to the Syrian crisis, and in the future of Syria. This consultation will help in structuring the discussions of SCNP members about the future of the civil society in the diaspora, its role, and their theories of changes.

The primary purpose of this consultancy is to improve the efficiency of the collective work of those networks, and increase the engagement of their members.

3. SCOPE OF WORK

The assignment is to provide 10 working days of consultancy within 2 months of the project. During this period the consultant will work closely with the SCNP coordinator, and members to research the lessons learned and opportunities of Syrian civil society in the diaspora to contribute in supporting Syrians in Syria, and the refugee countries.

3.1. The consultancy is aimed to achieve following objectives:

1- To provide a research study to better understand the effectiveness of Syrian civil society networks, challenges, and lessons learnt from 4 years of working together.

2- Explore what roles civil society networks can play in the future of Syria, and in the near future within all the complications in the Syrian contexts.

3- Help in structuring the strategic discussions of Syrian civil society networks in the diaspora about their future and roles. Including the importance and opportunity for linkages with networks inside Syria

3.2. METHODOLOGY:

Even there will be a quiet space for creativity in this consultancy, but there should be basic standards for the methodology. The consultants are welcomed to share their points of view on methodology in their technical offer.

3.2.1. Desk review: The consultant will review SCNP current strategy, current plans and other documents related to vision of SCNP and its individual member networks. The consultant will review other researches done before on the role of civil society, and networks in Syria and beyond.

3.2.2. Suggest policy paper structure and discuss with IMPACT and SCNP coordinator.

3.2.3. Collective and bilateral consultation semi structured online sessions with SCNP members to understand more about their visions, and goals. Those sessions will also aim to capture experiences, best practices, key learnings and case studies and highlight them in the study.

3.2.4. Participatory methods such as brainstorming, simulation, group discussion and case analysis. And designing survey & interview questions for member organizations and networks.

3.3. KEY DELIVERABLES:

3.3.1. Following deliverables are expected from the service provider:

• Methodology of the research, and structure of the study within 1st week of the contracting period
• A detailed work plan within the second week of the contracting period.
• Draft of the research study based on the objective of the consultancy in the 6th week of the contracting period.
• Final version of the study after the revision and comments by IMPACT, and SCNP at the end of this consultancy.
• The consultant will provide a final report on this consultancy including recommendations to help members of SCNP to increase the effectiveness of the platform, and the network members as well at the end of the contracting period.
• the consultant will present the report to members through online\ or in person session.

3.4. LOCATION:

3.4.1. The tasks of this consultation will be online. However consultants might be required to travel to Europe to attend in person workshops. (any expenses related to this trip will be covered out of this contract)

3.5. TIMEFRAME

3.5.1. This is a short-term assignment for both individual consultants, and institutes for a period of 10 working days in a timeframe of two months. Tentatively this assignment will start in August 2022 (dates shall be confirmed).

3.6. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

3.6.1. The consultant or their representative person will:

3.6.1.1. Sign with IMPACT a consultancy agreement and work as a resource person for the 10 days.

3.6.1.2. Discuss and agree with IMPACT on the final deliverable.

3.6.1.3. Design an appropriate process of the consultancy leading to the desired results.

3.6.1.4. Propose on the most appropriate methodology for effective delivery of the assignment.

3.6.1.5 Submit the research study based on the objectives of this research.

3.7. SKILLS/COMPETENCIES:

• University degree in humanitarian/development related studies.
• Five years of experience in working with civil society in the MENA region (working on Syria is addition).
• Two years of experience in research related work.
• Knowledge and practical experience in working with civil society networks and alliances.
• Experience working in armed conflict settings, particularly with CSOs, vulnerable groups and cross conflict border contexts;
• Very good Knowledge of the Syrian context
• A demonstrated high level of professionalism and an ability to work independently and with multiple partners.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Arabic is a plus

3.8 Language: The language of this consultancy including all deliverables is English. Communication can be done in English or Arabic

4. TECHNICAL PROPOSAL:

4.1.1. The technical proposal should include but not limited to the following information:

4.1.1.1. A brief outline of recent experience and client references in carrying out assignments of similar nature (Max. 1 pages)

4.1.1.2. Detailed description of how the consultant understands and will respond to the ToR including time frame.

4.1.1.3. Curriculum Vitae of consultants.

4.1.1.4. The consultant methods to provide this consultancy.

5. FINANCIAL PROPOSAL:

5.1.1. The financial proposal must contain overall quotation in Euro for all the services to be provided and must follows the following:

5.1.1.1. Summary of the total costs for the services proposed

5.1.1.2. Any taxes applicable

6. PROPOSED PAYMENT SCHEDULE:

6.1.1. 100% of the payment will be released to the consultant after completing the service.

7. HOW TO APPLY:

7.1.1. Consultant/ representative person/ firms are required to submit their technical and financial proposals the IMPACT HR department in English by 15-8-2022 via the link https://forms.gle/2GruP3rGTF7UKpzHA

7.1.2. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Should you not have heard from us within 2 weeks after the application deadline, please consider your application as being unsuccessful

Child safeguarding policy:

IMPACT aims to create an organization that is safe for children but is also aware of the need to keep child protection concerns proportionate and to guard against over-zealous attitudes. Child abuse thrives in closed and secretive atmospheres. IMPACT’s best protection is to create an open and aware culture where people are not afraid to speak about their concerns.

Any employee, consultant, contractor, or the supplier undertaking an activity on behalf of IMPACT organization must sign the Child Safeguarding – Declaration of Acceptance Form and comply with the IMPACT Child Safeguarding Policy which is a statement of IMPACT’s commitment to preventing abuse and protecting children with whom it comes into contact.