Consultant – West Bank Needs Assessment At Center for Victims of Torture

Context

Since October 7, 2023, the West Bank has faced a sharp escalation in violence, resulting in 693 Palestinian deaths and widespread psychological distress. Over 3,300 Palestinians have been displaced, 10,300 arrested, and 1,054 structures demolished, including homes and health facilities. In Jenin, an Israeli incursion displaced 4,000 residents, destroyed 70% of the city’s infrastructure, and caused critical shortages of essentials. The violence has devastated the economy, with 306,000 jobs lost by early 2024. Mental health has been severely impacted, with widespread symptoms of trauma and inadequate access to care, further straining the region’s fragile infrastructure. Civil society work continues despite the increasing violence and instability. Funding for many of CSOs in the West Bank has been frozen, completely withdrawn, or is under review by donors among other challenges. With the goal of supporting programming for civil society organizations (CSO) and human rights defenders (HRD), CVT is recruiting for technical support for an in-person needs assessment on the current operating environment and needs of civil society.

Purpose

The purpose of this needs assessment is:

• Understand digital, physical and psychosocial security priorities and needs of Human Rights Defenders (HRDs), activists and civil society organizations (CSOs) in the West Bank
• Understand the risk landscape for participation in programming for CSOs and HRDs
• Examine the challenges and needs of local organizations working in human rights
• Understand operational context and logistics around partnership, funding, service provision, etc. with a focus on remote delivery
• Identify potential program participants

Methodology Details

The methodology will be developed by the local consultant in close coordination with and approval by CVT given the landscape and what may be most effective and preferred by CSOs. Ideally, this will be an in-person assessment, focusing on Key Informant Interviews with target populations as listed above. Given the fluid environment, there is potential for remote survey.

The methodology should be participatory, evidence-based, and inclusive. The assessment ideally should be mixed methods and incorporate a desk review, a survey, as well as interviews and discussions with local stakeholders. Further specifics of the methodology will be developed by the consultant.

Scope of Work

*All work below will be done in coordination with programmatic focal point*

Needs Assessment Development

• Desk review of available reports and strategies related to human rights in West Bank, including national strategies, donor programs, and other relevant documents.
• Develop a sampling strategy to identify specific individuals and organizations and locations within West Bank to conduct KIIs and focus groups.
• Propose a needs assessment methodology and work plan to be discussed and approved by CVT. The methodology and methodology and data collection tools should be locally relevant, evidence-based, and include a sound implementation strategy.

Logistics

• Travel coordination for assessment team (one to two CVT staff members) inside West Bank.
• Risk assessment guidance through general reporting on known risks related to programming

Needs Assessment

• Comprehensive mapping of HRDs and CSOs, focusing on those working in human rights.
• Arrange and participate in stakeholder meetings (virtual or in person), offering valuable insights to help develop a comprehensive understanding of the context.
• Support the in-country needs assessment mission, including arranging meetings, participating in key meetings, and contributing to design workshops/sessions to shape the CVT engagement approach.
• Written summary of meetings in a clear and actionable format.

Post-Assessment Work

• Draft a synthesis report summarizing key themes, findings based on data analysis, and issues based on a review of meeting summaries, documents and reports (approximately 5-10 pages).

Key Deliverables

• Desk review report
• Inception Report (methodology and work plan including any protocols, guides or other tools developed)
• Summary of meetings and interviews
• Needs Assessment Analysis Report (contextual analysis, MERL approach)
• Presentation/validation of findings discussion with program team

Expected Duration

3 months

• Month 1 – planning and desk assessment
• Month 2- Conduct in-person needs assessment
• Month 3 – final report & presentation

Expected LOE

The estimated LOE for this consultancy is approximately 20 working days:

• 4 days inception report/meetings
• 4 days prep/meetings/coordination/logistics
• 6 days travel & assessment
• 5 days analysis & report writing, presentation

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, humanities, law, development studies, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of experience in international development, with a focus on human rights, GBV, MPHSS, civil society, and capacity development
• Experience working with Palestinian human rights defenders (HRDs) and civil society organizations and demonstrated understanding of their perspectives and needs.
• Extensive experience in conducting needs assessments for international development projects.
• Experience working in West Bank with a strong network and access to resources in the region.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English and Arabic.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Proven experience working with international organizations.
• Ability to meet deadlines and deliver work in a timely manner.