Rwanda Social Cohesion And Reconciliation Assessment Senior Researcher

PROJECT ADVERTISEMENT

RWANDA SOCIAL COHESION AND RECONCILIATION ASSESSMENT SENIOR RESEARCHER
Peacebuilding Assessment, Analysis, Research, and Learning (PEARL)

Part-time consultancy position from October 2024 – April 2025, based in Rwanda

Introducing Integrity

Integrity is an ethical consultancy and service provider working in challenging and complex environments around the globe.

We help our clients succeed in fragile and challenging environments while building trust and understanding as the basis for transformative change. We work across all phases of the programme and project cycle, delivering eleven complementary services: monitoring, assessment and learning / data and knowledge management / research, evidence and analysis / advisory / project management / communications / risk management / technical assistance / capability and capacity development / stakeholder engagement / grant and fund management. Our services are underpinned by the principles on which we were founded, a commitment to providing reliable information and evidence, and expert and high-quality delivery.

Headquartered in London and Washington DC, Integrity also has offices in Jordan, Kenya, and Pakistan. Our multi-national team of over 80 deliver multi-year projects, programmes and consulting assignments to a wide range of government clients, international organisations, foundations and private sector clients.

VISION: To set the international standard for ethically delivered expert services in complex and challenging contexts.

MISSION: We use evidence and learning to provide trusted advice and enable change for a sustainable future.

VALUES:

• Courage: We work on many of the world’s most complex problems. We stand against violence in all its forms. We are unafraid to stand up to illegal or unethical practices.

• Objectivity: We challenge conventional thinking. Our recommendations are not based on assumptions or ideology but evidence and learning.

• Diligence: We incorporate our best individual and collective intellect through rigour, reflection, and collaboration.

• Accountability: We take responsibility for the quality of our work and performance. We hold ourselves to account through clear policy and process, sustained by long-term profitability.

• Sensitivity: We understand the impact of our presence and our work, empathise with people’s situations, and commit to do no harm.

ETHICS: Integrity upholds the highest ethical standards in our work, our employment of staff and our interaction with people. Through adherence to our core values, we ensure the best possible service, and benefit the communities amongst whom we work.

We commit to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where all feel safe and able to progress, contribute and be heard, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion, marital or parental status.

Further information about Integrity can be found at www.integrityglobal.com.

Project Background

Integrity leads the Peacebuilding, Assessment, Analysis, Research, and Learning (PEARL) Activity for the USAID Bureau for Conflict Prevention and Stabilization’s Center for Conflict and Violence Prevention (CPS/CVP). PEARL is a global buy-in mechanism that offers violence and conflict analysis, peacebuilding assessment, and knowledge management services to USAID Missions and Operating Units.

Through PEARL, Integrity is conducting a Social Cohesion and Reconciliation Assessment for USAID/Rwanda. The assessment seeks to (1) ensure that the new USAID/Rwanda Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) incorporates an understanding of remaining challenges to reconciliation and building national unity across the Mission’s development objectives, and (2) inform the design of future reconciliation and social cohesion activities. In addition to a desk review and consultations, the Assessment may include a Scenario Planning Workshop to support Mission strategy, operations, and programming.

Integrity is recruiting an experienced Senior Researcher who is available beginning in October 2024, with anticipated completion of the assignment in April 2025. The position will require continuous engagement throughout the period of performance in accordance with the agreed-upon schedule, with 100% LOE expected in November and December 2024. This position is based in Rwanda, with likely travel to Kigali.

Scope of Work

The Senior Researcher will provide technical support and expertise to the Team Leader throughout the assessment. This includes supporting the assessment’s design, playing a key role during the assessment’s desk review, consultations, and analysis, contributing to report drafts and briefings on findings, and ensuring high-quality services and outputs that meet USAID’s needs. S/he will work closely with the PEARL Team Leader, Activity Management Unit, Task Order Manager, and Senior Learning & Outreach Specialist to ensure the activity is implemented in alignment with PEARL’s standard operating procedures and analytical and communication standards.

In addition to providing inputs into the desk review, Assessment Design, and Assessment Report, the Senior Researcher will play a leading role in conducting Technical Consultations. This position reports directly to the Team Leader.

Terms of Reference

1. Advise the team on all technical aspects relating to the assessment, ensuring methods and approaches are technically robust as well as contextually appropriate and sensitive.

2. Advise on existing qualitative and quantitative data sources and provide inputs into a desk review of existing literature on social cohesion and reconciliation.

3. Support the team in identifying and conducting outreach to relevant stakeholders for consultations.

4. Support the development and finalization of consultation guides in collaboration with the other assessment team members.

5. Conduct consultations in line with the assessment’s scope of work (SOW) and industry best practices.

6. Provide technical expertise and hands-on support throughout synthesis of findings, data analysis, and the development of recommendations.

7. Provide inputs into the Assessment Design and Assessment Report, supporting the team to incorporate any feedback from USAID.

8. Support the planning and implementation of a Scenario Planning Workshop, if requested.

9. Other tasks as requested/required by the Activity Director and/or Team Leader. This may include inputs to ad hoc assessment deliverables and/or supporting the dissemination of findings, conclusions, and recommendations in a format that is user-friendly and suitable for collaboration, learning, and adaptation.

Your Experience and Expertise

1. Bachelor’s degree required (advanced degree preferred) in a field relevant to conflict studies, political science, international development, or related studies.

2. At least 6 years of progressively responsible experience in the humanitarian or international development field, including familiarity with social cohesion and peacebuilding approaches.

3. Demonstrated experience implementing qualitative and quantitative research projects and assessments, including preparing and leading consultations with diverse groups and stakeholders.

4. Extensive Rwanda experience, with demonstrated knowledge of social cohesion and reconciliation dynamics and strong networks with key practitioners and experts who work on these thematic areas.

5. Experience using computer/data analysis software including Microsoft Office suite and database management systems; experience using Dedoose preferred.

6. Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

7. Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work well with a diverse team in different geographic locations.

8. Fluency in English required with excellent communication skills, including demonstrated ability to deliver clear and concise written products (research reports and PowerPoint slides) and present findings to diverse audiences.

9. Proficiency in Kinyarwanda required; French desirable.

10. Ability to work for extended hours when required.

11. Experience working with USAID is strongly preferred.