Rapid Context Analysis National Research Advisor Scope of Work 87 views0 applications

Contract Type: Time and Materials

Introduction

A nonprofit international development organization founded in 1971, Pact works on the ground in more than 30 countries to improve the lives of those who are poor and marginalized. We strive for a world where all people exercise their voice, build their own solutions and take ownership of their future.

Background The Civil Society Support Program Phase 2 (CSSP2) is a capacity development programme designed to support the development of Ethiopia’s civil society to “contribute to inclusive and accountable governance; and an improved environment for the promotion and protection of the human rights of all Ethiopians”. To achieve this grand objective, the programme has identified three thematic areas (gender transformation, young people and citizen-state engagement) and has taken a human rights-based approach as its key strategic approach. In addition to funding local civil society organizations (CSOs), the programme provides technical and capacity development support through various means. CSSP2 also works with relevant government stakeholders to build their capacity and create space and platforms for effective civic engagement and learnings.

CSSP2 is funded by the people of United Kingdom, Ireland, Sweden, and Norway. The programme is managed by the British Council, in consortium with Pact UK and Social Development Direct. The programme has established five regional Hubs at Dessie, Dire Dawa, Assosa, Hawassa and Addis Ababa-reporting to the secretariat in Addis Ababa so as to provide closer support to CSOs.

CSSP2 includes a broad set of analytical exercises aimed at informing programme interventions. This included baseline surveys, capacity assessments, and a series of Applied Political Economy Analysis (APEA) aimed at identifying and describing underlying incentives and contextual dynamics that may influence CSSP2 programming.

Since CSSP2’s inception in 2018, the Ethiopian context has undergone a number of dramatic changes. The COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing conflict in Tigray and Benshangul Gumuz Regions, and rapidly evolving internal politics in the run-up to the 2021 election have altered or challenged many of the critical assumptions underpinning CSSP2’s interventions. This rapid context analysis will update the CSSP2 team’s knowledge of the current operating context, building on the knowledge generated through past studies and environmental scans, and provide concrete advice on what these changing dynamics mean for the programme design and implementation in the current and extension period.

Consultancy Objectives

In collaboration with the CSSP2 project team and Pact’s Governance team, the consultant will serve as the local research lead for a rapid context analysis. The consultant will work directly with the project’s lead investigator and the CSSP2 team as appropriate to support the development of the research methodology and related tools, and will lead the primary data collection process in Ethiopia by conducting semistructured interviews and focus groups. The consultant will transcribe and clean the data to share with the lead investigator, document research findings, and prepare interim drafts of the final research report. Though not required, the consultant may independently identify and procure rapporteurs/notetakers to support these deliverables, with a daily rate inclusive of any associated fees. The consultant must be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The research is expected to be conducted between March and April 2021.

Research Scope

The CSSP2 team requires a rapid context analysis better to understand recent changes in the Ethiopian context and how they affect CSSP2’s work across its three thematic focus areas. Importantly, this work will employ an applied political economy lens and will integrate questions related to contextual factors or power dynamics as appropriate throughout the study. The rapid context analysis will conclude with concrete recommendations for the CSSP2 team, including potential focus areas for future APEAs, to guide the programme through the current phase of the project (scheduled to close in August 2021) and inform the design of activities under a potential extension phase.

The final research scope will be determined in consultation with the CSSP2 project team and will likely focus on geographies covered by each of CSSP2’s regional hubs. A sample of focus cities and regions will be selected based on the feasibility of conducting research with limited mobility.

Duties and Responsibilities

Specific duties for this assignment include the following:

•  Review CSSP2 project documents/past analyses and meet with CSSP2 programme leadership to discuss project’s emerging focus and role of CSSP2 team in research process.
•  Support the lead investigator in finalizing the study’s scope of work, methodology, and research tools.
•  Lead the primary data collection process in Ethiopia, scheduling, conducting, and documenting semi-structured key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Remain in close contact with the lead investigator throughout this process and participate in debrief and collective analysis sessions.
• Complete data collection instruments from each interview to share with lead investigator.
• Clean and translate meeting notes and transcripts to share with the lead investigator. Ensure all data is securely stored and shared with relevant stakeholders.
•  Prepare draft outlines, analysis, and other inputs as determined summarizing key trends, themes, and gaps for the lead investigator to integrate into final research product.
• Work closely with lead researcher in the development of the final research product, providing data, analytic inputs, and critical reviews as needed.
•  Other tasks as agreed.

Deliverables

•  Priority stakeholder list for interviews and provisional interview schedule.
•  Lead primary data collection process through in-person interviews and phone/Skype conversations as appropriate.
•  Participation in collective debrief/analysis sessions with lead investigator.
• Interim outlines, analysis, and report drafts shared with lead investigator.

Estimated Level of Effort

We envision this to be a rapid assessment, and as a result anticipate the level of effort to be equal to or less than 25 days. This is an estimated figure, to be discussed and finalized with the identified candidate.

Skills and Qualifications Basic requirements

•  6-8 years of relevant experience.
• A college qualification/degree in Political Science, Sociology, Development Studies, Peace and Security Studies, or another relevant discipline.
• Familiarity with the politico-legal and economic developments/trajectories in modern Ethiopia, including democratization/human rights protection and promotion.
•  Demonstrated qualitative research skills, with experience facilitating stakeholder consultations.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Fluency in English and Amharic (oral, writing, and reading).
• Must be local to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Ethiopian nationals are strongly encouraged to apply. Preferred Qualifications
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience designing and implementing participatory, actionable, and inclusive research.
• Experience developing data collection tools, conducting gender analyses or gender-sensitive qualitative research, or conducting political economy analysis.
•  Demonstrated experience working with or managing highly adaptive programs, as well as applying conflict-sensitive approaches