Job Description

TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)

 A Professional Consultancy Service

 Title

Researcher Consultant 

Research  

The Role of the Mobile ADR Centers at the Nexus of climate-conflict

Location

Somaliland, with easter region travel

Program

DAMAL Programme

ABOUT NAFIS NETWORK

Network against FGM/C in Somaliland (NAFIS) is a non-political, non-governmental and humanitarian network. NAFIS was established in November 2006 in Hargeisa, Somaliland, by several local NGOs working to eradicate FGM/C. Currently, NAFIS has 20 member organizations operating in all the regions of Somaliland. As the only nationwide network of its kind, the primary purpose of NAFIS is to combat all forms of FGM/C in Somaliland through coordination and networking, policy framework, research, documentation, and capacity building for the key stakeholders and media awareness.

2. ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

The NAFIS network, in close collaboration with the International Development Law Organization (IDLO) and the Ministry of Justice (MOJ), is promoting Access to Justice by establishing and operationalizing Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centres in Hargeisa, Togdheer, Sool, and Sanaag under the Program ‘Strengthening the Social Contract through Access to Justice in Somaliland’ funded by the Government of the Netherlands. The program aims to foster the social contract in Somaliland by increasing the legitimacy of justice institutions. The overall goal of the program is expected to be achieved through three (3) intermediate outcomes: (1) improved access to an Alternative Dispute Resolution(ADR) mechanism and referral pathways, especially for vulnerable groups; (2) enhanced access to formal justice for vulnerable groups through holistic support to gender-based violence (GBV) survivors and affected communities; and (3) increased participation of citizens in Somaliland in accountability processes relating to the provision of security and justice. The specific mandate of each Centre is to facilitate the practice of ADR and settle claims and disputes at the community level, facilitating and increasing access to justice for the local population, particularly vulnerable categories.

3. PURPOSE OF THE CONSULTANCY

The purpose of this consultancy is to conduct research on the role played by Mobile Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centers in eastern regions of Somaliland which faces a complex interplay between climate change and conflict dynamics. The impacts of climate change, including droughts, desertification, and resource scarcity, have been identified as contributing factors to conflicts within the region where the Damal Programme operates. The consultancy aims to assess the efficacy of Mobile Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centres in managing the complex interplay between climate change and conflicts, with a particular emphasis on fostering peacebuilding in impacted communities. The primary objective is to comprehensively grasp the operational mechanisms of these centres and evaluate their effectiveness in alleviating conflicts arising from climate-related issues.

4. FUNCTIONS / KEY RESULTS EXPECTED:

The research consultant will carry out the following tasks:

• Examine the organizational structure, operational mechanisms, and outreach strategies employed by Mobile ADR Centres in the eastern regions of Somaliland.
• Investigate the role of Mobile ADR Centres in resolving community cases related to climate change, specifically focusing on disputes over natural resources, land tenure, and displacement.
• Assess how Mobile ADR Centres contribute to building community resilience and adaptive capacity in the face of climate change impacts.
• Identify and analyse best practices and lessons learned from existing Mobile ADR Centres in the eastern regions of Somaliland and draw insights from relevant contexts.
• Offer recommendations to policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders regarding the potential scaling up and integration of Mobile ADR Centres.

5. METHODOLOGY

The research should employ a multi-faceted and participatory methodology to gather comprehensive insights into the effectiveness and impact of Mobile Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centres at the nexus of climate conflict in Somaliland. Below are some of the potential methods that the consultant can adopt however, these could be improved with additional tools based on the inception report submission.

1. a)Desk Review: The consultant will conduct a detailed review of existing programme documents and other mobile ADR reports in the eastern regions of Somaliland.
2. b)Stakeholders Interviews: The Consultant will conduct interviews with key stakeholders, including representatives from Mobile ADR Centers, local communities, government agencies, NGOs, and service providers.
3. c)Field Visits and Observations: The consultant will visit selected Mobile ADR Centers to observe their operations, interact with staff, and gain firsthand insights into their effectiveness in resolving climate-related conflicts. This approach will facilitate a nuanced understanding of on-the-ground realities.
4. d)Focus Group Discussions: The consultant will conduct focus group discussions with community members and beneficiaries of Mobile ADR Centers to gather qualitative data on the perceived impact of these centers.
5. e)Case Studies: The consultant will perform comparative case studies by analysing the experiences of the clients and the operation modalities adopted.
6. f)Ethical Considerations: The consultant must adhere to NAFIS’s research ethical standards throughout the research process, ensuring informed consent, confidentiality, and respect for the rights and dignity of participants.
7. g)Data Triangulation and analysis: The consultant should triangulate findings from various data sources, such as interviews, field observations, surveys, and case studies, ensuring the reliability and validity of the research outcomes, and subsequently analyse the collected data using appropriate qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques to identify patterns, themes, and key findings.
8. DURATION OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The research is expected to be completed within a timeframe of Three (3) months, starting from the date of contract signing. The tentative timeline is as follows:

7. DELIVERABLES
8. a)Desk Review Report:  Produce a comprehensive Report on summary and synthesis of desk review.
9. b)Stakeholder Interview Transcripts: Summit transcripts of in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, including representatives from Mobile ADR Centers, local communities, government agencies, and NGOs.
10. c)Produce a comparative Case Studies Report on analysis of the client experiences, identifying best practices and lessons learned.
11. d)Draft Research brief: covering the key findings and recommendations.
12. e)Final Research Report: Produce a comprehensive report integrating all findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
13. SCOPE OF FINANCIAL PROPOSAL AND SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS

The consultant will be offered a lump sum fee, plus travel costs, accommodation, and subsistence allowance during work assignment (where applicable).

Experiences and Qualifications

1. SELECTION CRITERIA

The selection criteria will include availability, relevant previous experience, and the quality of work in similar assignments.

2. REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• A postgraduate degree (master’s or PhD) in a relevant field such as conflict resolution, peacebuilding, international relations, environmental studies, or a related social science discipline.

• Previous experience in conducting quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis for research and/or evaluation in line with good practice in international development (e.g. UN and OECD/DAC frameworks);
• Previous experience in conducting field research and engaging with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, community members, and local leaders.
• Experience working in conflict-affected or fragile contexts, preferably with a focus on climate change and peacebuilding.
• Ability to navigate and work effectively in challenging field conditions, including remote and insecure areas. Good understanding of database design, implementation, troubleshooting, and maintenance

Skills Required

Follow us on social media