Consultancy-Research On Durable Solutions For Social Cohesion And Socio-Economic Recovery (INT10341)

Oxfam is a global movement of people working together to end the injustice of poverty.

The Role:

Oxfam GB-Iraq Program is looking for a consultant As evidence show many displaced populations are struggling to achieving Durable Solutions, due to many factors including eroded social cohesion. Social cohesion is an essential prerequisite for the sustainable integration for IDPs and returnees in new and host communities. Without equity-sensitive social cohesion and integration, IDPs’ and returnees’ access to services and livelihood opportunities will be undermined. However, there is a knowledge gap on equity-sensitive social cohesion mechanisms that can enable integration through strengthened pathways to economic and livelihood opportunities in target areas. Therefore, the research will aim to analyses barriers to social cohesion among IDPs and returnees in the targeted areas and identify how poor social cohesion affects socioeconomic recovery. Furthermore, the research will generate recommendations on social cohesion approaches to increase intra-community trust and belonging and improve displacement-affected HHs’ access to livelihoods. These recommendations will ultimately contribute towards a more harmonized and integrated approach towards nexus programming and policies and durable solutions.  The research recommendations will be used to organize dialogue and advocacy sessions with local authorities and relevant stakeholders on durable solutions for social cohesion and socio-economic recovery.

The research objectives should cover the following:

• Analyse, from equity perspective, the obstacles facing IDPs and returnees’ ability to access livelihood and economic activities and eventually achieve durable solutions.
• Analyse barriers to social cohesion among IDPs and returnees and identify how poor social cohesion can affect socioeconomic recovery and access to durable solutions.
• Generate recommendation on social cohesion approaches to increase intra-community trust and belonging and improve displacement-affected HHs’ access to livelihoods.

Recommendations will ultimately contribute towards a more harmonized and integrated approach towards nexus programming and policies and durable solutions.

Methodology

The consultant/team is encouraged to submit the proposed research methodology. Some of the proposed elements to be considered are:

• Desk review and revision of existing documents/data.
• Interviews with key informants in both Governorates (Diyala and Kirkuk). Consultant/team is required to provide a mapping of stakeholders who will be part of this at the inception phase.
• Interviews/focus group discussions with key national and international stakeholders. Consultant/team is required to provide a mapping of stakeholders who will be part of this at the inception phase.
• Quantitative research in both governorates (Diyala and Kirkuk), if needed.

What we are looking for:

We’re looking for a candidate who cares about Oxfam’s mission to end poverty and is personally aligned to our feminist principles and values of empowerment, accountability and inclusion in all you do.

An ideal candidate for the role will also be / have:

• Educational background: Development, social or political sciences, or any relevant specialisation.
• Previous Experiences of the consultant/team in research in a relevant field, including in social cohesion, protection, equity, and other relevant areas of the research demonstrated through lists of similar assignments, projects activities, lists of publications, samples of reports.
• Direct experience in research and/or programming work in the Middle East, preferably in Iraq or in a similar context.
• Strong writing skills in both English and Arabic.
• Ability to travel within Iraq.

We offer:

We offer a competitive salary and a range of additional benefits to staff including flexible working options, generous pension scheme, annual leave, additional leave allowances, company sick pay, life assurance and a range of other benefits. 

From the day you join Oxfam we invite you to stretch and learn in your role. Our wide range of Learning & Development opportunities includes in-house courses, e-learning modules, on-the job learning opportunities, coaching and mentoring, and much more. 

You can read more about all Oxfam has to offer here.

Flexfam:

We believe flexible working is key to building the Oxfam of the future, so we’re open to talking through the type of flexible arrangements which might work for you. 

How to apply:

Interested individuals or consultancy firms with relevant experience and skills based on the ToR can submit their Expression of Interest (EOI), including the following:

1. Cover letter of no more than 1 page introducing the consultant/company and intention to deliver the assignment. The cover letter should also indicate the consultants’ availability for the proposed period.
2. Technical proposal should provide details on the proposed methodology responding to the ToR and the deliverables in line with the competencies required for the assignment, including references to experience with similar assignments; CVs of the consultant/consulting team directly involved in the assignment, including their specific roles; and three professional referees. A technical proposal should not be longer than 10 pages, excluding annexes.
3. Financial proposal includes a one-page detailed budget, with a breakdown of all major anticipated costs: per cost category (e.g. daily fees, equipment); and per task/deliverable.
4. An accompanying workplan must be submitted too.
5. Statement on the willingness to follow Oxfam’s Code of Conduct and guidance regarding safe programming.

Please submit the EOI and other documents by 4:00 PM Iraq time by April 21^th to [email protected] with “Research On Durable Solutions For Social Cohesion And Socio-Economic Recovery” in the subject line. No EOIs will be accepted after the deadline.

*Selection Process is On Rolling Basis*

This invitation to tender has been issued for the sole purpose of obtaining offers for the provision of the services requested against the TOR. Oxfam reserves the right not to enter in or award a contract as a result of this invitation to tender. Oxfam also reserves the right to terminate any contract issued as a result of this invitation to tender as set out in the contract terms and conditions.