Closing date: 10 Mar 2017
Background
Saferworld is an independent non-governmental organisation that works to prevent violent conflict and build safer lives. We work with civil society, governments and international organisations to encourage and support effective policies and practices through advocacy, research and policy development, and through supporting the actions of others.
Saferworld is currently implementing a programme of work focused on contributing to the promotion of peace and democratisation in four countries in the region, through building the capacity of youth in becoming active members of society with strong knowledge of and skills in democratic processes.
The specific project objective is to increase the capacity of youth-led groups in the target countries to reach consensus around key issues relating to conflict and democratisation in their respective countries, and to implement coordinated actions.
Through this project, Saferworld also aims to increase the understanding of donors and INGOs of the challenges and opportunities facing young people in the Horn of Africa region, and to provide recommendations on how to offer more effective support to young people’s engagement with political and peace processes in the Horn of Africa region.
Objectives of the assignment
The overall objective of the research is to identify key issues, challenges, and opportunities facing youth groups in Sudan, South Sudan, Kenya, and Somalia in effectively participating in peace and democratization processes in order to inform donor and INGO engagement of youth in the horn of Africa.
Specifically the research aims to:
Identify and document existing structures, avenues and enablers for youth engagement in peace and democratisation processes;
Identify and document examples of best practices and/or effective mechanisms for youth engagement in peace and democratisation processes that could be replicated;
Identify constraints and challenges youth face in effectively participating in peace and democratisation processes;
Generate recommendations for donors and INGOS interested in promoting youth engagement.
Task
The consultant will review available literature, including programming documents from Saferworld and other organisations working on promoting youth engagement in peace processes in conflict-affected contexts. This is likely to include work across the development, peacebuilding and humanitarian assistance sectors, and by a range of actors, including civil society.
The task may require fieldwork in Sudan and South Sudan and travel to other Saferworld office duty stations. Target locations of Kenya and Somalia will require desk-based research only.
Based on the desk research and analysis, fieldwork and participation in key project activities, discussions with relevant Saferworld staff, partners, and project participants, and the consultant’s existing knowledge, the consultant will:
· Produce a briefing of no more than 10 pages that summarises the conclusions regarding the opportunities and constraints of youth engagement in peace and democratisation processes, including recommendations on what type of donor and INGO action is needed to promote youth engagement;
The research will employ a qualitative approach. Specific reference will be given to youth participation in the research processes. As such, the consultant will be expected to participate in specific project activities that have been designed to engage youth directly on these issues. These activities include, but may not be limited to, a regional dialogue forum. The use of participatory approaches that enable feedback and validation of findings by youth should make up part of the research methodology.
Please go to www.saferworld.org.uk/about/jobs for full details
How to apply:
Interested candidate/s should submit:
· Expression of Interest outlining motivation, relevant experience and suitability for the consultancy (max 1 page)
· Outline of the methodology and suggested research questions the consultant would propose for the assignment (max 2 page)
· CV
· Contact details for two referees
· An indicative budget, including details of daily rates, which should not exceed a total of GBP 8,000. Travel costs will be covered depending on location.
The above should be sent to maziz@saferworld.org.uk with the subject line: Horn of Africa Youth Research.