Baseline Study – Rights Advance: Improving Fundamental Freedoms and Human Rights in Iraq.

1. Context

ABOUT SEARCH

Search for Common Ground (Search) is a non-governmental organization working to transform the way societies deal with conflicts. We have over 30 years of experience in peacebuilding and are based in 53 local offices worldwide. We strive to build sustainable peace for generations to come by working with all sides of a conflict, providing the tools needed to work together, and finding constructive solutions. While conflict is inevitable, violence is not. Our mission is to transform the way the world deals with conflict, away from adversarial approaches and toward cooperative solutions. Instead of tearing down an existing world, we focus on constructing a new one. We shift the everyday interactions between hostile groups of people, so they can work together to build up their community, choosing joint problem-solving over violent means. We rely on local staff as well as local partner organizations in order to ensure our work is culturally sensitive, sustainable and well-grounded in the context.

PROJECT SUMMARY

Rights Advance: Improving Fundamental Freedoms and Human Rights in Iraq – is a project that will be implemented by the two co-applicants: Search for Common Ground (Search), and Iraqi al-Amal Association (IAA). The action is developed jointly and built on many years of experience within this field of expertise. This action addresses the needed space for Human Rights Defender (HRD) and duty bearers, and competing interests for have been identified for progressive and inclusive human rights reforms and established political and governance interests and concerns.

The project’s overall objective is to contribute to the protection and promotion of Fundamental Freedoms, particularly Freedom of Association and Peaceful Assembly, in view of strengthening the human rights enabling environment.

Impact: Contribute to the protection and promotion of Fundamental Freedoms, particularly Freedom of Association and Peaceful Assembly in view of strengthening the human rights enabling environment.

Outcome 1: Civil human rights actors and community members are supporting the freedom of association and freedom of peaceful assembly in Iraq.

Outcome 2: Civil society actors (HRDs, academics. and activists), CSOs, and governmental stakeholders are contributing to making a transformative impact in the field of human rights within restrictive Civic Space.

Output 1.1: Increased visibility of violations of public freedoms to actors of human rights specifically regarding the right to freedom of association and freedom of peaceful assembly.

Output 1.2: Disseminated culture of rights among the public on the right to freedom of association and freedom of peaceful assembly.

Output 1.3: Increased awareness and sensitization of national duty bearers on the right to freedom of association and freedom of peaceful assembly.

Output 2.1: Increased capacity and awareness of human rights defenders and junior legal, medical and psychosocial professionals, and journalists to detect, report and prevent human rights violations, in particular regarding freedom of association and freedom of peaceful assembly.

Output 2.2: Junior academics involved in the promotion of fundamental freedoms particularly freedom of association and freedom of peaceful assembly.

Output 2.3: Increased Capacity of Human Rights CSOs (including WROs) and their allies to establish links between rights holders and duty bearers.

Output 2.4: Enhanced coordination and collaboration among Human Rights CSOs (including WROs), specifically regarding the right to freedom of association and freedom of peaceful assembly.

1. Goal and Objectives of Study

Search for Common Ground aims to hire a baseline consultant or company for the project of Rights Advance: Improving Fundamental Freedoms and Human Rights in Iraq. The baseline study is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current context regarding Fundamental Freedoms, specifically Freedom of Association and Peaceful Assembly, in Iraq. It aims to establish a baseline against which the project’s progress and impact can be measured over time. Additionally, the study will inform the project’s strategies, activities, and interventions by identifying key challenges, opportunities, and stakeholders in the field of human rights.

The objectives of the study are:

• To assess the existing legal and institutional frameworks governing Fundamental Freedoms, particularly Freedom of Association and Peaceful Assembly, in Iraq.
• To identify key actors, stakeholders, and institutions involved in promoting or hindering human rights in Iraq.
• To analyze the prevailing attitudes, perceptions, and practices regarding human rights among civil society actors, governmental stakeholders, and community members.
• To document past initiatives and interventions related to Fundamental Freedoms and human rights in Iraq.
• Shed light on the intersections between political motivations, economic interests, and the evolving civil rights landscape in the post-Tishreen Movement era.
• Study the transformation of civil society after the 2019 protests.
• To establish baseline indicators for monitoring and evaluating the project’s progress and impact.

While the study intends to employ a mixed-method approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data to foster a comprehensive understanding, it remains open to further methodological innovation. The Consultant is encouraged to suggest additional, innovative approaches that could enrich the study’s depth, accuracy, and overall utility. By cultivating a flexible, multifaceted methodological framework, the study aims to ensure robust, nuanced insights that adeptly inform project strategy and implementation.

1. Key Study Questions

• How effectively are existing legal and institutional frameworks implemented and enforced to protect Fundamental Freedoms, particularly Freedom of Association and Peaceful Assembly, in Iraq?
• What are the main challenges and barriers faced by civil society actors, HRDs, and community members in exercising their Fundamental Freedoms, and how do these challenges vary across different regions and demographics in Iraq especially after 2019, and what changes in the civil society are observed?
• What is the level of awareness and understanding of human rights, specifically Freedom of Association and Peaceful Assembly, among various stakeholders, including civil society actors, governmental officials, and the general public in Iraq?
• What initiatives and interventions have been undertaken in the past to promote Fundamental Freedoms and human rights in Iraq, and what lessons can be learned from these experiences?
• How do the proposed outputs and outcomes of the Rights Advance project align with the identified needs and priorities of the target beneficiaries and stakeholders in Iraq?

1. Geographic Locations

The location of the baseline study should cover Baghdad, Basra, Thi-Qar, and Najaf. With taking into consideration perspectives of the KRI, Kirkuk, Anbar and Nineveh.

1. Methodology and Data Collection Tools

The consultant is expected to propose a robust evaluation methodology, employing a mixed-method data collection approach for conducting the assessment. This includes the following:

• Literature review of relevant laws, policies, reports, and documents related to human rights and Fundamental Freedoms in Iraq.
• Key informant interviews with representatives from civil society organizations, governmental agencies, international organizations, and community leaders.
• Focus group discussions with HRDs, activists, academics, legal professionals, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Surveys to assess public perceptions, attitudes, and experiences related to human rights and Fundamental Freedoms in Iraq.

The consultant must provide a detailed sampling framework in the inception report, outlining clear criteria for respondent inclusion. Data collection, analysis, and results should embody inclusiveness, capturing a wide array of viewpoints with a specific focus on gender and conflict sensitivity when applicable. Additionally, the methodology should ensure ethical considerations are integrated and findings are rigorously substantiated.

Additionally, the KIIs, FGDs, surveys, and desk reviews aim to understand the project’s trajectory comprehensively. Moreover, the consultant will design Evaluative Rubrics to assess specific indicators, facilitating subsequent, consistent monitoring by the project team.

The proposed methodology and data collection tools necessitate validation by Search’s DMEL Senior Officer.

Deliverables

Search expects the following deliverables from the external consultant(s) as they correspond to the timeline and budget:

1. An inception report detailing the methodology, data collection tools, and timeline.
2. Any necessary training of data collectors or set-up of systems for data collection.
3. All original data submitted to Search.
4. A draft evaluation report in English.
5. A final report in English (40 pages max in length, excluding appendices) consistent with Search branding and standards for evaluation. The report:
   • Uses the Search evaluation template unless otherwise agreed in the contract
   • Provides a clear connection between the conflict or context assessment and the intended results, articulate the project’s ToC, and include other relevant project specifics
   • Fully explains the objectives and research questions of the study, limitations and methods chosen for analysis,
   • Findings respect Search’s evaluation standards, are structured around the main objectives of the study, and are presented in relation to the intended target groups. The findings should speak to the link between the project, its Theory of Change and its contribution to our strategy. It should explain adaptations that occurred during the project and their impact on results.
   • Recommendations should have a clear audience and be specific, accessible, and actionable.
   • Indicator table showing all indicators
   • Appendices should include detailed research instruments, list of interviewees, terms of references and evaluator(s) brief biography.
6. Conduct a 1-hour presentation of the final findings for AAI and Search colleagues.

Note: Consultant is required to train data collectors and set-up systems for data collection. It is also expected that all original data is submitted to the Search DMEL team, both qualitative & quantitative data in an agreed upon format according to the inception report

Logistical Support

Consultant(s) will be responsible for organizing their own logistics for data collection (vehicles, fuel, and drivers), and this must be budgeted into the study. Search can provide support in arranging logistics as agreed upon based on the consultant’s proposal.

In addition, Search will share the following elements with the external consultant(s): Background materials, including the project proposal and log frame, etc.

1. Ethical Considerations

The consultancy should take consideration of the rights of participants in line with the ethical codes and guidelines of research. The participants should be asked to provide their consent and made aware that their identities will not be revealed. Cultural rights will be respected; minors below 18 years will not be assessed while collected data will be protected for confidentiality throughout the data management process.

In addition, the consultant is required to respect the following Ethical Principles:

• Comprehensive and systematic inquiry: The consultant should make the most of the existing information and full range of stakeholders available at the time of the review. The consultant should conduct systematic, data-based inquiries. They should communicate their methods and approaches accurately and in sufficient detail to allow others to understand, interpret and critique their work. They should clearly outline the limitations of the review and its results.
• Competence: The consultant should possess the appropriate abilities and skills to undertake the tasks proposed and should practice within the limits of their professional training and competence.
• Honesty and integrity: The consultant should be transparent with the contractor/constituent about: any conflict of interest, any change made in the negotiated project plan and the reasons why those changes were made, and any risk that certain procedures or activities produce misleading review information.
• Respect for people: The consultant must respect the security, dignity, and self-worth of respondents and program participants. The consultant has the responsibility to be sensitive to and respect differences among participants in culture, religion, gender, disability, age, and ethnicity.

If the study team opts for field-level data collection, it is imperative to incorporate precautionary measures to mitigate potential security and safety risks during the data collection process. Such measures should encompass a thorough security analysis and maintain conflict awareness where applicable. Consequently, applicants are earnestly requested to integrate a comprehensive multi-scenario strategy into their proposed methodologies and work plans. This strategy should ensure effective execution of the assignment while allowing the flexibility to transition between various modalities (e.g., from in-person to virtual data collection and vice versa) as circumstances necessitate.

1. Data Quality Assurance and Management

The reports will be reviewed and approved by Search’s Country Office and the global Institutional Learning Team prior to the acceptance of the final product. The consultant(s) should work in close coordination with Search, providing regular updates on the baseline study process and communicating any questions or concerns to the Country Office team. The consultant(s) is responsible for ensuring the overall quality of the assignment during the design of the tools, data collection, analysis, and reporting. These include, but are not limited to, meeting information needs, triangulation, training, and reliability of findings.

The consultant(s) will also be responsible for communicating their data storage methods to the Search team and ensuring the safe management of all information associated with the baseline study.

1. Timeline

2. Submission of desk review and inception report – May 23rd, 2024
3. Completion of data collection and analysis, along with a review of the draft final report – June 20th, 2024
4. Submission of the final report – June 27st, 2024
5. Presentation of final results – July 10th 2024

6. Budget

The total budget available for this study is IQD23,000,000. A detailed financial proposal should be provided.

1. Consultant Requirements

The following skills and experience are expected by Search for our evaluator for this project:

• Proficiency in English; proficiency in Arabic and Kurdish is a plus. With the ability to produce high-quality reports and presentations.
• Over 8 years of experience in project evaluation and baseline studies, including data collection through interviews, surveys, and Focus Group Discussions.
• Knowledge of the local context, political dynamics, and cultural sensitivities in Iraq, preferably with experience working with diverse stakeholders.
• Expertise in conducting quantitative surveys and subsequent analysis.
• Strong acumen in evaluation methods and data collection techniques.
• Familiarity with and understanding of the contextual challenges in the geographic location(s) where the study will be conducted.;
• Familiarity and experience with contextual challenges in the geographic location(s) where the study will take place.

Selection Criteria

Consultant proposals will be selected for:

1. Relevance of proposed methodology to the goal, objectives, and research questions for the project.
2. Quality of proposed methods, conflict sensitivity approaches, and quality control measures.
3. Qualifications of the candidate(s).
4. Proposed budget in relation to proposed methodology, deliverables and team.
5. Timeline for proposed activities.