Consultant- Development of Case study on Conflict Sensitivity ( Cambodia based consultants only)

Introduction

Cord is an international NGO working with people in highly sensitive and oppressive contexts to transform dysfunctional relationships into those that create peaceful and inclusive societies. For over 50 years and across more than 20 countries, it has been committed to healthy, thriving relationships by equipping local organisations and human rights defenders to collaborate with those in a position of authority, resolve their differences and lay down the foundations for a world where everyone can live free from fear and have the freedom to flourish.

Cord’s work focuses on three strands:

· Strand 1: We enable local organisations and community representatives to become more resilient to the pressures they face in closed contexts, and to develop constructive relationships with key power holders.

· Strand 2: We work with governments and other power holders (such as businesses) to build their commitment to mutually beneficial relationships with grassroots actors and activists.

· Strand 3: We create safe spaces for relationships to grow between local organisations, community representatives, governments and other power holders and for conflict and injustice to be non-violently addressed.

Cord is headquartered in the United Kingdom, with offices and teams present in Africa and Asia. Its registered UK charity number is 1070684.

We are seeking an external consultant to develop a case study looking at the extent to which NRM-focused CSOs have understood and applied the peacebuilding approaches and conflict sensitive programme in relation to Cord’s project: Strengthening and Protecting Indigenous Rights to Traditional Land (SPIRIT) implemented in Cambodia, Lao PDR and Vietnam. Launched in January 2019, Cord and its local partners, Development and Partnership and Action (DPA) in Cambodia and the Centre for Sustainable Development in Mountainous Areas (CSDM) in Vietnam, have jointly developed and implemented this 42-month project which will be completed in June 2022. The case study will capture the experiences in Cambodia only.

The case study will focus on capturing the learning, challenges, and extent to which project partners are using peacebuilding approaches in their activities, particularly Do No Harm (DNH) and Conflict Sensitive Approaches (CSA), and their integration in work on natural resource management.

Objective

To gather information and write up a case study on the extent of use, impact, challenges and gaps with regard to Conflict Sensitivity and Do No Harm approaches in NRM work.

Specific objectives include:

• To identify the successes, lessons learnt, opportunities, and gaps of integrating DNH and CSA into NRM work, and changes in attitude among stakeholders targeted and trained through these approaches.

• To draw conclusions on the impact of integrating DNH and CSA into human rights work related to land and environment issues, and in particular on the attitude change of human rights defenders and other stakeholder in applying this approach in their work.

Scope of Assignment

The assignment will take place in three phases: (I) the inception phase with the aim of designing the study methodology and specific research questions, (II) a data collection phase, which incorporates field research or virtual communication and analysis of findings, and (III) a reporting phase including initial case writing and presentation of findings.

Phase I: The Inception Phase will involve:

• An initial desk review of available data and reviewing relevant documents Inception meeting with Cord Cambodia team and Programme Development Group to present and agree on the research methodology and time frame.
• The design of a fully developed methodology to be employed during the study, including interview questions.
• Phase II: The Data Collection Phase will involve:
• Field-based data collection, including interviews and consultation with key staff of Cord / DPA, CSOs, MRLG partners and HRDs.
• Capturing photographic (and video content where appropriate) related to the case study

Phase III: The Reporting Phase will involve

• Production of 1 case study of minimum 15 and maximum of 20 pages plus pictures in word format.
• Photos used in the documents should also be sent to Cord in JPEG format
• Presentation to project team highlighting the results of the case study

Approach and Methodology of Assignment

The study will involve the use of mixed methodologies of research, including desk based research and key informant interviews. Selection of respondents and individual interviews will be done in collaboration with project teams (Cord, DPA, MRLG). The consultant is expected to conduct face-to-face interviews (either in person or online). Respondents will include HRDs and CSOs from Rattanakiri, Kratie, Mondulkiri, Phnom Penh and other provinces where relevant.

Timelines

This consultancy has been designed with a maximum time frame of 15 days, spread over two months and is expected to be completed by the beginning of May 2022.

Deliverable

• Inception report with final and agreed upon methodology, work plan, and timeline
• Draft case study report
• Final case study report incorporating comments from Cord/DPA
• PowerPoint presentation

Required Qualifications

Applicants must have the following experience:

• Knowledge and experience in writing for impact, conducting case study research, and participatory methodologies and approaches.
• Knowledge of key policy issues within NRM, Peacebuilding, DNH, CSA
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English including good editing skills and strong attention to detail;
• Experience in conducting informative interviews, and knowledge of ethical interviewing methodologies
• Excellent time management skills and ability to meet deadlines.

Budget

Total budget for this consultancy is USD 5500 only**.** In addition to this Cord will provide transportation to provinces, per diem to cover accommodation and meals as per Cord’s remuneration policy.