Youth Research Consultant [DRC]

Tearfund is recruiting a consultant for a Youth Research in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Tearfund’s vision for the DRC is this; ‘*To build a just, inclusive society in the DRC in which everyone reaches their full potential and enjoys their God-given human rights’*. Given the challenges faced by young people, Tearfund has partnered with a number of organisations who have worked with youth. This work has touched livelihood skills, green industry, peacebuilding and linking entrepreneurs to experienced business people. However, Tearfund would like to expand its reach to more youth and be sure that we are on track to do this in the most strategic and effective way.

As a consultant you would be expected to do a research that is meant to ultimately guide Tearfund in understanding and responding to the challenges of youth [people between 15 an 30 years of age] in the Eastern DRC at present and going forward.

Tearfund intends to use the research to enrich its next country strategy. Based on the research results, it will be more able to develop effective strategies in programming. These strategies will ultimately support youth affected by conflict and internal displacement and poverty.

The Research will involve youth who are presently living in urban areas. However, it must include those who have been displaced and are now living in a place which has not always been home. This may include with host families or in camps. Displacement is not the only criteria for inclusion in this study; many youth are vulnerable due to other factors. Ultimately this will strengthen the programme, as such data will increase impact and efficiency.

The study will be done in the following geographic locations: North Kivu and South Kivu provinces and limit its reach to the cities of Beni, Goma, Bukavu and the town of Minova.

The Youth Research will be used in a number of ways. These include but are not limited to:

• Sharing the findings with Tearfund’s local partners so that they too make adaptations to their youth programming
• Applying findings to Tearfund’s main sectors (WASH, Food Security, Peacebuilding, Community & Church Transformation (CCT), Economic & Environmental Stability (EES) and Fragile States)
• Exploring and applying for funding opportunities which focus on youth
• Advocating for youth concerns with the government, civil society, the church and other influential bodies in the DRC

The research will consider these lines of inquiry:

I. Assessing youth risks and vulnerabilities:

• What are the most pressing issues, and risks (economic, social, political, technological, environmental and legal) for specific categories of youth in different parts of eastern DRC? This should include but is not limited to youth heads of households, youth who have lost one or both of their parents, youth living with one biological parent and a step-parent, youth living with extended family members, youth in school, youth not able to continue their education, youth living with disabilities (not just mobility issues, but disabilities such as the blind, deaf, mute etc.), street children, youth who have no apparent disadvantage but who are struggling to find employment, single parents….
• What capacities (assets, coping strategies) do they have, as well as competencies, including skills and resources?
• What are the constraints (resources and others) for different categories of youth in the areas of eastern DRC under consideration?

II. Review of past youth empowerment models:

• What programmes have targeted youth historically and at present in EDRC? What were their focus (education, job creation, peace-building or other)? Were they evaluated and if so what were the findings?
• Who is targeting youth and in what way? What capacity and experience do these stakeholders have? Are there gaps that they see?

III. Analysing the policy environment:

• What policies touch the youth at national, provincial or other levels? Where do youth issues sit in government policy? What ministry or ministries are involved and what are they doing? How effective are their efforts?
• Do existing policies and laws contribute to comprehensive youth development? What is working well and what is not working?

III. Opportunities for youth participation:

• What is seen in relation to youth contribution to the economy? What are youth doing to strengthen youth development and empowerment?
• What factors help or hinder youth from meaningful participation in efforts geared towards youth development, including governance? How is this practised in the government and in civil society?

For further information on this Consultancy opportunity please read the Terms of Reference attached.