Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Closing date: 10 Sep 2016
1. Context
Search for Common Ground is seeking a consultant or group of consultants to collaborate with the country and regional teams on an analysis of SFCG’s contribution to Security Sector Reform (SSR) in DRC. While Search has team members available to support this work, and we are committed to an integrated approach to research, the team is specifically looking for an expert in SSR in DRC and more globally who will be able to support Search in defining its strategy in this sector. Additional experience and knowledge of peacebuilding work and of the DRC context will be prioritized in selection of consultant teams.
About SFCG
Search for Common Ground (SFCG) is an international conflict transformation NGO that aims to transform the way individuals, groups, governments and companies deal with conflict, away from adversarial approaches and towards collaborative solutions. Headquartered in Washington DC, USA, and Brussels, Belgium, with field offices in 35 countries, SFCG designs and implements multifaceted, culturally appropriate and conflict-sensitive programs using a diverse range of tools, including media and training, to promote dialogue, increase knowledge and determine a positive shift in behaviors. SFCG has been working in the Democratic Republic of Congo since 2001, with offices in Kinshasa, Kalemie, Bukavu and Goma. The team works in collaboration with a network of civil society, media and government partners across dividing lines to promote positive societal change.
Intervention Summary
The fourth phase of the project Lobi Mokolo ya Sika (2015-2017) is funded by the Department for International Development (DfID). Based on a longstanding partnership with Congolese authorities and civil society organisations, the project is implemented in close collaboration with the military (FARDC), the police (PNC) and local organizations. The Programme aims to improve civil-military relations and the accountability of the FARDC and the PNC. Building on results achieved since 2007, SFCG has adopted a multi-pronged approach using participatory trainings and innovative multi-media programming.
The project is based on the following theory of change: if Congolese security forces and civilians gained knowledge and awareness about their roles, rights and mutual responsibilities and if they are able to communicate and interact in a more open, transparent and constructive manner, then, the behaviour, relationships and confidence between them will improve. Therefore, its overall objective is that mutual trust and confidence between civilians and security forces is strengthened as a result of improved conduct of security forces and ability of communities to hold them to account.
The SFCG – DfID partnership project has the following objectives:
● Objective 1: To increase awareness and knowledge among Congolese security forces and civilians about their roles, rights and mutual responsibilities.
● Objective 2: To strengthen accountability, collaboration and communication between civilians and public security actors on key reforms and achievements.
The Programme focuses on three main types of activities:
Awareness-raising and training
Reconciliation
Fight against impunity
The use of media is a transversal component contributing to all of these activities.
SFCG and partners identified intervention areas based on the revised International Security and Stabilization Support Strategy (I4S Strategy):
Areas where there are joint military operations MONUSCO/FARDC
Areas controlled by the FARDC
Areas taken back by the PNC
For more details on the Terms of Reference please click on the link: https://www.sfcg.org//wp-content/uploads/2016/08/SFCG_ToR_DRC_SSR-Consultancy_Final-23082016.pdf
4. Application Information
Requirements of consultant
The following skills and experience will be prioritized by Search for Common Ground in the selection process:
● Demonstrated extensive expertise and experience in SSR and stabilization
● Demonstrated extensive experience in the design and development of intervention strategies in SSR and stabilization
● Experience and expertise in SSR and stabilization in DRC and/ or more globally;
● Knowledge and experience of peacebuilding programs;
● Proficiency in English, French and Swahili within the team.
● More than 5 years of experience in research expertise within the team.
● Experience conducting fieldwork and data collection in DRC within the team.
● Research methods and data collection skills.
● Familiarity with ISSSS strategy in DRC and/or SFCG SSR programming in DRC is an asset.
In addition, the consultant is required to respect the following Ethical Principles :
● Comprehensive and systematic inquiry: Consultant should make the most of the existing information and full range of stakeholders available at the time of the review. Consultant should conduct systematic, data-based inquiries. He or she should communicate his or her methods and approaches accurately and in sufficient detail to allow others to understand, interpret and critique his or her work. He or she should make clear the limitations of the review and its results.
● Competence: Consultant should possess the abilities and skills and experience appropriate to undertake the tasks proposed and should practice within the limits of his or her professional training and competence.
● Honesty and integrity: 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, any risk that certain procedures or activities produce misleading review information.
● Respect for people: Consultant respect the security, dignity and self-worth of respondents, program participants. Consultant has the responsibility to be sensitive to and respect differences amongst participants in culture, religion, gender, disability, age and ethnicity.
In addition, it is noted that Search adheres to specific evaluation standards, to be found in SFCG’s evaluation guidelines: http://www.sfcg.org/programmes/ilt/dme_guidelines.html
How to apply:
How to apply
To apply, interested candidates (individuals or teams) are requested to submit the following documents:
● Curriculum vitae of main members of the proposed team;
● An expression of interest, outlining
o relevant experience (referenced in the requirements above),
o short biography/ies of the candidate(s),
o Areas of interest for collaboration with Search (specific deliverables that the team is available to fulfill)
o availability of the team
● Estimated daily rates for staff in relation to completion of the proposed deliverables
Applications must be submitted before 9 September 2016 through our Application System.
A selection committee composed of SFCG ILT and DRC Team staff will evaluate candidates. Consultants will be assessed on the following selection criteria:
● Expression of Interest;
● Budgetary estimate;
● Experience and expertise of the consultant in the project’s thematic or geographic area of coverage is advantageous;
● Fluency in English and Swahili on the team (French is highly desirable)