Background 

As part of the Anbar-based project, we plan to conduct a research on conflict sensitivity and climate change. The aim is to capture the current or anticipated conflict dynamics driven or augmented by climate change, and to understand the potential negative impacts of such dynamics. The research will be part of a more extended and technical research focusing on key sectors affected by climate change, adaptation plans, as well as, a gender analysis. 

The purpose of this TOR is to solicit proposals from qualified individual(s) or institution(s) who can conduct the conflict sensitivity and climate change research, as a consultant for the project. The consultant will work closely with the Berghof Foundation, as well as with other project partners and stakeholders, to ensure the quality and relevance of the research and analysis. 

Scope of work 

The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks and deliverables: 

• Conduct a desk review of existing literature and data on conflict and climate change in Anbar governorate, mainly focusing on the three targeted districts, and identify the knowledge gaps and research questions. 
• Design and implement a field research plan, including the sampling strategy, the data collection tools, and the data analysis methods. The field research should include 9 focus group discussions (FGD) and 45 key informant interviews (KII) in 3 districts in Anbar, covering both urban and rural areas, and involving a diverse range of participants, such as local government officials, community leaders, civil society representatives, women, youth, and persons with disabilities. 
• Conduct the conflict sensitivity and climate change analysis, based on the desk review and the field research, and provide the comprehensive report that contains the following elements: 

• an overview of the conflict context and dynamics in Anbar (3 targeted cities) and how they are influenced by climate change; 
• an assessment of the potential risks and opportunities for peace and security posed by climate change and its impacts on the sectors; 
• an identification of the key actors and stakeholders involved in or affected by the conflict and climate change issues, and their interests, positions, capacities, and relationships; 
• a mapping of the existing or potential conflict prevention and transformation mechanisms, and how they can be supported or strengthened by the project; 
• a set of recommendations and best practices for ensuring conflict sensitivity and do-no-harm principles in the project design and implementation. 

• Present and validate the findings and recommendations of the research and analysis with the project partners and stakeholders, and incorporate their feedback and inputs. 
• Deliver the final reports of the conflict sensitivity and climate change analysis, in both English and Arabic. 
• The expected timeframe for the assignment is 2 months, starting from April 2024. The level of effort required is estimated to be 40 working days, distributed as follows: 

• Desk review: 10 days 
• Field research: 15 days 

• Data analysis and report writing: 10 days 
• Validation and finalization: 5 days 

Within the scope of this project, an additional field research endeavour will be undertaken. Consequently, the contracted consultant is expected to closely coordinate and engage in information exchange with other consultants who are conducting the remaining field research. 

Methodology 

The consultant is expected to use a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis techniques, to conduct the research and analysis. The consultant should also apply participatory and inclusive methods, ensuring the involvement and representation of the project beneficiaries and stakeholders, especially women, youth, and persons with disabilities, in the research process. The consultant should also adhere to the ethical standards and principles of research, such as informed consent, confidentiality, and data protection. 

The consultant should propose a detailed methodology for the research and analysis, including sampling techniques, data collection tools, data analysis methods, and quality assurance mechanisms, in their proposal. The proposed methodology should be aligned with the project objectives and expected outcomes, and should be approved by the project partners before the commencement of the assignment. 

The consultant should have the following minimum qualifications and experience: 

• Master’s degree or higher or equivalent in conflict studies, peacebuilding, climate change, or related fields. 
• At least 5 years of proven experience in conducting research and analysis on conflict and climate change in Iraq. 

• Experience of previous research in Anbar will be a big asset. 

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the conflict and climate change dynamics in Anbar governorate, and the relevant actors and stakeholders. 
• Strong skills and expertise in quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods, and in using various locally-proven data collection tools. 
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills, both English and Arabic. 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, and to deliver high-quality outputs within the given timeframe and budget. 
• Willingness and ability to travel to and conduct field research in Anbar governorate, and to comply with the security and safety protocols and procedures. 

Evaluation criteria 

The proposals will be evaluated and scored based on the following criteria: 

• Technical proposal: 70% 

• Understanding of the TOR and the assignment: 10% 

• Proposed methodology and work plan: 40% 
• Qualifications and experience of the consultant: 20% 

• Financial proposal: 30% 

The minimum score required to qualify is 70%. Only the qualified proposals will be considered for further negotiation and contracting. The contract will be granted to the service provider whose tender offers the most economic advantage, based on price and quality. 

Submission guidelines 

The interested individual(s) or institution(s) should submit their proposals by email to the following address: calls.Iraq@berghof-foundation.org 

Disclaimer 

The Berghof Foundation retains the right to modify or suspend the tender process, including contract decisions. Participants involved in the tender process are not entitled to seek compensation from The Berghof Foundation, its affiliated individuals, or entities, under any circumstances related to the situations mentioned. Additionally, participants’ data will be handled in accordance with our data protection policies, and they are expected to adhere to our data protection guidelines. Participants acknowledge these terms by submitting a proposal.