Terms of Reference (ToR) for a Conflict Analysis of the Mandera Triangle (Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia)

1. Introduction
This is a Terms of Reference (ToR) for a conflict analysis study to be undertaken by a chosen Consultancy/Research agency on behalf of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations (UN). In 2016, IGAD and FAO entered into a Program Partnership (PP) to undertake resilience-enhancing interventions in border areas at the intersection of Ethiopia (Liben), Kenya (Mandera) and Somalia (Gedo). The overall objective of the proposed conflict analysis is to generate evidence that shall promote better understanding of the conflict dynamics, systems and actors in the intervention areas and inform future investment decisions. This cross-border area represents an “integrated cross-border economy”, providing prospects for trade and cooperation between populations residing on either side of the three borders and consequently an opportunity to leverage and scale up investments. Yet the same region also experiences seemingly intractable conflicts which compromises the resilience of households and communities, undermines progress of planned interventions, and contributes to a general environment of food insecurity.
Within the context of IGAD-FAO PP, IGAD’s Conflict Early Warning and Response Mechanism(CEWARN) is seeking procure the services of a consultant/firm to help sharpen her understanding of the causes, consequences, dynamics and actors, issues, and complexities in the study area, in order to generate evidence that can be drawn on by decision-makers, to justify their interventions, and contribute toward the overall goal of the PP, namely to boost resilience and improve households and community’s’ food security. In line with that, the Consultant, who will be under the overall supervision of the CEWARN Director, will undertake a series of broad and specific tasks categorised below, and as delineated in the Concept Note associated with the assignment.

2. Responsibilities
a. Liaise with IGAD, FAO, CEWARN and CEWERUs of all the respective countries at all time in the course of undertaking this assignment;
b. Conduct a desk review of conflict studies produced in region of interest within the last reasonable period, and present an annotated version of its findings to IGAD-CEWARN;
1. In line with the related Concept Note, develop appropriate methodology for undertaking a comprehensive conflict analysis in the Mandera Triangle, including developing a budget and logistical note for field operations. The proposed methodology shall jointly be reviewed with IGAD-FAO prior to undertaking field analyses;
2. Gather and analyse information in the intervention area, produce reports, and in general promote an understanding of the complex and dynamic interaction between factors, actors and issues that trigger or exacerbate conflict in the region, and in line with that, propose options for interventions. The resultant analytic report should identify threats and peace opportunities in the intervention areas, and make concrete proposals for mitigating the former;
3. In liaison with IGAD-FAO, develop practical approaches to dealing with the issues identified in report, including by identifying operational, tactical and strategic level entry points for leveraging interventions and enriching policy-making. In line with this, identify gaps constraining interactions between civil, military/security, humanitarian and development actors in the intervention areas;
4. Be ready to present the analysis report to a validation audience, and thereafter, incorporate comments and observations in the final report;
g. Ensure quality of field analyses at all time, including undertaking briefings with IGAD and FAO as and when needed;
1. Participate in or and initiate regular risk and vulnerability assessments to ensure the safety of the analysis teams at all time;
2. Supply IGAD-CEWARN and FAO with a list of any assistants to be used to undertake the study, including their CVs, and a disaggregation of their demographics by gender;
3. Any other responsibilities as may be assigned within the context of these ToRs.

3. Expected Outputs
Notwithstanding the above, the following products and outputs are expected at the end of the study, in both soft and hardcopy:
a. An annotated Literature review;
b. A briefing note (no more than 10 pages) highlighting the main findings of the study within 7 days of completing fieldwork;
1. A comprehensive and thorough report analyzingconflict trends, drivers, connectors, dynamics, actors, issues, and indeed opportunities for intervention programming, among others. Such a report should be able to enrich investment decision-making in the study area;
2. Interview notes, pictures, and or any audio and visual material and grey literature collected or generated in the course of the fieldwork.

4. Competencies and Qualifications
The Consultant/Firm or team will have collective competencies in the following areas:
a. The team leader for the proposed undertaking shall possess no less than a relevant post-graduate qualification in appropriate disciplines related to the study, for example, conflict analysis and resolution, peace-building, anthropology, political science or related fields;
b. Collectively, the team shall possess at least 20 years of experience conducting conflict analysis or similar research in the identified intervention areas and the Horn of Africa more generally;
c. Excellent research and report writing skills alongside demonstrated capacity to analyse conflict-related data and information;
d. Strong interpersonal as well as communications and presentation skills–both written and oral;
e. An understanding of current conflict analysis practice, methodologies and approaches;
f. Demonstrated understanding of issues related to confidentiality, data safety and other ethical concerns related to receiving and sharing on sensitive data and information;
g. Fluency in English and or any other language necessary for undertaking the study;
h. Relevant computer and computational skills: Word, Excel, INvivo and or SPSS, among others.
5. Duration of the Assignment
This assignment will take place over a period no more than 60 working days from start to completion beginning October 2016. It is anticipated that fieldwork, data analysis and presentation of preliminary reports, as well validation and finalization of the document shall be undertaken during the same period.
6. Payment Methods
The Consultant shall be paid by IGAD-CEWARN in two tranches at the beginning and at the end of the consultancy respectively at a ratio of 40% and 60 % of the overall budget. In the latter case, the payment shall be effected in line with IGAD Financial regulations and procedures.

HOW TO APPLY:
Individuals and or firms interested in undertaking the Consultancy are encouraged to submit applications with accompanying documentation to Caroline Kirungu, at email: caroline.kirungu@igad.int, copying Moses Chrispus Okello via email: chrispusmoses.okello@cewarn.org, no later 24th October 2014. The application package should comprise a 2-page (maximum) description of the Consultants understanding of the assignment, proposed methodology,a list and CVs of the proposed team (maximum of five individuals), a tentative budget and work plan, and links or copies of similar work previously executed.