Baseline Study Consultant - Food insecurity and Environmental conservation in Central Sahel 

Mission 

Geneva Call is a neutral and impartial non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting respect for international humanitarian norms in armed conflict and other situations of violence. Geneva Call’s mission is to ensure that armed groups and de facto authorities (AGDA) respect International Humanitarian Law and basic humanitarian principles in the areas where they fight, or where they are present. 

Geneva call Burkina Faso is aiming to develop a baseline study on food insecurity and environmental conservation by AGDAs across Burkina Faso and the Central Sahel. 

Geneva Call consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, and opinions. Geneva Call is an inclusive working environment for all its staff.? Applications are particularly encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on the grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity. 

Objectives of the study 

  • To assess the effects of AGDAs' behaviors on food security and environmental conservation in Burkina Faso and the Central Sahel. 
  • To inform Geneva Call’s future engagement strategy with AGDAs and programming on food insecurity and environmental conservation across Burkina Faso and the Central Sahel 
  • To establish a baseline for tracking changes in AGDA behaviors related to food security and environmental conservation over time, enabling Geneva Call to assess the effectiveness of its interventions. 

Role 

The Consultant will lead and develop a comprehensive baseline study on AGDA behaviour impacting food insecurity and environmental conservation across Burkina Faso and the Central Sahel. 

The overall purpose of this study is to inform Geneva Call’s future engagement strategy and programming in the region. Furthermore, it will aim at providing donors and humanitarian actors and how food security can be reinforced in Burkina Faso. 

The specific baseline study questions will be refined further upon consultations with the selected Consultant. 

the consultant will manage the assessment of AGDAs' level of knowledge on issues related to famine and environmental protection, in addition to the actions already undertaken by AGDAs in this respect. This will involve, but not limited to, direct and indirect interviews, a documentary study, and an analysis of the AGDAs' internal regulations. The study will be coordinated with the Geneva Call team in Burkina Faso and the regional team for the Sahel. 

The study process will involve documentary and field research in selected locations. 

The research process will include:  

  • Initial consultation with the Geneva Call team 
  • In-depth documentary research 
  • A field study involving mixed qualitative and quantitative data collection methods 
  • In-depth data analysis, interpretation and visualization 
  • Submission of a draft report with field study materials (focus group notes, surveys and photos) 
  • Incorporation of Geneva Call team comments 
  • Presentation of the final report, including key findings and recommendations, to Geneva Call team 

The baseline study will be conducted based on a mutually agreed inception report and work plan. The timeline will be developed in consultation with Geneva Call's team, ensuring comprehensive coverage of research activities. 

The lead consultant can either work individually or assemble a small team as per their discretion. 

Deliverables 

  1. Inception report covering methodology, data collection and analysis tools, risk identification, mitigation plan, and work plan. This document will be used as an initial point of agreement and understanding between the Consultant and Geneva Call.   
  2. First draft of the Baseline Study report to be reviewed by Geneva Call team. 
  3. Submission of final Baseline Study report 

Tentative deadlines 

  1. 2 weeks from the start of the consultancy 
  2. 4 weeks from the start of the consultancy 
  3. 8 weeks from the start of the consultancy 

Main qualifications 

Education and experience

  • Bachelor's degree in international relations, social sciences or a similar field. 
  • A Master's degree in a relevant field is a plus. 
  • Experience in conducting similar studies, preferably in conflict or post-conflict regions. 
  • Working experience in the Sahel region is desirable. 

Personal skills

  • Proven ability to handle and communicate sensitive information. 
  • Ability to work under pressure, remotely and to tight deadlines. 
  • Sensitivity to and understanding of political and conflict dynamics. 
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and communication. 

Languages 

  • English C1-C2 
  • French C2 

Technical skills

  • Excellent understanding of the central Sahel context. 
  • Strong network of local researchers and key informants.  
  • Demonstrated ability to produce clear, high-quality written content in French and English. 
  • Strong analytical and research skills. 
  • Good understanding of Sharia law would be a plus. 

Conflict of interest 

Any candidate affiliated with or openly supporting one or more interest groups opposed to the principles and values of the Foundation, or whose previous position could give rise to security problems for Geneva Call employees, will be excluded from this selection process. 

Conditions 

  • Position: Baseline Study Consultant 
  • Type of contract: Consultancy  
  • Activity rate: Project-based (100% for 6/8 weeks) 
  • Location: Remote or based in the central Sahel region 
  • Desired start date: As soon as possible 

Application 

No later than 16 Ocotber 2023. 

All applications will be kept confidential. Selection will be made on a rolling basis.  

Interested and qualified consultant(s) must submit the following documents: 

  • An updated curriculum vitae (of all individuals included in the consultancy team), highlighting relevant professional experience and qualifications for this consultancy. 
  • A technical proposal explaining the understanding of the consultancy, as well as the methodological approach describing the different stages, timetable, tools, etc. 
  • A financial proposal with a detailed budget  
  • A sample of work related to this consultancy. 
  • Full contact information for at least two recent client references. 

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further processing. 

At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.