Baseline Assessment Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
Relief International (RI) is a prominent nonprofit organization that operates in 15 countries with a mission to alleviate poverty, promote well-being, and uphold dignity. Established 30 years ago, RI employs a triple nexus approach that integrates humanitarian efforts, development initiatives, and peacebuilding strategies. The organization is dedicated to enhancing resilience in communities affected by climate change, conflict, and disasters. RI collaborates closely with local communities to provide crisis response and build resilience, ensuring that their programs are sustainable and impactful. In the Philippines, RI has focused on various sectors, including healthcare, peacebuilding, and disaster preparedness, while prioritizing the empowerment of women and youth.

Job Overview:
The Baseline Assessment Consultant will play a crucial role in leading the design, data collection, analysis, and reporting of a comprehensive baseline study for the Tanggol Kababaihan initiative. This initiative aims to operationalize the Philippine National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security (NAPWPS) by generating data on the integration of WPS in local development plans and policies. The consultant will work collaboratively with consortium members, civil society organizations, local government units, and community stakeholders to gather reliable data that will inform program design and establish benchmarks for gender-responsive peacebuilding. The consultant's work will be instrumental in measuring key indicators aligned with WPS goals, ensuring that the findings are actionable and can guide future programming.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's responsibilities will include designing the overall baseline study framework, tools, and methodologies, ensuring they align with project objectives. They will integrate an intersectional gender lens throughout the baseline process, capturing the experiences of women, girls, and marginalized identities. The consultant will also be responsible for contracting enumerators and data collectors, leading field data collection through surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions. They will analyze findings to inform capacity-building programs for local stakeholders and produce a comprehensive Baseline Report with key results and recommendations. Additionally, the consultant will provide technical guidance on how the results can inform project strategy and programming, identify barriers to WPS operationalization, and uphold safeguarding commitments throughout the research process.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree, with a preference for a master's degree in social sciences, Development Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, Gender Studies, or a related field. A minimum of 5 years of experience in leading baseline, midline, or endline assessments for development or peacebuilding programs is required. The consultant should demonstrate expertise in gender-sensitive research, conflict analysis, and participatory methodologies. Familiarity with the NAPWPS and local governance structures in the Philippines is essential, along with a proven ability to produce high-quality analytical reports and strong coordination skills with multi-stakeholder groups. Willingness to travel to project areas is also necessary.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a bachelor's degree in relevant fields such as social sciences, Development Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, Gender Studies, or a related discipline. A master's degree is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in gender and peacebuilding initiatives.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in leading assessments for development or peacebuilding programs. This experience should include a strong focus on gender-sensitive research and the ability to analyze and interpret data effectively. The consultant should have a track record of working with diverse stakeholders and managing complex projects that require a nuanced understanding of local contexts and governance structures.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential for report writing and communication with international stakeholders. Knowledge of local languages may be beneficial for engaging with community members and stakeholders effectively.

Additional Notes:
The engagement period for this consultancy is 2 months, and the consultant will report directly to the Project Manager and coordinator" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">MEAL Coordinator. Regular meetings will be scheduled to ensure alignment of expectations and plans. The consultant is expected to make necessary logistical arrangements, with RI providing recommendations for accommodations and transportation. If applying as a team, the lead consultant must meet the specified qualifications and requirements. Key deliverables include an Inception Report, a pre-tested Baseline Tool, and a Final Baseline Narrative Report, among others. The consultancy emphasizes adherence to humanitarian principles and values, including inclusiveness, transparency, accountability, agility, innovation, collaboration, and sustainability.