Project: Feminist Movement for Change in Syria
Reporting line: WILPF MENA Manager
Location: Remote
Consultancy duration: 4 months (December 2020 until March 2021)
Languages required: English and Arabic
Type of Contract: Consultancy Contract
- Background information
WILPF has been working in Syria with local women-led initiatives since 2012 with the aim of preserving and growing the grassroots nonviolent movement for equality, freedom and justice in Syria. To this end, we will continue to support our partners’ efforts towards a peaceful and just solution to the conflict, premised on respect for and attainment of women’s human rights and meaningful participation in all aspects of life.
Guided by a contextual analysis of the compounded challenges facing Syrian feminist and women-led organisations, WILPF’s 3-year Syria approach (2018-2020) has so far focused on providing civil society support for feminist movement building, enhancing women’s meaningful participation in political life and advocating for gender sensitive approaches to accountability and justice. Guided by this approach, WILPF in 2018 set up a pilot project under the title “Feminist Movement for Change in Syria” in which it supported 19 Syrian women-led grassroots organisations and groups to further their feminist agendas through core flexible funding and long-term technical support.
WILPF is now looking to hire a consultant to develop the Syria Approach for its ongoing engagement in Syria for the upcoming 3 years (2021-2023), with the concerted aim of supporting the Syrian feminist movement(s), addressing the root causes of violence and gender injustices from a feminist lens, and mobilising for nonviolent action towards peace and justice for all.
Additionally, to highlight and assess the progress and achievements of the Feminist Movement for Change in Syria project thus far - as captured in the previous Syria Approach (2018-2020) - WILPF’s Syria team is seeking to develop four case studies to highlight how the partnership with WILPF has impacted a select number of partner organizations, and most notably how they have been able to further their feminist agendas as part of a strengthened feminist movement(s) in Syria.
- Objective
The main objectives of this consultancy are as follows:
a) to develop a new Syria Approach and updated Theory of Change based on interviews/consultations with partners;
b) to assess the achievements of the 2018-2020 Syria Approach;
c) to draft a series of case studies, with partners furthering their feminist agendas through the partnership with WILPF.
These outputs should be developed in a participatory and collaborative manner through consultations with WILPF's partners and WILPF Syria team.
The consultant will be tasked with conducting desk research, designing and carrying out interviews/consultations with partner organizations, synthesizing the data and drafting the Syria Approach, ToC and four case studies.
- Activities and Outputs
● Review all relevant background documents including WILPF Strategy, MENA Strategy, Syria Approach (2018-2020) and project documentation as needed
● Identify achievements and shortcomings of the 2018-2020 Syria approach**
● Develop a set of targeted questions for partners
● Hold online meetings with partners to identify partners’ progress over the past 3 years**
● Synthesize information from desk review and consultations into the Syria Approach**
● Draft, share and present 4 case studies based on interviews and desk research to partner organisations and project team;
● Edit and review the Approach and the case studies based on feedback and share a final version of the mentioned documents.
Work schedule and action plan
● Desk research, preparation of guiding questions and identification of partners for the case studies (December)
● Hold online interviews/consultations with partner organizations (December until mid-January)
● Draft and share first draft of the four case studies (end of January)
● Share and present first draft of the Syria Approach and Theory of Change (beginning of February)
● Introduce the necessary edits and finalize the case studies (end ofFebruary)
● Finalize the Syria Approach and Theory of Change (end of February)
The Consultant is to demonstrate:
● Commitment to WILPF’s values, feminism, peace, and gender equality
● Established experience and examples of feminist research and analysis
● At least 5 years of experience working on gender, women’s and human rights, Women Peace and Security, feminism and women organizing in the MENA region.
● At least 10 years of experience in strategic planning, and a track record in drafting strategies and Theories of Change
● Established MEL experience
● Strong contextual understanding of the Syrian context and Syrian women-led organisations
● Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
● Fluency in English and Arabic
● Ability to work independently with minimum supervision
This is a remotely based consultant position. It is open to individuals as well as teams of Arabic and non-Arabic speakers.
How to apply:
Interested candidates should submit the following to jobs@wilpf.org with “Application for Syria Approach consultant” in the subject line. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
● Updated CV outlining relevant skills and experience,
● Cover letter (not exceeding two pages) outlining the added value you will bring to this consultancy,
● A technical proposal (not exceeding two pages) detailing the work plan, methodology and approach that is to be adopted throughout the consultancy to realise the deliverables,
● A link or description of relevant research produced, such as strategy documents and case studies,
● Indication of daily rate.
The deadline for applications is November 23, 2020.**