Call for Expressions of Interest: Review of Local Research Project Approach and Achievements

This consultancy will deliver a review of the achievements and impact of the X-Border Local Research Network project undertaken by The Asia Foundation and partner organisations in Asia, the Middle East and Africa between 2018-2025. This is a 6-month part-time consultancy that can be delivered remotely with the potential for some international travel.

Background

In Asia, the Middle East and Africa, conflict and instability endure in contested border regions where local tensions connect with regional and global dynamics. The Asia Foundation, the Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center, the Rift Valley Institute and their local research partners established the X-Border Local Research Network in 2018 to improve global understanding of political, economic and social dynamics in conflict-affected borderlands. The X-Border Local Research Network produces research to inform more effective policymaking and programming. It is a component of the UK government–funded Cross-border Conflict Evidence, Policy and Trends (XCEPT) research programme.

The X-Border Local Research Network emphasises partnering with local researchers and research institutions based in the regions that they study. It builds, maintains and expands research networks in remote and difficult-to-reach conflict-affected regions such as the Afghanistan-Pakistan borderlands, Iraq, Syria and Yemen, Sudan and South Sudan. Finally, it supports improvements in local research methods and capacity. In this final year of the programme, a review of the achievements, impact and outcomes of the local research network approach will be conducted, to support documentation of best practice and consider options for the sustainability of the network.

Activities and deliverables 

The consultant will undertake the following activities: 

• Review relevant outputs produced by research partners over the course of the programme (ca 250 documents as well as multimedia outputs). Review documentation related to research methods, policy uptake and engagement with target audiences.

• Identify key aspects of the programme’s localization approach through a review of applied research methodologies and key informant interviews with a selected group of researchers, programme managers, and policymakers who have engaged with the programme and its outputs (up to 15 interviews).

• Develop a concise overview of the programme’s approach to local conflict research using the above-mentioned inputs. The overview should compare and contrast the local research network approach with emerging international practice as typified by the localization agenda, ‘The Grand bargain’, and similar programs that promote locally led development.

• Draw out key recommendations that can support the sustainability of the approach and methodologies within and amongst programme partners, the donor, and the wider community of practice of peace and development actors.

The deliverables for this consultancy will be: 

1. A public briefing note that summarises the programme’s achievements and impacts (up to 10 pages not including annexes or references).

1. A short internal report for the donor and programme partners, that includes key recommendations for ensuring programme sustainability (up to 20 recommendations for 3-4 target groups).

1. A briefing to programme team, research partners and donor to communicate findings and discuss prospects for sustainability and future application of the approach.

We hope that the consultancy to commence in early October, with the prospective deadline for all deliverables being 15 March 2025. The consultant will work in partnership with the programme team and will be required to deliver interim updates over the course of the consultancy, including for example summaries of data collection and analysis, and drafts of the short internal and public reports and recommendations.

Application process 

This consultancy is open to individuals or teams/organisations. Successful candidates will have the following skills and experience:

• Professional knowledge and background in conflict research programming and international development policymaking. For individuals, at least 5 years relevant experience. For organisations, sustained relevant experience is required.

• Strong grasp of aid localization processes including Global South knowledge production.

• Demonstrable expertise in conducting programme reviews or assessments. Experience in developing actionable and policy-relevant recommendations is a must.

• Applicants from ‘Global South’ or non-Western backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply.

• Availability for international travel is preferred.

Interested applicants should submit the following information to The Asia Foundation at [email protected] by COB 16 September 2024: 

1. Curriculum vitae of all individuals involved in the bid (no longer than 2 pages each).

1. Cover letter outlining your proposed approach to achieving the objectives of the consultancy.

1. Basic workplan including monthly-by-month breakdown of tasks, and proposed rate reflecting the overall suggested level of effort.

Successful candidates will be contacted for interview, and requested to provide two professional references.