Conflict Analysis, Strategic Communications and Quality Assurance Consultant – Syria Project.

                                           Request for Proposal (RFP)

Title: Conflict Analysis, Strategic Communications and Quality Assurance Consultant – Syria Project.
 
Date of Issue: 31 March 2025

Closing Date for Submissions: 7 April 2025

Location: Remote (with possible travel to Europe and the region if prudent)

Duration: The initial contract starts on the 15th April and ends on May 15, 2025, with the possibility of extension subject to satisfactory performance and the availability of funding.

1. Background

The World Council of Churches (WCC) is an ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948. It brings together 352 member churches from all over the world, including Orthodox, Anglican, Baptist, Lutheran and Reformed denominations, to promote Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world.

The WCC initiated a peace-building project in Syria in 2012 with the aim of promoting peace and reconciliation in the country. The project has been implemented over the past years and the WCC is now seeking to engage a qualified consultant to support the development of conflict, peace and risk data monitoring methodologies, the production of high-quality documentation with strategic and programme recommendations for WCC and other stakeholders, ensuring that programmes are strategic, conflict sensitive and results-driven, and ensuring that communications with key stakeholders is enhanced.

2. Scope of Work

The consultant will undertake the following tasks:

Ensure the quality and consistency of project documentation and reporting in alignment with project standards and results.
Devise methodologies and quality assure the ongoing monitoring and analysis of civil-military relations in selected regions of Syria and as required, analysis of actors and dialogue processes, and provide strategic recommendations.
Ensure robust data management practices and contribute to the development of early warning tools and conflict-peace dashboards for different project locations.
Support effective data-driven communication with a range of stakeholders by preparing concise, data-driven updates and summary briefs appropriate to different stakeholders.
Undertake other tasks that contribute to the further development of the project.      
                                                                                                                                                                      

3. Deliverables

The contractor is expected to deliver the following:

a. Design of project data gathering, analysis and reporting methodology.

b. Produce regular reports on conflict and risk data in selected locations of Syria, including in-depth analysis and actionable recommendations for steering the local actions and dialogues aimed at contributing towards conflict reduction and peaceful coexistence.

c. Monthly briefing notes to stakeholders (project management, donors, other stakeholders to be defined).

d. Concept notes outlining strategies and actions to further develop the project across Syria and/or selected project locations.

4. Guiding principles and values

Given the context in which the project operates, the consultancy is highly confidential. Materials developed will be owned by WCC and circulation will be limited. The contractor should abide to these strict confidentiality requirements and the WCC code of Conduct.

5. Timeline

The consultant is expected to commence work on 15th April. The consultancy should not exceed 15 working days over the contracted period due to design and start-up of the methodology. The initial contract is until 15 May 2025, with the possibility of extension subject to satisfactory performance and the availability of funding, with an expected reduction in the number of working days per month after the initial start-up.

6. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Relevance and depth of experience (50%)
Quality and clarity of the technical proposal (20%)
Cost-effectiveness of the financial proposal (20%)
Quality of previous work and references (10%)
At least two references relevant to the tasks required.

7. Qualifications and Experience

The contractor should have the following qualifications and experience:

a. At least 7 years of experience working on political analysis, conflict analysis and peacebuilding on Syria.

b. At least 10 years’ experience in relevant programme management and/or programme monitoring for community driven peacebuilding projects, and multi-track dialogue processes.

c. Strong track record of programme development and proposal writing, donor reporting, and briefings.

d. Relevant post-graduate education

e. Fluency in English is required for this position.

8. Conditions and budget

Consultants or institutions wishing to apply must send:

· Technical proposal outlining understanding of the scope, methodology, and approach.

· Financial proposal with quote of the daily fee cost (in CHF, EUR or USD), and

· CVs of all consultants involved

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted by the Programme Manager based in Geneva, Switzerland.