TERMS AND REFERENCE (TOR)
 FOR
Hiring Consulting Firm/Individual Consultant for Research on “Economic empowerment, a tool for Conflict Resolution as self -reliant women is agent for peacebuilding in Refugee and Host Communities in Cox’s Bazar.”

RW Welfare Society (RWWS) is a women-led and women’s rights organization that started its journey in 2017.The full form of RW means Rights for Women. RWWS is a women-led organization headed by an executive committee of individuals from different professions of the Civil Society mainly lawyers, university professors, and humanitarian workers along with general members. RWWS has worked in Cox’s Bazar by establishing a strong network in the host community and Rohingya camps from the outset of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. RWWS in its short formal existence had directly reached a notable number of women and adolescent girls through projects on psychosocial support (PSS), access to healthcare, training in livelihoods, and GBV prevention and response. The organization has taken time to understand the specific needs of women and girls and raise awareness on gender and protection issues and the rights of women.

Background:
Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, hosts one of the largest refugee populations in the world, with over a million Rohingya refugees residing in camps alongside host communities. This situation has led to significant socio-economic and security challenges, including conflicts over resources, tensions between refugees and host populations, and concerns about women’s safety and security. Addressing these issues requires evidence-based research to inform policies and interventions that promote peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and the protection of women in these communities.

Objective

The main goal of employing a researcher is to carry out a thorough study on peacebuilding programs, conflict resolution techniques, and women's security in the host communities and refugee camps in Cox's Bazar. In order to promote long-term peace and security, the research findings will offer practical suggestions to local stakeholders, humanitarian organizations, and legislators.
 Core Information

Project Title Promoting Socio Economic Recovery, Participation and Leadership of Women and Young Women through Skill development in the Rohingya Community.
Location Rohingya Camps: 1East, 1West, 5 and 14
Host Community: Palongkhali (Ukhiya)
Duration Maximum 30 working days
Tentative Start Date 15th February 2025
Final Report Submission   30th March 2025
Type of service Consultancy Services
Reports To Program Manager: UN Women-WPHF-funded project

Scope of Work: The researcher will be responsible for:

  1. Conducting a comprehensive review of secondary sources (e.g., literature, policy documents, and reports) to analyze conflict dynamics, peacebuilding efforts, and gender-based security concerns between Rohingya refugees, and Host Community of Cox’s Bazar.
  2. Engaging diverse stakeholders including Rohingya refugees, host communities, local authorities, sectoral representatives, and humanitarian organizations through qualitative/PRA and quantitative research methodologies to ensure a holistic understanding of the situation.
  3. Assessing the effectiveness of existing conflict resolution mechanisms and identifying areas for improvement.
  4. Analyzing gender-specific security threats and designing targeted interventions to enhance women’s safety and participation in peacebuilding.
  5. Formulating evidence-based policy recommendations and strategic frameworks to strengthen conflict mitigation and sustainable peacebuilding.
  6. Producing a final research report with evidence-based findings and recommendations

Expected Outcomes:

  1. A detailed analysis of conflict trends and peacebuilding opportunities in Cox’s Bazar.
  2. Policy recommendations for enhancing social cohesion between refugees and host communities.
  3. A framework for strengthening women’s security and protection in both settings.
  4. Increased awareness among stakeholders on effective conflict resolution and peacebuilding strategies.

Deliverables with Frequency and Timeline:

Deliverables Frequency Timeline
1. Detailing methodology, work plan, and data collection tools through an inception report for 2-6. Once By 18th February,2025
2.A research report assessing the economic conditions, challenges and opportunities for Rohingya women and host community. Exploring economic rigidities between the communities and how empowerment can reduce conflicts. Once By 20th February, 2025
3.Policy recommendations & advocacy briefs as documenting guidelines for related stakeholders that promote women’s economic empowerment as a conflict prevention strategy. Once By 25th February,2025
4.A practical framework for training programs tailored to Rohingya and host community women in income-generating activities and identifying sustainable job sectors (e.g., handicrafts, agriculture, social enterprises) that both communities can engage in. Once By 28th February 2025
5. Summary of interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and surveys conducted with stakeholders, including women, community leaders, and humanitarian actors.  Once  By 10th March 2025
6.Key insights from data analysis include trends in conflict, peacebuilding efforts, and women’s security challenges. Once By 15th March 2025
7.Finalized research document incorporating feedback and a PowerPoint presentation for stakeholders. Once By 28th March 2025

Note:

  • The duties above and responsibilities are to be performed within the timeline.
  • RWWS will not provide the consultant with any hardware, equipment, device/any allowance. Therefore, s/he must have his arrangement to carry out all assignment.

Reporting & Line Management

The consultant will be reportable to the Program Manager, UN Women-funded project, RWWS, and will work under the direct supervision of the Program Manager.

Qualifications and expertise required:

  • Advanced degree in Peace and Conflict Studies, Sociology, Gender Studies, Demography, Economics, or a related field.
  • Proven experience in conducting field research on conflict resolution, peacebuilding, or women’s security.
  • Strong analytical and report-writing skills.
  • Familiarity with the socio-political context of Cox’s Bazar and the Rohingya crisis.
  • Proficiency in qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Required Documents

 The proposal must include the following documents/information:

  • A technical proposal (max 3 pages) including a brief work plan and short CVs (maximum three pages) of relevant key technical experts of the firm addressing the essential competencies and skills. The technical proposal must indicate the appropriate tools/ platform and approaches to perform each duty and responsibility.
  • A sample of work to demonstrate the skills.
  • Trade License
  • Tax Identification Number-TIN
  • Business Identification Number-BIN
  • Evidence of working experience.

Copyright Disclaimer

The information presented in the report will be the intellectual property of RWWS. Any unauthorized copying, reproduction, or distribution of this material is strictly prohibited and may result in legal consequences. All rights to the documentaries will be reserved only for RWWS.

Payment Methods

The payment will be made after submitting all the deliverables.

All payments by RWWS will be subject to the deduction of appropriate taxes and VATs as per prevailing government rules. The payments will be made through BEFTN.

Proposal submission process

Please submit your technical and financial proposal in English before 11th February 2025 to rwws.procurement@gmail.com Please mention in the subject line “Hiring Consulting Firm/Individual Consultant for Research on Economic empowerment as a tool for Conflict Resolution as self -reliant women is an agent for peacebuilding in Refugee and Host Communities in Cox’s Bazar.”
Only shortlisted firms/individuals will be notified and contacted for proposal review. A proposal received after the deadline or incomplete will not be considered.