Conflict Analysis Study

Introduction

SCORE and ECC-SDCO/s from Ethiopia, Caritas Masrabit and Caritas Lodwar from Kenya have been running a cross-border multi-actor partnership project since October 2023 titled Capacity building for cross-border cooperation on food security, livelihood & peace-building in the cross border of Ethiopia and Kenya. The project operational areas are located along with the Kenyan-Ethiopian borders. ‘Dillo, Dire, Libemuket, Arsiyamony Toltale’ are the project areas under SCORE & ECC-SDCO/S respectively. Dukana, Forolle, Elle Bore, Elle Dimtu,Todonyang and Kibish are the project areas under Caritas Marsabit and CAritas Lodwar respectively.

The project aims to contribute to the food security and peaceful coexistence of pastoralists, and agro pastoralists in the border region between Kenya and Ethiopia. It is funded by BMZ and Hoffnungszeichen e.V. tendersglobal.net Sign of Hope e.V. (SoH) in Germany.

The three outputs of the project are:

• Output 1: The Ethio-Ken HDP MAP platform for local actors is established and develops unified sustainable strategies for peacebuilding and food security.
• Output 2: The target group has access to alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and institutions.
• Output 3: Economically poor and chronically vulnerable households, especially women and youth, have diversified and adaptable alternative livelihoods.

The project focuses on Multi-Actor Partnership (MAP) approach as the strategies based on the recognition that the complex challenges facing the ASAL-Ethio-Kenya border require a coordinated effort of like-minded actors to create synergies and make the best use of limited resources using the HDP (Humanitarian, Development & Peace) Nexus approach. The HPD – Nexus approach links humanitarian aid with development cooperation and peacebuilding measures and stands for a better and more sustainable impact of the measures in the crisis context of the Ethiopia-Kenya border region.

SCORE is now planning to organize conflict analysis study in the selected project areas of core stakeholders where the clustered communities between Ethiopia and Kenya border.

Reason for the conflict analysis study

Rationale

Conflicts in the cross border between Ethiopia and Kenya are historically rooted and complex. The conflicts are largely made out of actors, events, relationships, and influencing factors such as economy, geography. The clustered areas along with Ethiopia & Kenya border are prone to drought which is becoming more frequent. As a result, grazing resources have become scarcer, leading to increased competition and problems of overgrazing, land degradation and these have created severe problems in the stability of the community and the implementation of MAP and other CSOs project in the areas.

Understanding these factors requires a systemic analysis approach that draws on a two-tiered analysis, macro, and mezzo levels. The macro-level analysis of this study aims at understanding the overarching national aspects of conflict, mainly conflict history, conflict actors, conflict context, conflict issues and conflict dynamics. The mezzo-level analysis aims to assess the root causes/drivers of conflict, triggers, and actors, typical factors for and against peace in the project localities.

Studies show that conflict and poverty are inextricably intertwined; exacerbated by ethnic and religious tensions; high levels of illiteracy; competition for scare natural resources; land access; ownership; transnational criminal activities; inadequate policing and state security; the collapse of traditional governance systems; and wider geo-political interests.

Conflict Early Warning and Response mechanism (CEWARN) also offers a platform for coordinating conflict prevention and mitigation at all levels of government and civil society engagement. At the national level, Conflict Early Warning Response Units (CEWERU) have been put in place in the years 2003 (Ethiopia) and 2010 (Kenya).

The purpose of the conflict analysis study is to foster peaceful co-existence, environmental protection and livelihood improvements, trade and development in the border regions, with the aim of addressing the root causes of the recurrent conflicts and socio-economic development gaps observed in the project areas. The study aims at identifying local priority areas of focus for setting crucial benchmarks/strategies to inform MAP Core stakeholders’ peacebuilding and social cohesion project and interventions.

It also aims at building cross-border sustainable peace and promoting peaceful coexistence among all districts and the cross border areas of the two countries socio-economic development that will transform the cross border clustered communities and stabilize the frequent tension that will be caused by resource- based conflict.

The study needs to employ participatory approaches of data collection that includes key informant interviews, focus group discussions, street walk-in interviews, government officials, security personnel, development partner officials, community leaders, religious leaders, youth, and women in the study communities. Additionally, a comprehensive literature review will be explored before the fieldwork to guide the tool development process and situate the study in context.

The goal of the study is to prepare informed community members in the peace-building process for lasting peace and sustainable development in the cross border areas of the two countries.

The objective of the study

• Map the profile of conflict, its trends, and key actors at all levels (Region, District Zone, etc.)
• Identify and document the root causes of triggers, drivers of conflict and typical factor against peace at MAP project and neighboring and clustered border areas of KENETH
• Identify key areas for policy advocacy and major policy issues related to peace and reconciliation
• Explore and document the local priority areas of focus for MAP project aligned with the project
• Examine the capacity and neutrality of faith actors, local peace structures, local government police offices, and informal conflict institutions in mobilizing women, youth, and the community for peacebuilding and social cohesion
• Find a way of possibilities and build trust among the communities in shifting potential conflict situations to opportunities to enhance sustainable peace and development.
• Strengthening Conflict Prevention Management and Resolution (CPMR) structures and exploring community-based alternative dispute resolution mechanism
• Develop sustainable strategies for peacebuilding Tasks to be accomplished Inception phase for Conflict analysis study (four working days)
• The bids have to be processed with a bid opening committee and CBA
• Core stakeholders and & representative from SoH will be communicated on the offered quotations and their inputs will be incorporated
• The expert prepares his/her checklist and communicates SCORE responsible staff.

Second phase (Three working days)

• Any issues from the experts can be presented & entertained at this phase and he/she can take time to review any available resource documents, visit GOs/NGOs , gender-responsive data etc.
• The expert will explain to the project coordinator his tentative plan for the study and ideas and opinions will be shared with stakeholders and representative of SOH
• Contractual agreement will be signed b/n SCORE and the expert/consultant
• A field arrangement will be made in collaboration with one of the core stakeholders and government-concerned offices in the selected sites for the study and the expert will be informed to plan his travel

Third phase (25 working days)

• A comprehensive field work at the sites will be started
• A draft comprehensive Conflict analysis document will be prepared & compiled by the expert
• Validation work shop will be organized on the draft conflict analysis with core stakeholders and extended group members
• The inputs from validation work shop will be incorporated in to the final Conflict analysis document

Total task duration of the study: will be re-planned and decided with SCORE & consultant

Deliverables

• Inception report
• Report: Compilation of the data analysis and preparation of the conflict analysis document will be accomplished by the expert and submitted to SCORE with Hard copies and soft copy (5- 6 hard copies of the Conflict analysis document and its soft copy will be shared to AA SCORE HQ).

Requirement:

Expertise required who shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and relevant subject matter knowledge; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.

Adjusts priorities as required allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing the work; Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Information Technology: Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Education

Principal investigator with PhD/ MSc / from reputed Institutes for Peace and Security/Universities/Research Centers /Development Institutes/ Experience working with Governments, donors, or international organizations is an asset.

Work Experience

7-10 years of experience having a firm on consultancy work, ideally working with Peace and Security or related research centers in the rural part of the country where recurrent conflicts are existing. Proven knowledge of international organizations project/program management processes and different developmental government policies procedures is an asset.

Languages:

Excellent command of English, is required. Amharic, Afaan Oromo, and other languages spoken by the subject communities is an asset.