Development of Policy Briefs and Economic Analysis on the Transformation of Civil Society in Iraq

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Rights Advance:
Improving Fundamental Freedoms and Human Rights in Iraq

Development of Policy Briefs and Economic Analysis on the Transformation of Civil Society in Iraq After the 2019 Protests

ABOUT SEARCH

Founded in 1982, Search for Common Ground (Search) is the world’s largest dedicated peacebuilding organization. We work to transform violent conflict into peace, building healthy, safe, and just societies in the process. We work in the world’s most challenging contexts and develop lasting solutions that are based on the needs of communities. We engage with leaders and elected officials to advance dialogue and collaboration. We are community leaders. We are youth activists. We are women. We are peacebuilders. Over the last 40 years, we have developed our understanding of what peace looks like, being able to quantify our impact and design more effective programming, working on the frontlines of today’s most consequential conflicts. Active in 36 countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and the United States. and thanks to more than 900 employees, 91% of which are local to the country where we work, we are building a future where collaboration in the face of conflict is the norm—where our differences stimulate social progress, rather than precipitate violence.

PROJECT SUMMARY

Rights Advance: Improving Fundamental Freedoms and Human Rights in Iraq is a collaborative project between Search for Common Ground (Search) and the Iraqi al-Amal Association (IAA). Developed jointly, this initiative builds on years of expertise in the human rights field. This action addresses the needed space for Human Rights Defender (HRD) and duty bearers, and competing interests have been identified for progressive and inclusive human rights reforms and established political and governance interests and concerns. The project’s overall objective is to enhance the protection and promotion of Fundamental Freedoms, particularly Freedom of Association and Peaceful Assembly, to create a more supportive human rights environment. The project aims to achieve this by fostering civil human rights actors and community members’ support for these freedoms in Iraq, and by enabling civil society actors including HRDs, academics, activists, CSOs, and governmental stakeholder to contribute significantly to human rights advancements within a restrictive civic space.

ASSIGNMENT OBJECTIVES

Search is currently seeking a consultant to conduct an economic analysis and develop three policy briefs, in order to deepen the knowledge base and inform a targeted intervention to strengthen the freedom of assembly and association in Iraq in the post-2019. The economic analysis and policy briefs are expected to build on the previously completed baseline study, relying on its findings as well as the results of related activities and training. This consultancy will provide critical findings and suggestions that will guide the project’s strategies while contributing to its overall objectives, these documents will collectively investigate the intersections between political motivations, economic interests, and civil rights. The consultant shall deliver two important outputs: Consider an in-depth look of the primary economic factors that have influenced civil society in Iraq since 2019, with a particular emphasis on the sustainability and capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs) and develop three policy briefs that provide strategic recommendations to improve the freedom of association and peaceful assembly in Iraq with an emphasis on the economic analysis.

Scope of the work:

Economic Analysis

• Review the current data and utilize the baseline study and other available sources to support the analysis.
• Determine and evaluate the economic conditions that have affected civil society post-2019.
• Emphasize the economic challenges that CSOs experience with and the opportunities for supporting their activities.
• Specific findings and recommendations that are important to the project’s objectives that could be included in the analysis.

The development of Three Policy Briefs

• Emphasize the influence of economic conditions on the capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs) to mobilize and participate in advocacy.
• Focus on the challenges and opportunities associated with fundamental freedoms in Iraq.
• Provide suggestions to government stakeholders regarding the support of civil society in the current economic and political environment.
• Each policy brief should be practical, reliable, and efficient.

DELIVERABLES

• A work plan with an overview of the consultant’s methodology and schedule for providing the briefs and analysis.
• Three policy briefs, each approximately 5 pages.
• A comprehensive paper on economic analysis (no more than 10 pages).
• All deliverables have to correspond to professional standards and must be submitted in English.
• A brief analysis report containing both the policy brief and analysis findings.

Methodologies

• Review the baseline study that is already available and any additional specific resources.
• If additional data is needed, conduct a small number of focus groups or interviews.
• Create focused, useful suggestions for government stakeholders, donors, and CSOs.

TIMELINE

Schedule

work plan and review

• 20, Oct, 2024

Draft Policy Three Briefs and an Economic Analysis

• 14, Nov, 2024

Final Policy Briefs and Economic Analysis

• 20, Nov,2024

Requirements for Consultants

• Expertise in economic analysis and policy development.
• Experience working with civil society organizations.
• Proven background in policy analysis, particularly in relation to fundamental freedoms and human rights.
• Knowledge of the Iraqi context.
• Understanding of the political and economic circumstances in Iraq.
• Skill to write reports in English that are organized brief and clear.
• Eight years of relevant work experience is a minimum requirement.