Request for Proposal – Consultancy Geneva (Principles for Peace initiative)

A. Introduction

The Principles for Peace Secretariat is seeking a consultant to provide additional research capacity to the Secretariat in relation to specific research outputs to inform the work of the International Commission on Inclusive Peace.

B. Background

The Principles for Peace initiative combines a top-down and bottom-up approach and leverages research, participatory consultations and public engagement to fundamentally re-think and re-frame peace processes worldwide and to develop and establish a much-needed new set of principles, informal norms and guidance for how to structure, sequence and build more inclusive peace processes. Grounded in evidence, experience and broad participation, these principles will center accountability between actors engaged in peace processes and the societies they serve. The Principles are to be actionable and accompanied by practical guidance to ensure implementation and monitoring.

The initiative is based on four building blocks:

• The independent, International Commission on Inclusive Peace: A diverse group of eminent experts and leaders will provide thought leadership, amplify local voices and aspirations and will lead a global participatory process for the development of the Principles for Peace.
• Consultations: Local, regional and global consultations in partnership with local and International actors. A series of global consultations will seek input from a broad range of partners and actors in the peacemaking, peacebuilding, humanitarian and development field.
• Thematic Research: To distill existing knowledge, to fill gaps, and to inform the work and recommendations of the International Commission on Inclusive Peace.
• Global mass engagement through global outreach, online citizen engagement and country and locally specific campaigns: Amplifying local voices and positioning local perspectives, lived experiences and aspirations at the center of global debates.

The initiative was formally launched in December 2020 and includes an International Commission on Inclusive Peace (ICIP) that commenced its work in January 2021. More than 25 local and international peacebuilding, development and humanitarian organizations, research institutions, UN entities, as well as governmental and regional members have already joined the Stakeholder Forum which convened for the first time in March. The governments of Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands and Switzerland are supporting the initiative politically and financially. The Secretariat is hosted by Interpeace in Geneva.

C. Description of the Assignment

The overall purpose of the assignment is to assist the Principles for Peace Secretariat and the Research Officer in citations and writing of research products, synthesize existing research in an accessible way. The research outputs developed feed directly into the work of the International Commission on Inclusive Peace (ICIP).

The ICIP brings together an impressive and diverse group of twelve committed leaders with a wealth of experience in politics, mediation, civilian peacebuilding, peacemaking, and the humanitarian, development and stabilization field. It leads the global and participatory process to develop and establish Principles for Peace over a period of two years. The ICIP focuses global political engagement and gives prominence to local perspectives and lived experiences as well as everyday aspirations for peace. The work of the Commission will be informed by evidence-based thematic research and a global participatory bottom-up grassroots process with on-the-ground consultations and mass mobilization campaigns.

The ICIP convened for the first time in January. During the first meeting, the ICIP identified six focus areas that are relevant to the establishment of new Principles for Peace. Under the guidance of the Research Officer, the consultant will contribute to these six focus areas:

• Pluralism
• Sustainability & Long-Term Solutions
• Local Ownership and Responsibility
• Stabilization & Security Actors
• Values & Cultural Integrity
• Tools, Institutionalization & Norm Diffusion

The assignment consists of providing the Secretariat with a sound meta-review and overview of the most recent and relevant academic and grey literature on these themes and their relevance for the development of Principles for Peace. It also includes the preparation of summaries and briefing papers on additional themes as identified by the Secretariat as well as supporting the P4P Secretariat in organizing and implementing activities and events within the six lines of effort. All research outputs must be of a scientific, scholarly standard, be accessible, relevant, timely, emphasise what works, and address existing knowledge gaps in a strategic way. The Secretariat will facilitate cooperation with the members of the Stakeholder Forum on areas relevant to the research.

The consultant will support the Principles for Peace Secretariat with the implementation of the initiative’s activities over a six-month period.

D. Objectives and Scope of the Assignment

The specific objectives of the assignment are to contribute to the Principles for Peace initiative through:

• The development of a sound, academic meta-review and synthesis of the most relevant academic and grey literature on the thematic lines of effort identified above.
• Prepare briefing papers and summaries of key literature and areas identified by the Secretariat to feed into the work of the ICIP.
• Deliver key research products and act as a research focal point for the commissioning of research pieces.
• Work in close cooperation with the Research Officer to deliver the work of the Principles for Peace Evidence Consortium.
• Supports and works in close cooperation with relevant colleagues to organize and implement activities and events within the lines of effort.

E. Timeframe and Deliverables

The consultancy will last for six months. Within this timeframe, the deliverables constitute research/policy briefs and the commissioning of research that will inform the work of the International Commission on Inclusive Peace. All deliverables are based on a sound synthesis and meta-analysis of the most relevant academic and grey literature. The research questions will be developed in close collaboration with the Secretariat.

Key deliverables include but are not limited to:

• Preparation of meta-review and discussion briefs for the Commission on the thematic lines of effort (listed above).
• A set of policy briefs and synthesis of research findings, including products emerging from other building blocks of the initiative such as country consultations and case studies.
• Knowledge and communication products such as blog posts, opinion pieces and articles.

F. Reporting and feedback

All tasks are to be completed in close cooperation and under the guidance of the Secretariat. The Consultant will work closely with the Research Officer and report the Head of the Secretariat Principles for Peace.

G. Qualifications

Individual candidates with the following qualifications are invited to apply:

• Tertiary qualification in political science, development, security studies, peace and conflict studies, international relations, public administration, management or related field.
• At least 2-3 years of experience in similar roles at academic institutions or peacebuilding organizations with a focus on research in peace and conflict studies, peacebuilding and peace-making, or related fields.
• Demonstrable track record of publications on relevant themes and issues.