Scoping Study: The Tensions between Humanitarian Response and Human Rights in Contexts of Closing Civil Society Space At Trócaire

Detailed RFT and TOR can be downloaded from https://www.trocaire.org/procurement/

Summary:

Trócaire is launching a call for proposals to carry out a research scoping study into the tensions between principled humanitarian response and different forms of human rights work in a context of closing civil society space. The study aims to:

• Understand the nature of the tensions between the imperatives of humanitarian response and human rights in the INGO sector, with a focus on the countries where Trócaire works.
• Identify and analyze ways in which these tensions manifest in contexts of closing civil society space, including key mechanisms, frameworks and stakeholders.
• Assess potential consequences of these tensions for the INGO sector, and in particular for Trócaire’s programmes and partners.
• Assess the degree to which Trócaire’s programme approach, policies and practices (particularly those relating to partnership and localisation) recognise and address these tensions and make recommendations for how responses can be strengthened via policy, practice, systems and advocacy.
• Identify key research questions and themes to inform future research, policy and practice.
• Amplify the voices of Trócaire partners and model the principles of localisation, as outlined in the organisation’s Partnership and Localisation Strategy, 2021-25

The Final Outputs of the research consultancy will be as follows:

1. A maximum 20-25 page document including:
   1. Literature Review
   2. Vignette case studies
   3. Questions for future research
   4. List of people interviewed
   5. Bibliography
2. A PowerPoint presentation of key findings:
   1. A summary of context/literature review
   2. Findings and recommendations for high level/ management discussion of the study.

All suppliers should at least meet the following minimum selection criteria:
a) Candidate(s) should have a PhD in a relevant subject area or alternatively a minimum of four consecutive years of full-time research experience on relevant subject matter.
b) Candidate(s) should currently be engaged in research on a full-time basis.
c) Candidate(s) should have experience of carrying out research in areas related to the subject matter of this research project within the previous 3 years.

The successful tenderer will be the one who, in the opinion of Trócaire, submits the most economically advantageous proposal applying the following award criteria:
a) Total Cost of the consultancy: 20% of the marks
– Daily rates
– Expenses
b) Suggested Methodology: 25% of the marks
– Proposes a clear and comprehensive research programme to assess both consequences of and responses to these tensions in the countries where Trócaire works.
– Proposes a framework that will help identify key research questions and proposals for future research.
c) Demonstrated know-how of the subject matter: 25% of the marks
– Relevant knowledge of the concepts central to this research project: civil society space, human rights, international humanitarian law and principles.
– Understanding and analysis of the nature of the tensions between the imperatives of humanitarian response and human rights in the INGO sector.
d) Quality of the proposal: 30% of the marks.

How to apply

Expressions of interest should be submitted to tenders@trocaire.org before the deadline and contain the following information:

• Name, address, telephone number and email address of consultant(s).
• Brief curriculum vitae of the individual(s) to be engaged in the research.
• An outline of the proposed approach to the project, including methodology and a brief work plan (maximum 3 pages).
• Proposed timeframe for the project and measures in place to ensure project is completed within the agreed timeframe.
• Proposed fee for the project (indicating VAT), inclusive of expenses, costs, taxes or duties that may be incurred.
• Details of two relevant referees for contracts undertaken within the last three years in areas related to the subject matter of this research project.
• A sample of relevant work where consultant has been main author.