Position: Researcher to write a position paper on women’s demands related to conflict resolution/peace negotiations during the 15th of April conflict in Sudan

Department: Programmes

Location: Sudan/Remotely

Timeline: 30 days over 8 weeks (March 15 – May15)

Application Deadline: March 10 2024, 5pm EAT

A). Organizational Background:

The Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) is a civil society coalition bringing together grassroots women’s rights organizations from Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Somaliland, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, and Uganda. Established in 1995, SIHA aims to strengthen the capacity of women’s rights organizations in the Horn of Africa, contributing to the empowerment of women and advocating for effective change. SIHA operates as a regional platform for mobilizing activists, vulnerable groups, and marginalized women, men, and girls to challenge the root causes of problems faced by women and girls in the Horn of Africa Region. More information about SIHA is available at www.sihanet.org

Background of the Consultancy:

The absence of women in peace negotiations restricts the broadness of discussions and overlooks the distinct perspectives, experiences, and priorities that women bring to the forefront. Women play a crucial role as stakeholders in conflict resolution and peacebuilding processes, often leading community resilience and promoting social cohesion. Their inclusion in peace processes is essential to ensure that peace agreements are sensitive to gender issues, address the root causes of conflict, and foster sustainable peace. A unified front representing diverse Sudanese women is essential to amplify their voices, advocate for their rights, and articulate their demands for peace and transitional justice. Through collaboration across various backgrounds, ethnicities, and regions, Sudanese women can collectively prioritize their concerns, propose solutions, and influence decision-making processes at local, national, and international levels.

SIHA (Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa), under the Feminist Peace project, aims to support the production of a position paper that reflects on women’s demands, highlights their experiences, and advocates for their meaningful participation in peace processes. The position paper will illustrate the key recommendations for policymakers, negotiators, and stakeholders to ensure the protection of women’s rights, amplify their voices, and address their needs in peace agreements. Furthermore, the position paper will serve as a platform to mobilize support, raise awareness, and promote solidarity among diverse women’s groups in Sudan..

Objectives of the Consultancy:

• To produce a comprehensive position paper highlighting women’s demands related to conflict resolution and peace negotiations.
• To identify advocacy priorities of Sudanese women.
• To empower Sudanese women to actively participate in peace and security initiatives.

Methodology:

The methodology for this research will adopt a participatory and qualitative approach, aiming to capture the diverse experiences and perspectives of Sudanese women. The following methods will be utilized:

1. Literature Review: A review of existing research, reports, and documentation on women’s involvement in peace processes, the conflict in Sudan, and the specific needs and perspectives of Sudanese women.
2. Qualitative Interviews: Semi-structured interviews will be conducted with representatives from women’s groups and activists across different regions of Sudan. These interviews will enable women to share their experiences, identify their common concerns, and articulate their demands and priorities for peace and transitional justice.
3. Data Collection: Data will be collected through in-person interviews, virtual meetings, and focus group discussions, depending on the participants’ accessibility and preferences. The research team will prioritize building trust and rapport with the interviewees to encourage open and honest dialogue.
4. Data Analysis: Thematic analysis will be employed to analyze the qualitative data collected from interviews and discussions. The themes and patterns emerging from the narratives will be identified, coded, and organized into coherent categories to extract key findings and insights.
5. Intersectional analysis will be applied to recognize the varied experiences of women, considering factors like age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Triangulation of data from different sources will ensure the robustness of the findings.
6. Ethical considerations: Informed consent, confidentiality, and the well-being of respondents will be prioritized throughout the research process. Capacity-building initiatives will involve training local researchers to enhance the quality and sustainability of the research within the community

Activity:

• Conduct desk research detailing the research methodology, including the approach to remote data collection, data analysis techniques, and plans for community engagement and stakeholder involvement, including a timeline.
• Conduct research, including key informants and Focus Group Discussions with stakeholders to gather and document evidence.
• Meeting with SIHA team to disseminate findings in draft report and receive feedback.
• Drafting of final document incorporating any feedback
• Presentation of findings to Stakeholders

Deliverables:

• An inception report & meeting which will serve as a roadmap for the research process, outlining the steps to be taken.
• A draft of concise and well-structured document clearly outlining the key demands of Sudanese women regarding conflict resolution and peace negotiations.

Key Competencies and Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in conducting research on gender issues in conflict settings, particularly in conflict settings across Africa.
• Demonstrated expertise in conducting qualitative research, particularly in conflict-affected contexts. Proven ability to design research methodologies, collect and analyze qualitative data, and produce high-quality research outputs.
• Strong understanding of feminist theory and the specific needs and challenges faced by women in conflict zones and the political context of Sudan, including the history of the conflict and its impact on women.
• Familiarity with the cultural nuances and gender norms prevalent in Sudanese society is crucial for contextualizing research findings accurately.
• Ability to conduct gender-sensitive analysis and intersectional assessments, considering factors such as age, ethnicity, socio-economic status, and disability.
• Experience in engaging with diverse stakeholders, including grassroots women’s groups, activists, and civil society organizations. Proven ability to build trust, establish rapport, and facilitate open and inclusive dialogue with research participants.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting research on gender issues in conflict settings, particularly in conflict settings across Africa.
• Demonstrated expertise in conducting qualitative research, particularly in conflict-affected contexts. Proven ability to design research methodologies, collect and analyze qualitative data, and produce high-quality research outputs.
• Strong understanding of feminist theory and the specific needs and challenges faced by women in conflict zones and the political context of Sudan, including the history of the conflict and its impact on women.
• Familiarity with the cultural nuances and gender norms prevalent in Sudanese society is crucial for contextualizing research findings accurately.
• Ability to conduct gender-sensitive analysis and intersectional assessments, considering factors such as age, ethnicity, socio-economic status, and disability.
• Experience in engaging with diverse stakeholders, including grassroots women’s groups, activists, and civil society organizations. Proven ability to build trust, establish rapport, and facilitate open and inclusive dialogue with research participants
• Commitment to upholding ethical standards in research, including obtaining informed consent, ensuring confidentiality and anonymity, and prioritizing the well-being of research participants. The candidate should adhere to ethical guidelines and protocols for research involving vulnerable populations, particularly in conflict-affected contexts.