Rationale
During conflict, there is a fundamental breakdown of the structures of law and order and the unfortunate reality is that sexual and gender based violence, which is an issue even in peace time, escalates exponentially. Studies have shown that SGBV is often used as a strategy by opposing forces and as a result the scourge of SGBV disproportionately affects women. Crimes of sexual violence are usually on the rise during conflict and include different forms of penetrative rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, forced pregnancy and forced sterilisation or abortion. Crimes of sexual torture, sexual humiliation and forced nudity may likewise constitute sexual violence.
Despite this reality, there is a lack of accountability on the part of national governments to tackle the appalling trend that render women’s bodies’ as tools of war. Furthermore, women are largely excluded from formal processes both during and after conflict. These processes deny them a voice both about obtaining access to justice and ensuring that conflict and post conflict plans take SGBV issues such as the under or non-reporting of sexual violence, social stigma facing both male and female SGBV victims, limited domestic investigations and the lack of available evidence, into consideration.
Africa has extensive instruments and policies relevant to the women peace and security agenda. At the continental level we have the Protocol to the African Union Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol) and the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa (SDGEA). However, implementation of these instruments has been weak and hence the impact is yet to be felt.
It is for this reason that Oxfam is seeking to recruit a consultant to develop a policy brief on “Ensuring Accountability for SGBV in Conflict: The Human Cost of Conflict Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) in Africa”.
Objectives
The policy brief will guide the discussions and advocacy targeted at AU and its member states. This will include promoting and ensuring accountability for survivors of sexual and gender based violence in conflict settings. In addition, the policy brief will enable policy dialogues and inform policy decisions on the implementation of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) at the regional level during strategic AU convening by key stakeholders (national governments, civil society and AU level policy makers).
The paper will highlight the extent of conflict related sexual violence and share empirical evidence on the social, economic and political costs of SGBV in conflict. It will point out the heightened risk of SGBV in conflict and the need for ensuring accountability in such situations.
In addition, it is expected that this paper will make the crucial linkages between good governance, development and the place of women in peace and security; while analysing how accountability for sexual and gender based violence can be enhanced in conflict situations; the role of women in peace and security processes and the barriers that hinder their participation.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall supervision of the SGBV Project Lead, the consultant will do the following:
Develop workplan and inception report
Complete a desk review assessment
Carry out interviews with key stakeholders
Develop a policy brief
Prepare draft report
Finalize report based on input provided
Proposed Methodology/ Scope
The assignment will use both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods such as semi- structured interviews, FGDs, key informants and individual interviews.
Phase I will include a desk review of relevant documents
Phase II will adopt a consultative and participative approach, which includes interviews with key stakeholders.
The consultant will assist in the analysis of the findings and this will be undertaken in consultation with Oxfam and SIHA. The consultant should conclude with the submission of a draft report based on the findings.
Deliverables
Outline of the policy brief
Write up of the consultations made to present the draft policy brief
Final policy brief
Duration of the Assignment
This assignment is for 30 working days starting from 12th November to 24th December 2018.
Qualifications and Experience
Education
Masters degree in law, gender, social sciences or related field
Work Experience
A minimum of 10 years’ professional experience working on Peace and Security and SGVB in post conflict and fragile states; with expert knowledge of multi-sectoral approach to SGBV
Previous work experience and assignments around the African Union and its related Organs; APSA /UN Resolution 1325 and the connection between gender and conflict
Demonstrated experience on the development of policy briefs/ papers on SGBV, Conflict, Gender Equality and Human Rights
Experience working in post-conflict context and fragile states;
Excellent knowledge of legal and institutional frameworks governing gender, women and peace and security and policies and legislation of the same
Demonstrated ability to produce high quality reports or similar documentation to publishable standard
Personal qualifications
Ability to deliver quality work within the expected timelines
Excellent communication skills
Approaches work with a positive and constructive attitude
Excellent interpersonal skills
Expressions of Interest & Remuneration
Expression of interest need to include the following:
A proposed work plan that includes proposed dates and intended period covering the assignment.
A proposed budget that reflects cost and time for the consultant. This shall be discussed and agreed with the selected candidate
Adherence to Oxfam principles and policies
Once hired, the consultant shall operate under the principles governing Oxfam ways of working including adherence to policies and procedures of Oxfam with regards to such key issues as non-partisan, neutrality, gender sensitivity, impartiality and accountability, mainstreaming of Gender and HIV/AIDS as well as other policies governing Oxfam operations on transport usage, security guidelines and confidentiality of information collected.
