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Tenders are invited for Gender Conflict-Sensitive Analysis Closing Date: 15 May 2025 Type: Consultancy Themes: Gender/Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding CONSULTANCY ADVERTISEMENT Job Title Gender conflict sensitive analysis Location Budi, Kapoeta East and Kapoeta South. Reporting to Peacebuilding Manager Contract Consultant - Short term Introduction. Saferworld is an independent international organisation working to prevent violent conflict and build safer lives. We have programmes in around 20 countries and territories across Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe. We work with local people affected by conflict to improve their safety and sense of security and conduct wider research and analysis. We use this evidence and learning to improve local, national and international policies and practices that can help build lasting peace. Saferworld intends to undertake gender conflict sensitive analysis with cross-border business representatives/forums/traders in the borderline areas of Budi, Kapoeta South, Kapoeta East counties of Eastern Equatoria State in South Sudan to identify how cross-border and localised conflicts interact with trade and business interests, how gender norms and inequalities influence these dynamics, and how informal or illegal practices reinforce or challenge gendered power relations and conflict drivers and legal value chain development. This analysis looks at womens roles/participation in trade. Context. The borders between South Sudan, Kenya, and Ethiopia are marked by long-standing cross-border interactions that, while historically rooted in seasonal migration and shared resource use, have at times escalated into conflict involving pastoralist communities such as the Toposa and Didinga in South Sudan, the Turkana in Kenya, and the Nyangatom and Dassenech in Ethiopia. These episodes of violence continue to challenge peace, security, and socio-economic development in the eastern border regions of South Sudan, particularly in Eastern Equatoria State. Cross-border tensions, often driven by competition over scarce resources such as grazing land and water, tend to intensify during dry seasons. The mobility of pastoralist groups like the Toposa and Didingawhose livelihoods depend on access to natural resourcescan lead to friction, especially where traditional migratory routes intersect with those of neighboring communities. Managing these complex dynamics remains a significant challenge for the Government of South Sudan and its regional partners. Contributing factors include limited infrastructure, insufficient cross-border coordination, and under-resourced law enforcement. Despite these challenges, there are community-led peacebuilding efforts underway, including customary mechanisms and peace committees, which require strengthened communication systems and greater linkage to formal governance structures. Historically, livestock raids and conflict were managed through local norms and traditional conflict resolution practices. However, the increased availability of modern firearms has escalated the scale and impact of violence, resulting in displacement, trauma, and disruption to cross-border trade and development. A nuanced understanding of these shifts is vital for conflict-sensitive programming. Addressing these challenges holistically requires inclusive strategies that involve all stakeholders. Youth unemployment, for example, increases the vulnerability of young people to manipulation and recruitment into violence, while the exclusion of women from decision-making processes continues to hinder inclusive peacebuilding. Empowering women and youth, and supporting intersectional approaches to peace and development, is key to sustaining positive change. Achieving long-term peace in South Sudans borderlands will depend on addressing the structural drivers of conflict, strengthening local resilience mechanisms, and promoting inclusive governance. A comprehensive, gender-aware, and conflict-sensitive approachgrounded in dialogue, community engagement, and regional cooperationis essential for advancing peace and sustainable development in this shared and fragile region. OBJECTIVE AND SCOPE OF THE WORK Overall Objective undertake Gender and Conflict sensitive analysis with cross-border business representatives/forums/traders to identify how cross-border and localised conflicts interact with trade and business interests, how gender norms and inequalities influence these dynamics, and how informal or illegal practices reinforce or challenge gendered power relations and conflict drivers and legal value chain development. Specific Objectives The research will look at the following: How do different identity markers (gender, age, ethnicity, livelihood status, etc.) affect experiences of conflict and access to trade opportunities? How do power dynamics within households, communities, and markets influence participation in cross-border trade? What roles do women, men, and youth play in peacebuilding or in exacerbating conflict through trade dynamics? How does gender-based violence (GBV), including economic violence, affect access to markets and mobility across borders? Are women seen as peacebuilders or economic actors or both and how do those perceptions vary? How do gendered informal institutions (e.g., clan systems, elders councils) influence trade conflict resolution or justice access? Methodological Approach of the Research: The consultant is expected to adopt a mixed-methods approach that includes both secondary and primary data collection methods. The approach should be inclusive, gender-sensitive, and grounded in intersectional analysis. 1. Desk/Literature Review Conduct a comprehensive desk review of existing literature and data to assess current evidence. This will include resources already compiled by Saferworld as well as relevant additional materials identified by the consultant. The desk review, alongside consultations with Saferworld, will inform the development of the final field research plan and help identify key themes and areas requiring deeper exploration through primary research. The consultant must triangulate data from multiple sources to produce a robust and contextually grounded preliminary/inception report. 2. Participant Diversity and Sampling The consultant must adopt an intentional and inclusive sampling strategy that captures diverse perspectives across the following categories: Female and male traders of different age groups Traders with disabilities Youth groups, including NEET (not in education, employment, or training) Marginalised ethnic groups Non-traders affected by cross-border trade dynamics (e.g., informal porters, pastoralists) 3. Data Disaggregation All data collected must be disaggregated by sex and age. Where relevant, additional social markers such as ethnicity, marital status, and disability should also be captured to enable intersectional analysis. 4. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) The methodology must include gender-segregated FGDs as well as intersectional FGDs to understand differentiated conflict experiences and market access challenges. These should include groups such as youth women, female heads of households, widows, minority ethnic traders, and women-only FGDs. Primary data collection The consultant can propose a suitable methodology. Methods may include key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and case studies from different locations (the research methodology to be agreed on discussion with Saferworld). Research participants should include Saferworld partners, representatives of civil society organisations, women and youth groups and activists, relevant government officials, security apparatus and justice providers, representatives from relevant INGOs and possibly UN agencies, regional bodies, and any other relevant persons/institutions at national, sub-national or international level. Analysis and synthesis The output should convey findings specific to each location as well as findings about cross-border and overall dynamics across the project area. Reporting and Deliverables During the term of the assignment, the consultant will: Produce a preliminary desk review report to inform the primary field research methodology and aims. Develop a work plan detailing expected timeframes, budget, methodological approaches, security and ethical considerations, and data collection tools that will be used in each planned activity. Conduct coordination and consultation meetings with Saferworld staff, partners, and other recommended interlocutors including a feedback and review meeting to review drafts and develop relevant recommendations. Produce the Final Conflict and Gender Analysis Report: Deliver a comprehensive analysis report (maximum 40 pages, excluding annexes, references, and recommendations) that highlights how trade and business interests intersect with cross-border and localised conflicts, examines the role and participation of women in cross-border trade, analyses the impact of informal and illegal economic activities on conflict, and explores opportunities for legal value chain development and the promotion of peaceful market systems. The report will include visual aids such as matrices and maps to illustrate trade routes, conflict hotspots, and stakeholder roles. Submit a 4-page Executive Summary / Policy Brief that provides main findings/key points and actionable recommendations, tailored for decision-makers, donors, and implementing partners to inform strategic programming and policy. Quality delivery Saferworld expects the consultant to produce reports that meet the highest level of standard to inform project implementation and dissemination. The consultant is also expected to produce a practical report that is devoid of plagiarism and false data/information. Ethics and security Tender Link : https://reliefweb.int/job/4148555/gender-conflict-sensitive-analysis
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