1.0 Introduction
CARE Liberia with funding from the European Commission is implementing the Community Empowerment and Collaborative Action for Change -CECAC Project in three Counties of Bong, Lofa and Nimba in Liberia. The Goal of the project is “Development policy and programs are responsive to citizens needs, including the needs of marginalized groups”
2.0 Background
The CECAC project is being implemented in Bong, Lofa and Nimba; which are amongst the counties worst hit by the 14-year Liberian civil war. There is an acute sense of political and economic marginalization in these counties. Exclusion from governance processes, access to basic services and livelihood opportunities have been amongst the root causes of the conflict. Persisting perceptions of exclusion are therefore a cause of concern. CSO networks in these Northern counties have difficulty connecting to networks and decision makers in Monrovia. In these counties, health, education, livelihood indicators are poor and poverty is high. In addition to a lack of access to services and opportunities, ethnic tensions and land disputes are issues of concern in these counties. Many people are unaware of the implementation of policies, such as the County Development Agenda (CDA) and the Poverty reduction Strategy (PRS) and the allocation of the Social Fund. Each County has a County Development Steering Committee (CDSC) and a County Development Committee (CDC). The former monitors implementation of the CDA and the PRS, whereas the latter does decision making on projects to be financed from the Social Development fund and County Development fund. There is no coordination between the CDC and CDSC. In addition, CDA and PRS programs are implemented parallel to each other. In addition, there is no space for inputs from civil society on setting priorities and evaluating deliverables. Instead CSO are only expected to report on what they do. Districts and clans need to be organized to link to aforementioned development mechanisms.
Lack of transparency is also prevalent in civil society; internal governance (policies, processes, rules and by-laws) is one of the key areas of CSO weakness in Liberia. CSO lack a uniform code of conduct that could regulate behaviour in the sector. In general CSO board oversight is weak and decision-making dominated by Executive Directors. There is significant scope for umbrella organisations and networks. There has been an increase in the formation of associations. Although a majority of CSO are members of such organisations; few are used as a means for advocating common concerns or influencing policy. Within networks too there is a lack of standards for self-regulation. Many network organisations compete with their own members for projects, and take action without their consultation – which is partly due to a necessity for funds as well as a lack of internet and phone connections with members.
The goal of the project is based on the theory of change that expanded spaces for dialogue between empowered citizens and accountable and responsive public authorities are necessary building blocks to ensuring a responsive and enhanced development impact. Therefore change needs to take place amongst organized and empowered citizens and spaces for interaction with public authorities and other power holders should be facilitated. At the same time public authorities need to be made more aware of their roles and responsibilities to contribute effectively. The project goal has three result areas described below based on this theory of change.
Specific objective: By January 2015, increased capacity of non-state actors, state actors, and their networks in Bong, Lofa and Nimba Counties to promote an inclusive and empowered society in which both CSOs and communities are involved in pro-poor local planning and decision-making The approach puts emphasis on citizens’ awareness of their rights and duties and a greater sense of agency. Active citizens, willing to volunteer time, will be organized for collective actions such as social accountability initiatives, development planning and interaction with power holders (including public authorities and CSO). An empowered citizenry requires CSO to influence public policy effectively and at the same time, these organizations will enhance internal governance and accountability as a result of the project. CECC will work with those networks that have legitimacy from a broad constituency base such farmers and women associations and youth groups. In addition, the project will work with umbrella organization of Local NGOs that have a role to play in public private partnerships for service delivery. The theory of change emphasizes on working with public authorities and other power holders to be more responsive, transparent and accountable to beneficiaries. Specific attention will be given to encourage public authorities to protect rights and deliver public goods, responsiveness and accountability to final beneficiaries, and willingness to provide transparent accessible and relevant information.
Result 1: Enhanced internal governance systems, capacity to network and to advocate on behalf of their constituencies amongst of CSO networks
Result 2: Enhanced capacity of local government for inclusive and participatory policy-making.
Result 3: Enhanced participation of communities in inclusive local development planning .
3.0 Scope of Work
CARE is seeking a consultant to carry out a social mapping and baseline survey for the CECAC project. These will form a basis for incorporation of gender issues for planning. The social mapping and baseline information should be disaggregated by Gender and should capture male perceptions of female participation in governance.
The following areas of work will be covered during the social mapping and baseline survey:
* Identifying gender disaggregated indicators based on the logical framework and the needs for social mapping and baseline data.
* Development of social mapping and baseline tools.
* Training of enumerators and testing of tools.
* Design of data entry tools.
* Analyses.
* Report writing.
4.0 Deliverables
The consultant is expected to produce the following:
* A detailed report on the key findings of the social mapping and baseline study.
* A workshop to present the study results to staff and key stakeholders.
* Produce a detailed social mapping and baseline survey report.
5.0 Methodology
The Consultant has the flexibility to organise the study based his/her own prior experience. However, the methodology should include briefing and debriefing sessions with senior staff and field staff.
6.0 Qualification Education:
* PhD in social sciences, development studies, sociology or its equivalent
* Experience in PRA approaches.
Experience:
* Demonstrated experience in carrying out similar studies in Liberia or West Africa.
* Experience in conducting workshops and training using participatory approaches such as PRA
* Demonstrated Knowledge of the local context.
7.0 Timescale / Duration of Contract
This consultancy will have to be completed in a period of 20 days starting from 16 July 2012. This will cover review of secondary data, design of methodologies, execution of the study, report writing and presentation of the results.
How to apply:
Send your application to the address below, no later than 3 August 2012.
Mariama Koon, Procurement Officer CARE Liberia, Near Old Road Junction, Tubman boulevard, Monrovia, Liberia Tel:: +231886 517 591 Email: mariama.koon@co.care.org
For Technical questions only, contact: Henry Khonyongwa, Program Manager Mobile: +231 886 787 384 Email: henry.khonyongwa@co.care.org
Closing Date: Friday, 03 August 2012