The Rule of Law and Empowerment Initiative also known as Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN), in collaboration with the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), is implementing a project to strengthen local peace architectures in Katsina and Kaduna States of Northwest Nigeria. The project addresses the critical need to include women and youth in peacebuilding, reconstruction, and reconciliation processes.

A key component of this initiative is the establishment of Conflict Resolution Hubs in Kaita and Faskari LGAs of Katsina State. These hubs will serve as local centers for mediating and resolving conflicts, with a strong emphasis on gender responsiveness and inclusiveness.

Given the ongoing conflict in the region and the limited capacity of existing peacebuilding mechanisms, establishing Conflict Resolution Hubs is essential to provide accessible and effective conflict resolution services, particularly for marginalized groups like women and youth.

PWAN has a proven track record of working in the region and has identified a significant gap in the availability of comprehensive policy frameworks to guide the establishment and operation of such hubs. This consultancy aims to fill this gap by developing a comprehensive, inclusive, and gender-responsive policy framework that will ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of these hubs.

Building upon its previous work in the region, PWAN has collaborated with various entities, including the Multidoor Court, the Judiciary, and other state and local peace architectures in Katsina. The organization has also undertaken capacity-building initiatives for women mediators in Faskari and Kaita LGAs and has provided training to the Katsina Peace Committee.

Despite these efforts, there remains a need for a unified and comprehensive policy framework to guide the establishment, operation, and sustainability of Conflict Resolution Hubs. This framework will ensure that these hubs are effectively integrated into the local peace architecture and can provide consistent and equitable conflict resolution services to the communities they serve.

The objective of this consultancy is to develop a comprehensive, inclusive and gender-responsive policy framework that will guide the establishment, operation, and sustainability of Community Conflict Resolution Hubs in Kaita and Faskari LGAs. This framework will be instrumental in ensuring that these hubs are effectively integrated into the local peace architecture and are capable of addressing both inter- and intra-communal conflicts.

The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

1. Literature Review and Contextual Analysis:

Conduct a review of existing literature on community-based conflict resolution mechanisms, with a focus on best practices from similar contexts to assess existing peace architectures including local conflict management structures in the state and the target LGAs.

Analyze the socio-political context of Katsina state with a special focus on Kaita and Faskari LGAs, including the specific conflict dynamics, the impact of the conflict on women, persons with disabilities and youth and the role of women and youth in peace-building.

2. Stakeholder Engagement:

Facilitate consultations with key stakeholders, including local government officials, Judiciary, Multidoor Court House, CSOs, traditional leaders, community members, women and youth groups, organisations for persons with disabilities and security agencies.

Organize focus group discussions and interviews to gather inputs on the needs, expectations, and challenges related to the proposed Conflict Resolution Hubs.

3. Development of Policy Framework:

Draft a comprehensive policy framework that outlines the legal, institutional, and operational guidelines for the establishment and functioning of the Conflict Resolution Hubs.

Define the composition and roles of the Strategic Negotiation Team and other personnel involved in the hubs, ensuring alignment with local customs and gender-sensitive practices.

Include provisions for the monitoring, evaluation, learning and reporting and sustainability of the hubs, with a focus on community ownership, feedback, and capacity building.

4. Validation and Finalization:

Present the draft policy framework to stakeholders for validation through workshops or meetings.

Incorporate feedback and finalize the policy framework, ensuring it is practical, inclusive, and aligned with the overall goals of the project.

5. Capacity Building:

Develop and deliver training materials and sessions for local stakeholders on the implementation of the policy framework.

Provide recommendations for ongoing support and capacity-building needs to ensure the effective operation of the hubs.

Inception Report: Detailed work plan and methodology – 16th September 2024.

Stakeholder Consultation Report: Summary of findings from stakeholder engagements and consultations. – 23rd September, 2024

Draft Policy Framework: Initial draft of the policy framework for review and feedback. – 27th September, 2024

Final Policy Framework: Comprehensive, finalized policy document incorporating stakeholder feedback.- 7th October 2024

Training Materials: Developed resources for capacity building of local stakeholders and mediators. – 7th October 2024

Final Report: Detailed report on the consultancy process, including challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations for future actions. – 10th October, 2024

Education:

Advanced degree in Peace and Conflict Studies, Law, Public Policy, Sociology, or a related field.

Experience:

Minimum of 7 years of experience in conflict resolution, peace-building, or related fields.

Proven track record of developing policy frameworks or similar strategic documents, preferably in conflict-affected or fragile settings.

Proven track record on working on gender equality and youth inclusion

Proven track record in developing gender-responsive policy frameworks is an asset

Experience in working with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, and international organizations.

Strong analytical and writing skills, with the ability to translate complex ideas into practical policy recommendations.

Excellent facilitation and communication skills, particularly in multi-stakeholder settings.

Knowledge of the socio-political context of Northern Nigeria, with an understanding of the role of gender in peace and security.

The consultant will report directly to the Project Coordinator at PWAN, with additional oversight and support from the UN Women project team.

Interested candidates should submit the following:

A cover letter detailing their suitability for the consultancy.

A technical proposal outlining their approach to the assignment, including a timeline and work plan.

A financial proposal detailing the costs associated with the consultancy.

A CV highlighting relevant experience and qualifications.

Contact details of at least two professional references.

All applications must be submitted to info@partnersnigeria.org with the Subject line “Full Name – Call for Application” by 16th September 2024.