Consultant for I-CARES Learning Research Paper Study

BACKGROUND:

I-CARES aims to model and pilot a COVID-19 adaptation and early recovery towards recovery project that would address key social, economic, protection and governance issues and concerns in five (5) selected newly administered rural communities in the Municipality of Midsayap, North Cotabato Province.

Objectives:

1. Vulnerable households will be better able to protect, rebuild and strengthen their livelihoods in the COVID-19 crisis.
2. Vulnerable sectors’ social rights to inclusion and protection, education, and health are better promoted and protected amid COVID-19 crisis.
3. Community and policy actors collaborate to improve social cohesion and resiliency in the COVID-19 crisis.

Islamic Relief envisages people and communities emerging from poverty and suffering. In the Philippines, we, are committed to facilitating empowering of communities and building their resilience through coherent humanitarian, development, and peace collaborations. Further, we are committed to contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to the key principle of “leaving no one behind”.

Islamic Relief Philippines proposes I-CARES, a proposed 2-year project, directly implemented by Islamic Relief Philippines in collaboration with relevant stakeholders i.e., local government agencies, peoples’ organisation, faith-based organisation, the academe, government, and non-governmental agencies, etc.

The concept of the project builds, anchors, operationalise, and piloted Islamic Relief’s integrated and inclusive economic COVID-19 crisis recovery framework and key actions for households and communities in the five (5) spheres of influence, namely: (1) Social protection, (2) Livelihood’s promotion, (3) Financial inclusion, (4) Social inclusion, and (5) Resilience strengthening.

On the other hand, I-CARES project model is informed and shall be shaped by the gains and inspirations of Islamic Relief Philippines previous and ongoing projects around sustainable livelihoods, DRR, and peacebuilding.

Project Impact:

Rural and vulnerable households’ and communities’ economic and social rights are protected and supported, and their resiliency enhanced amid COVID-19 crisis.

Project Outcome:

O1. Improved and sustained economic security of households and communities.

O2. Improved protection and promotion of the vulnerable population’s social rights to inclusion and protection, education, and health.

O3. Improved decision-making, community participation, and governance.

OBJECTIVE:

Islamic Relief Worldwide is looking for an experienced and qualified professional to come-up with a Learning research Paper entitled “Farm to Feast: Cattle Dispersal as a Sustainable Pathway to Strengthening Qurbani Practices in the Bangsamoro Region, Philippines”.

The paper may be useful for development practitioners, policymakers, and researchers interested in exploring the potential of cattle dispersal programs as a means of promoting rural development and sustainable agriculture in remote communities in the Muslim-majority region of the Philippines.

SCOPE OF WORK:

The scope of this research paper is to explore the potential benefits and challenges of implementing cattle dispersal programs as a sustainable pathway to strengthening qurbani practices in the Bangsamoro Region, Philippines. The paper will examine the economic, environmental, and social impacts of such programs, as well as the cultural factors that may affect their adoption.

METHODOLOGY:

Learning Research Paper Design

1. Submit learning research paper design including methodology, outline of the study, workplan and budget in accordance with criteria and framework of Islamic Relief.
2. Lead in the conduct of learning research study including, review of secondary data and project documents, facilitate KIIs and FGDs with identified respondents.
3. Document the whole process including photos.
4. Present, edit and finalize documentation of studies based on feedback from Islamic Relief.
5. Document the whole process of the studies to include photos.
6. Present, edit and finalize documentation of studies based on feedback from Islamic Relief.
7. Comply with Islamic Relief policies, especially Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy; and
8. Any other related assignment given by IRPH staff.

Location:

The endline study will be carried out in 5 barangays in SGA Midsayap where the project is implemented.

Target Population

The evaluation will target project partners, stakeholders, and local authorities, and direct rightsholder beneficiaries including women, youth, persons with disabilities.

Suggested elements of the learning research paper

1. Examination of the current state of Qurbani practices in the Bangsamoro Region: The paper may explore the current practices, challenges, and opportunities related to Qurbani in the region, including issues related to animal welfare, hygiene, and food safety.
2. Analysis of the potential impact of cattle dispersal programs: The paper may evaluate the potential impact of cattle dispersal programs on Qurbani practices in the region, including the economic and social benefits to participating communities, as well as the potential for promoting sustainable agriculture practices and improving the quality of Qurbani meat.
3. Identification of best practices and lessons learned: The paper may identify best practices and lessons learned from existing cattle dispersal programs and Qurbani practices in other regions, as well as provide recommendations for how to promote successful cattle dispersal and Qurbani practices in the Bangsamoro Region.
4. Consideration of cultural and religious factors: The paper may also consider cultural and religious factors that may impact the success of cattle dispersal and Qurbani practices in the region, including traditional beliefs and practices related to animal husbandry and slaughter.
5. Recommendations on how cattle dispersal linked to Qurbani can become an opportunity for income generation, helping to build resilience and sustainable livelihoods of marginalized smallholders and livestock owners, especially women.

OUTLINE OF THE LEARNING RESEARCH PAPER

A. TITLE OF THE STUDY

B. Abstract

C. Background and Introduction

• Qurbani as Islamic practice
• Qurbani practice in the Philippines
• Cattle dispersal on Qurbani
• Overview of I-CARES project

D. FRAMEWORK

E. Methodology

F. Analyses and Learning

• Initial outcomes of the intervention
• Challenges encountered during the implementation.

G. Findings and Recommendations

H. Annexes. Key Questions

REQUIREMENT COMPETENCIES:

The successful consultant is expected to have:

• At least 3 to 5 years professional experience in research, with published research papers is an advantage.
• Impressive writing skills.
• Excellent communication and probing skills (ability to convey technical terms).
• Familiar with humanitarian work, DRR, food security and livelihood programme, emergency response, and/or protection interventions.
• Time management skills and ability to complete the assignments within allocated schedule.
• Willingness to follow IRW’s norms and values without compromising personal beliefs and principles.

OUTPUT:

The consultant will primarily work with the Area Programme Manager (Cotabato) and I-CARES Project Staff to complete the study.

It is expected from the consultant to deliver results in the below areas:

1. Present an overall learning research paper study design with corresponding budget.

2. Actual conduct and data collection of the learning research paper study.

3. Submit Narrative Report of the learning research study.

CONTRACT DURATION: 1 - month

DIRECT REPORT: Area Programme Manager - Cotabato

PROPOSAL TO TENDER & COSTING:

Consultant (single) interested in carrying out this work must:

a) Submit a proposal/bid, including the following;

1. Detailed cover letter/proposal outlining a methodology, research design, financial proposal, work plan and approach briefing note
2. CV or outline of relevant skills and experience possessed by the consultant who will be carrying out the tasks
3. Example(s) of relevant work
4. The consultancy rate (20 days/month approximately)
5. Expenses policy of the tendering consultant. Incurred expenses will not be included but will be agreed upon in advance of any contract signed.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & CONDITIONS OF THE CONTRACT:

During the consultancy period,

IRW-PH will only cover:

• Consultancy fees that includes professional fee and mobilization cost.

IRW-PH will not cover:

• Tax obligations as required by the country in which he/she will file income tax
• Any pre/post assignment medical costs. The consultant should cover these
• Medical and travel insurance arrangements and expenses. The consultant should cover these.

How to apply

Interested applicants should send their CV with a cover letter on or before **23 April 2023,**to HR.Philippines@islamic-relief.org.ph with email subject or reference: ICARES Consultant Application.

Islamic Relief Worldwide is a humanitarian and development organization and working in Livelihood, WASH, Education and DRR sectors in line with our vision of a caring world where communities are empowered, social obligations are fulfilled, and people respond as one to the suffering of others. We work regardless of ethnicity, religion, political affiliation, or gender.

This position is open for Filipino nationals only, women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Selection will be based on application letter, CV, interview, and other relevant documents (as requested). Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

Walk-in applicants and applications sent through Islamic Relief Philippines social media account i.e., Facebook, will not be entertained.