Terms of Reference (11 February 2015) Evaluation PAX work on Gender, Peace and Security Period assignment: March April 2015 SUMMARY PAX means peace. PAX starts up and supports local peace initiatives and mobilizes moral, political and financial support internationally and in the Netherlands. PAX operates in 15 countries in Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, South-eastern Europe and the Caucasus. In its peace and security work PAX focuses directly on women, but also integrates gender analysis and gender perspective in broader security issues in the context of fragile and repressive settings. PAX commissioned an independent evaluation of its work on gender, with a specific focus on East Africa and Middle East which will take place in March April 2015. The evaluation aims to answer the following questions: How and to what extent is PAX strategic vision on gender integrated in PAX policies and procedures programme development and implementation? How and to what extent is a gender analysis integrated in context analyses and the Theories of Change, both implicitly and explicitly? How, and to what extent are these analyses on gender translated into interventions in the programmes on the ground and how relevant are these? Which strategies and best and worst practices on gender in relation to peace building can be determined in the current work of PAX and its partners? For further information on this assignment please contact Anke Kluppels (Programme Leader Gender, kluppels@paxforpeace.nl, +31- (0)6 204 209 67; or Jurrie de Hart (Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor PAX, dehart@paxforpeace.nl, +31- (0)6 48 10 28 81). Applications including a brief motivation letter, CV, initial plan and budget and evaluation matrix in English, should be forwarded by 28 February 2015 to Jurrie de Hart (dehart@paxforpeace.nl).
INTRODUCTION PAX works together with involved civilians and partners in areas of war, to protect human security, to prevent and end armed violence and to build peace with justice.pax works on the basis of two central values of peace in conflict areas: Human dignity; Solidarity with peace activists and victims of war violence. Our central values lead to a distinct vision of peace and security. In our peace work, we are guided by the concept of human security; the protection and security of civilians leads our responses to conflicts. PAX operates in 15 countries in Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, (South-) Eastern Europe and Asia. We start up and support local peace initiatives and mobilise moral, political and financial support for these in our own society. PAX's work is geared to suit the contexts, countries and regions where we operate. This approach determines the quality and success of our work. However, as we work we discern overarching themes that are often linked to national, regional and international developments. The need for Consistency in our work has required us to develop a thematic policy. Within each theme we distinguish various theories of change and we rely on our own research and practical experience when we participate in public political debates related to these themes. PAX is especially concerned with the following themes: Security and Disarmament Extractives and Conflict Gender, Peace and Security Support In conflict areas, we work with local partners on political solutions to end conflicts and improve human security. Political analysis, networking and peace activities are carried out jointly. PAX also provides financial support. Often local activities connect to research and lobbying activities. Research PAX carries out research on topics in the field of peace and security. Best practise studies help to improve its peace work. Other research analyses political development and the role of actors in war and peace. Findings can be a starting point for lobbying activities. Lobbying and advocacy In the Netherlands, Europe and at the international level, PAX mobilizes moral, political and financial support for peace efforts in conflict areas. With lobbying and advocacy campaigns PAX promotes public and political discussions to influence decision makers to act for peace. PAX works regionally as well as combining this regional work with the thematic programmes, of which the gender, peace and security programme is one. PAX has renewed its gender policy in 2012 and focuses on gender and peace building on two levels: as an integral part of all its programmes as well as in specific projects (two-track approach).
PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION In its strategic plan 2011-2015 PAX identified gender as a cross-cutting policy priority. Gender inclusion is needed to come to a comprehensive approach for working on conflict and security issues. PAX strives to maximize the input a gender perspective can contribute to our targets by using a pragmatic and tailor-made approach. We shall share our knowledge and best practices, both within as well as outside our organization with our partners and strategic partners in the Netherlands, and in fragile and repressive contexts. Our goal is to fully integrate gender in our work (SMJP 2011-2015). PAX had strengthened its own capacity to identify and share learning processes in order to achieve a higher quality in our programs, to strengthen our strategy and policy, in particular in the field of gender. PAX renewed its gender policy in 2012, and it is considered a specific theme in PAX's strategic direction 2016-2020. PAX's gender position paper was defined as a starting point which needed to be re-adjusted based on the lessons learned and questions arising from the implementation level. Addressing gender-issues in relation to conflict is closely linked to the core values of PAX such as human dignity. A gender perspective in conflict transformation and reconciliation and equal inclusion of both men and women, is therefore both value-based as a practical need. We understand the concept of gender as: cultural patterns people live in/with in relation to values and norms in societies (ideology), as well as how people act within a normative framework (roles of both men and women in a society). Gender therefore defines the range of chances, choices and options people have and the framework within which they make (or do not make) these choices and use their chances and options. Approach PAX has a two-track approach to gender: The first, focuses on women, peace and security. UNSCR resolution 1325 (and the related UNSCR, 1820 1888 and 1889) which focuses on the role of women in peacebuilding and post conflict political processes and conflict resolution (PAX gender projects. The second approach is a broader focus on the integration of gender analysis and gender perspective in broader security issues, including in the context of fragile and repressive settings Gender projects PAX is currently implementing two projects on UNSCR 1325 as part of the Dutch National Action Plan 1325 1. Women and Youth against violence. Engaging women in promoting human security in Iraq, occupied Palestinian Territories (opt) and Syria. In consortium with Cordaid, Human Security Collective and Women Peacemakers Program. PAX supports grass-roots networks of women and facilitates participatory methods to monitor security and advocate a gender sensitive approach to security. PAX also facilitates dialogue and training to local authorities and security stakeholders to become more gender responsive. In the consortium, PAX is working with 5 partners in this programme of which 2 in Iraq and 3 in opt. UNSCR 1325 in South Sudan Effective women's participation and female leadership in political decision making processes as well as in the security sector at the state level in four states of South Sudan, with inter-linkages to the local levels of boma, payam and county and to the national level, in an enabling environment. The program focuses on the following 4 states: Jonglei, Western Bahr El Ghazal, Western and Eastern Equatoria. The coordination committee of the program is formed by Voice for Change, PAX and ICCO Cooperation. In addition to these organizations, the program involves 5 local partner organizations, 1 http://www.nap1325.nl/
PURPOSE (OF THE EVALUATION) This evaluation is intended to provide PAX with an independent view on the programme from a strategic perspective. The evaluation seeks to be a stock-taking lesson-learning and forward looking exercise with recommendations which can inform the further development of programmes and the Strategic Partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The evaluation has the objective to assess: How and to what extent is PAX s strategic vision on gender integrated in PAX s policies, and procedures on programme development and implementation? How and to what extent is gender integrated in context analyzes and the Theories of Change, both implicitly and explicitly? How, and to what extent are these analyzes on gender translated into interventions in the programmes on the ground and how relevant are these taking into account PAX s gender policies? Which strategies and best and worst practices on gender in relation to peace building can be determined in the current work of PAX and partners? SCOPE (OF THE EVALUATION) The evaluation focuses on the following areas: Policies, internal procedures, tools and guidelines. Country and thematic programmes These areas are assessed at PAX organisational level, and for both approaches (see paragraph approach) within the PAX programme s in Iraq, South Sudan, DRC, Uganda, Palestine Territories and the Human Security programme. The evaluation covers PAX s work from 2011 until December 2014. EVALUATION QUESTIONS To achieve the objectives set this evaluation aims to answer the following main, and sub evaluation questions. These questions will be further elaborated with the consultant, and agreed upon before the implementation of the evaluation takes place. 1) How, and to what extent is PAX s strategic vision on gender integrated in PAX s policies, and procedures on programme development and implementation? a) To what extent is gender adequately elaborated in PAX s strategic vision in order to support PAX staff in integrating gender in programme development and implementation? b) In which type of documents (policy documents, documents on procedures, formats) is PAX strategic vision on gender integrated, or is gender referred to? c) What documents are used, and what other guidance is provided to guide PAX staff to integrate PAX s strategic vision on gender, or refer to gender in programme development and implementation? d) To what extent do these documents, or guidance adequately cover PAX s strategic vision on gender, or adequately refer to gender? e) To what extent do these documents, or guidance adequately guide PAX s employees in their day to day work to integrate PAX s vision on gender, or gender in general in programme development, and implementation?
2) How and to what extent has a gender analysis contributed to the context analysis (CA) and the development of theories of change (Toc), both implicitly and explicitly? a) Does the integration of gender analysis into CAs and Tocs (implicitly, and explicitly) adequately reflect the goals put forward in PAX's gender strategy? b) To what extent are these CAs and Tocs (implicitly, and explicitly) in line with PAX s vision on gender (as described in the gender policy paper)? * 3) How, and to what extent are the gender analyses in these CAs and Tocs translated into programme interventions, and how relevant are these? a) Which programmes have a gender approach / or address gender issues, and what type of interventions can be determined? b) Do these interventions logically follow from CAs and ToCs, and/ or to what extent are these interventions in line with PAX s strategic vision on gender? c) How relevant are these interventions in order to achieve programme outcomes, or objectives related to gender? d) How does PAX introduce gender as a strategic point of attention to its partners? 4) Which strategies and best and worst practices on gender in relation to peace building can be determined in the current work of PAX and partners? a) Which programmes show an indication that the intervention strategy successfully addressed gender issues? Indicate the successes, and factors that lead to this success.. b) Which programmes show an indication that the intervention strategy had limited, or negative effect on gender issues? Indicate the challenges. c) What type of interventions lead to the results indicated under a, and b? d) What might have been the reason for the results indicated under a, and b? 5) Based on strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats identified in question 1 to 4, how can PAX improve it s future work on gender (please provide SMART recommendations for future action)? METHODOLGY The evaluator will design a detailed work plan, and evaluation matrix in consultation with PAX s GET (Gender Evaluation team). The work plan will include: Interviews with relevant PAX staff in the Netherlands; Interviews with key resource persons in Iraq and South Sudan (PAX staff and PAX partners); Desk study of PAX documentation and analysis. PRODUCTS/ DELIVERABLES Initial plan and budget, evaluation matrix [deadline] Detailed work plan and budget and evaluation matrix [deadline] Draft report (including recommendations) to discuss with GET (Gender Evaluation Team) [2 weeks before final report] Final report (including recommendations, and an executive summary) [latest 1 st of May 2015]
IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS The evaluation will be carried out by an individual consultant, or team of consultants; In case the evaluation will be done by a team of consultants, one consultant will take the lead, and act as contact person to PAX. The Contract (including final ToR) will be signed with, and a final report will be approved by PAX PME team based on advice from the GET team. A focus group (GET team): o Coordinates the evaluation internally at PAX; o Advises the PME team on drafting the final ToR, the contract, and final report. The members of the GET are: o Representatives from the theme gender o Representatives from the country programmes (2) o Representatives from other programmes within PAX (2) o Representative from PME (1) During the implementation of the evaluation the consultant reports to PAX s GET team. The evaluator is ultimately responsible for the evaluation, he / she is the one who ultimately determines contents of the report. TIME FRAME The evaluation will be carried out from February April 2015 resulting in a final report latest 1 st of May 2015. BUDGET The total budget for the evaluation is E 30,000/- (incl VAT). QUALIFICATION OF THE CONSULTANT Extensive experience in conducting social and developmental related evaluations, also on gender; Vast experience in Context Analysis, and Theory of Change approach and methodology; Strong gender background: Experience in gender analysis, on programmatic level as well as on the organizational level. The evaluation will be carried out by a (team of) consultant(s), with relevant skills and experience especially on gender and conflict. Experience in South Sudan and/or the Middle East would be an advantage. Able to make an in dept analysis based on both desk study and interviews; Able to formulate SMART recommendations; Able to travel to South Sudan, and Iraq to collect valuable data/interviews in a short period of time, also through PAX partners Understanding of the Dutch development sector. If the assignment is done by more than one consultant, one consultant should be able to be the lead consultant and be responsible for the overall final report. Proficiency in English. Able to read Dutch.
Summary PAX approach to gender Annex I Programme Information: Gender and conflict: PAX operates from a perspective that a thorough insight in local (conflict) and power dynamics is essential for constructively working in (post)-conflict settings and issues of security. From a gendered perspective, it is necessary that in any context analysis gender differences are anticipated both in impact of the conflict on people s lives, the dynamic of the conflict as well as in possible solutions/strategies. This gender analysis should include both ideological and cultural notion, the practical roles of women and men in society as well as power relations between men and women. Gender Projects Women, peace and security PAX uses UNSCR 1325 as a framework and takes part in national and international networks focused on women, peace and security. PAX chooses to focus on the potential of women to contribute to conflict prevention, mediation and conflict resolution. Experience shows that integrating women into transition, reconciliation and peacebuilding processes from the start helps promote long-term peace and stability by ensuring a focus on critical broader priorities and needs. Therefore promoting women's inclusion in decision-making and leadership is important, both on a (national) political as well as on a community level. UNSCR 1325 in South Sudan Joint program focused on participation of women in political decision making processes and in the security sector, with a focus at the state level. This program has as overall objective: Effective women participation and female leadership in political decision making processes as well as in the security sector at the state level in 4 states of South Sudan, with inter-linkages to the local levels of boma, payam and county and to the national level, in an enabling environment. The program focus on the following 4 states: Jonglei, Western Bahr El Ghazal, Western and Eastern Equatoria. The coordination committee of the program is formed by Voice for Change, PAX and ICCO Cooperation. In addition to these organizations, the program will involve 5 local partner organizations, which include local women organizations. Strategic objectives are: Enhanced capacity of potential and existing women leaders to effectively participate in the political decision making processes as well as in the security sector, with a focus at the state level Creation of a gender-sensitive and enabling environment at state, local and national levels, with a focus on the state level. Enhanced effective networking among potential and existing women leaders at the state level, with interlinkages to the local levels and to the national level, to ensure accountability and transparency. The expected outcomes of the program are as follows: Potential women leaders have started to participate in political decision making processes and the security sector, with a focus at state level. Existing women leaders are actively participating in the political decision making processes as well as in the security sector, with a focus at the state level. Increased capacity of the civil society in South Sudan, with a focus on the four selected states, to provide effective support to potential and existing women leaders to take up leadership roles in the political decision making processes as well as in the security sector.
International and national gender frameworks adopted, used and respected by authorities, religious, traditional and opinion leaders. Authorities, religious, traditional and opinion leaders are more aware of the importance of participation of women in political decision making processes and the security sector and are more supportive of potential and existing women leaders. Potential and existing women leaders at state level, with interlinkages to the local levels and the national level, know how to find each other and use each other to reach joint goals. Increased accountability by women leaders towards the women they represent. Target Groups Based on the above mentioned analysis of the context, four core areas have been identified based on which the target groups of the action have been selected; Training and coaching/ mentoring of both existing and potential women leaders; Capacity building of the civil society in South Sudan, with a focus on the 4 selected states; Creating an enabling environment, which includes involvement of authorities, traditional, religious and opinion leaders; Promoting linkages and partnerships between women on different levels. UNSCR 1325 in MENA region: Women and Youth Against Violence Engaging women in promoting human security in Iraq and occupied Palestinian Territories (opt). In order to reach these objectives the project will focus on the following result areas: 1. Increased capacity of local (women's) organizations in (a) facilitating local women's networks on security with participatory methods and (b) to interact with local authorities (including political, religious and traditional leaders) and security stakeholders 2. Increased capacity and willingness to address the gender-specific security priorities of different groups in society of (a) local authorities (including political, religious and traditional leaders)/security stakeholders and (b) interfaces for dialogue and structural exchange between women networks (and local authorities/security stakeholders have been facilitated in Iraq, opt and Syria to monitor security of women and to address situation before violence erupts ( early warning ). 4a. Best-practices on how to promote an inclusive approach to human security are exchanged on national (in country), regional and international level between (women) (and youth) organizations, local authorities and security stakeholders leading to more effective security monitoring and community security approaches in Iraq, Syria and the opt. 4b. More receptiveness from key players within the UN, NATO and the EU to take the security perspective of local women/communities into account whilst setting the peace and security agenda for Iraq and opt. In this project Cordaid, PAX, Human Security Collective (HSC) and Women Peacemakers Program (WPP) propose for a partnership at the Dutch level and join their forces to improve community security and women s rights in Iraq, Libya, Syria and the opt. Cordaid together with HSC and WPP are in a tripartnership working with youth leaders to increase community ownership on security matters and women s rights in Libya and opt. PAX supports grass-roots networks of women and facilitates participatory methods to monitor security and advocate a gender sensitive approach to security. PAX also facilitates dialogue and training to local authorities and security stakeholders to become more gender responsive. Together Human Security Collective, Cordaid and PAX shall engage key players within the UN, EU and NATO working on the global agenda on countering violent extremism to become more receptive to investing in young women's leadership to counter violent extremism and to prioritize the security perspective of local women and their communities. WPP with extensive expertise on engaging with youth leadership in the MENA region shall provide tailor made knowledge on how to involve young men on gender issues through a specific masculinity approach.