Vacancies

Services required

Procurement of consultancy services (individual, team, or company) for the evaluation of the Small Arms Survey’s Security Assessment in North Africa (SANA) Project Phase 4 (2021–24).

Organization and project overview

The Small Arms Survey is a center for applied knowledge dedicated to preventing and reducing illicit small arms proliferation and armed violence. The Survey informs policy and practice through a combination of data, evidence-based knowledge, authoritative resources and tools, and tailored expert advice and training, and by bringing together practitioners and policymakers.

Project description

The Security Assessment in North Africa (SANA) is a multi-year project that produces evidence-based research on small arms, armed groups, conflict dynamics, and insecurity in North Africa and the Sahel-Sahara region. It aims to provide timely insights for policymakers and practitioners. The project is currently in its 4th phase and started in 2012, in the aftermath of the Arab spring. In addition to external evaluations for each of the previous phases, the project team conducted an internal light touch introspective project review in early 2024.

Project outcomes and outputs

The SANA project has three main pillars, discussed below in some details along with their expected deliverables for SANA 4.

Research and publications: the project aims produce original and evidence-based research products, as well as support the collection of regional data of importance to the main global frameworks and indicators related to small arms control and armed violence. Under this phase, deliverables notably include eight Briefing Papers, two Reports, as well as several blog posts and webinars.

Outreach and impact: the project aims to effectively communicate the findings of its research to appropriate stakeholders and shape policy. This may include closed and open briefings, public launch events, and participation in academic conferences and policy workshops.

Partnerships and capacity building: the project aims to strengthen the cooperation with and capacities of practitioners working to improve security conditions in the region. this has included two annual training sessions with the Arab Journalists for Investigative Journalism (ARIJ).

Evaluation objectives

Purpose

The purpose of this consultancy is to offer external perspectives on SANA’s achievements so far on matters of strategic relevance and coherence. The external evaluator(s) will not be asked to assess the progress made towards the achievement of the expected results of the project phase. Building on lessons identified in previous evaluations and the internal review, the evaluator(s) will rather be expected to help the Survey reflect on the following points:

• How should SANA define its international and regional audience moving forward? And how should it ensure reaching this audience?
• What are the key regional topics of interest to the project’s international and regional stakeholders?
• How to improve the project’s approach to dissemination, to ensure more systematic engagement on its knowledge products?

Scope

The external evaluator is expected to identify suitable findings as well as formulate recommendations as part of the process.

Evaluation criteria and questions

The following questions may serve to frame the evaluator’s engagement:

The project’s audience and maximising opportunities for impact: The project currently seeks to inform a mix of policymakers based in the West and the SANA region, and includes some limited engagement with MENA-based journalists. How can the project ensure reaching its target audiences? How can it measure its impact? How can it better meet the expectations of each of its target audiences? And how can the project leverage its cooperation with journalists to maximise impact across the region?

Overall premise and possible adjustments: Regional small arms proliferation continues unabated and features small arms and ammunition produced in selected MENA countries, including but not limited to Iran, Sudan, Turkey, and the UAE. Some of these small arms can also be found beyond the MENA region, including in Ukraine. To what extent does the project’s research and regional focus need to evolve to account for these realities?

Policy engagement, efficiency, and effectiveness: The SANA project acknowledges the need to improve on its own approach to launches and dissemination, with a view to engage more effectively with policy audiences. How can we better engage with these audiences? If needed, how can we make our outputs more user-friendly from the perspective of our target audiences? How can our internal publication process evolve to shorten our production cycles? How can we more effectively engage with our Arabic-speaking policy constituents? And should partnerships be considered as vehicles for knowledge dissemination?

Timeframe and expected outputs

Timeframe

May to July 2024

Application deadline

The deadline for submission is on 3 May 2024, 17:00 Geneva time (CET). No application will be considered past the deadline.

Summary of evaluation timeline

Expected outputs

The main outputs of this evaluation are as follows:

• An inception report inclusive of the proposed methodology and workplan for the evaluation, an evaluation matrix and an indicative list of stakeholders to interview as part of the evaluation.
• Following data collection and analysis, a draft report that outlines preliminary findings and recommendations.
• A feedback session with the Small Arms Survey team, to present and discuss preliminary findings, as well as seek feedback.
• Final report and recommendations (maximum 25 pages, excluding annexes), building on the feedback session.

SANA is planning to release several publications in the coming months, and to organize dedicated briefings around these releases. The successful applicant may be asked to travel and attend some of the briefings as part of the evaluation. If so, the cost will be covered by the Small Arms Survey, in addition to the consultant’s fee.

How to apply

Required skills and qualifications

The ideal candidate will have prior experience devising and delivering online and in-person policy campaigns in the MENA/Sahel region, as well as prior experience in evaluation and learning.

The Survey is looking for an experienced individual with the following skills and qualifications:

• Prior experience in engaging policy audiences through a mix of publications, in-person events, and social media.
• Prior experience in or familiarity with the MENA/Sahel region.
• Prior experience conducting evaluation and learning exercises in the area of peace and security, ideally with a focus on small arms control and proliferation matters.
• Demonstrated analytical and writing skills to effectively interpret data, draw sound conclusions, and communicate complex findings clearly and concisely.
• Availability for short travel for data collection.

How to apply

The maximum budget for this evaluation amounts to EUR 15,000.

To apply, please send the following documents to nathalie.fauvarque@smallarmssurvey.org: A technical proposal that features an understanding of the Terms of Reference, the proposed evaluation methodology, an indicative evaluation matrix, and a draft work plan.

• A CV (or CVs in case of a team).
• In case you apply as a team, a clear outline of the team structure and individual responsibilities to deliver on the proposed assignment.
• A track record listing down the missions that the consultant has carried out in the past and that (s)he considers the most relevant in relation to these Terms of Reference.
• A cover letter (maximum 1 page).
• A financial offer, including a milestone-based payment plan.

The deadline for submission is on 3 May 2024, 17:00 Geneva time (CET). No application will be considered past the deadline.

STARTING DATE: Upon agreement
CONTRACT: Permanent
ACTIVITY RATE: 100%, 40 hours / week
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 22 April 2024

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The Small Arms Survey is a center for applied knowledge in the field of the proliferation and control of small arms and ammunition. Our mission is to strengthen the capacity of governments and practitioners to reduce illicit arms flows and armed violence through three mutually reinforcing activities: the generation of policy-relevant knowledge, the development of authoritative resources and tools, and the provision of training and other services. We inform policy and practice through a combination of data, tailored expert advice and training, and the convening of practitioners and policymakers.

 

The role:

How do we make it work? With commitment, rigor, patience and colleagues like you. Team players who want to make a difference. If you have a passion for numbers, a knack for meticulousness, like to work independently, and have experience producing financial statements and project reports, then this is a perfect opportunity for you. Under the supervision of the Head of Unit and member of the Management Team, your responsibilities will entail:

• Liaise with colleagues to deliver timely and accurate project reports;
• Generate monthly project salary allocations;
• Monitor incomes and expenditures, generate project salary allocations and track budget consumption;
• Liaise as needed with IHEID accounting department and other external partners on matters of financial management;
• Advise colleagues on donor requirements, help design project budgets, monitoring and reporting tools;
• Support the smooth implementation of project audits.

To be successful in this role, you should have:

• University degree in a related field or equivalent professional experience;
• Professional experience in finance/accounting and grant management in the non-profit sector (between 5 to 8 years);
• Good knowledge of donors and funding guidelines;
• Professional fluency in French and English, written and spoken;
• High proficiency in Excel;
• Able to set priorities, work independently, and deliver high-quality results within demanding timeframes;
• Able to work effectively in a multicultural and multilingual environment;
• Project management knowledge an asset.

What you can expect from us:

• A motivating, collaborative and inclusive working environment;
• Opportunities for individual and professional growth;
• A competitive package.

 
APPLY HERE

 

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We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, marital status, disability status, race, national origin, color, gender, sexual orientation or religion.

For more information, candidates are encouraged to consult the the Small Arms Survey’s and the Geneva Graduate Institute's websites: smallarmssurvey.org and graduateinstitute.ch

Please note that offers received by post will not be considered.