Consultant: Baseline Study on SUSTAIN Project

Terms and Reference for "Consultancy to Conduct Baseline Study on SUSTAIN Project of Nonviolent Peaceforce"

(Philippine Nationals Only)

You may view full Terms of Reference in this link. (This posting is just a shortened version)

I. ABOUT NONVIOLENT PEACEFORCE

Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) is an international civil society organization committed to protecting civilians in violent conflicts through unarmed civilian protection (UCP). NP works alongside local communities to prevent violence, reduce threats, and strengthen peace infrastructures without the use of force. Its approach emphasizes nonpartisanship, local partnerships, and the primacy of local actors in sustaining peace.

In the Philippines, NP has been active since 2007, particularly in the Bangsamoro region. It supports communities through early warning–early response systems, accompaniment, and conflict-sensitive programming, while working closely with civil society and local authorities. NP's work contributes to safer communities, inclusive peacebuilding, and the protection of at-risk groups, including women, youth, and former combatants.

 II. PROJECT BACKGROUND

The SUSTAIN (Strengthening Unified Systems for Transformation, Accountability, Inclusion, and Normalization of the Bangsamoro) Project is a flagship initiative of Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) that supports the normalization process in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), as outlined in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Normalization refers to the transition of MILF combatants and conflict-affected communities into peaceful, civilian life, including the decommissioning of MILF forces, the reduction of illicit weapons, and the transformation of former conflict zones into peaceful, resilient communities. Despite progress, many areas in BARMM continue to face challenges such as localized violence, weak access to basic services, and the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW), which hinder full normalization.

SUSTAIN addresses these challenges by advancing unarmed civilian protection (UCP), strengthening community-based protection mechanisms, and supporting the implementation of Early Warning and Early Response (EWER) systems. The project emphasizes the meaningful participation of women, youth, and other vulnerable groups in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and local governance. By working closely with local government units, civil society organizations, former combatants, and security actors including the MILF, SUSTAIN helps reinforce community safety and inclusive governance, contributing to a peaceful and sustainable post-conflict transition in the Bangsamoro.

 III. OBJECTIVES

The baseline study aims to collect quantitative and qualitative data aligned with the four outcomes and related indicators of the SUSTAIN project, as approved in Annex I – Description of the Action and Log frame (main references) This will enable accurate monitoring, evaluation, and learning throughout project implementation.

The study specifically seeks to gather baseline data for the following outcomes:

1. Improved conflict-sensitive and people-centered security initiatives in target communities;
2. Increased and improved participation of vulnerable populations in normalization;
3. Strengthened grassroots civilian protection mechanisms; and
4. Strengthened capacities of peace mechanisms to fulfill their mandates.

The baseline will assess indicators disaggregated by sex, age, disability, ethnicity, and other relevant diversity factors in accordance with NP's Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) framework. Please see Annex I for the table of Impact and Outcome Indicators:  

IV. METHODOLOGY AND SCOPE OF WORK

The consultant will design and implement a participatory, mixed-methods approach combining both qualitative and quantitative data collection. The approach must be conflict-sensitive, gender-transformative, and GEDSI-responsive, ensuring meaningful participation of women, men, youth, persons with disabilities, and marginalized groups across the nine project provinces.

Sampling will ensure proportional representation of key beneficiary groups—youth, women, ex-combatants, IDPs, and local peace actors—as identified in Annex I. Data collection will include desk reviews, surveys, key informant interviews (KIIs), and focus group discussions (FGDs). Triangulation and participatory action research will be applied to validate data quality and contextual relevance.

The consultant will work closely with the Senior Program Development Manager, Program Manager and M & E Officer to co-develop data collection tools, ensure ethical data gathering, and facilitate participatory validation of results.

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V. TARGET LOCATION AND COVERAGE

The baseline study will cover nine conflict-affected provinces of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and adjacent areas targeted by the SUSTAIN Project: Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Special Geographic Area (SGA), Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and Sultan Kudarat. Data collection will take place in selected municipalities and barangays within these provinces, determined jointly by Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) and the consultant during the inception phase, based on accessibility, security, and representativeness.

VI. TARGET RESPONDENTS AND PARTICIPANTS

The baseline will collect data from a representative mix of community and institutional stakeholders, reflecting the project's gender-transformative and GEDSI focus. Sampling will ensure balanced geographic, gender, and role-based representation across the following groups:

• Women, youth, and gender minorities active in peacebuilding and local governance;
• Former MILF combatants and their families transitioning to civilian life;
• Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and residents of conflict-affected or rido-prone areas;
• Members of Community Protection Networks (CPNs), Early Warning–Early Response (EWER) monitors, and local peace mediators;
• Marginalized and vulnerable groups including Indigenous Peoples and persons with disabilities;
• Representatives from LGUs, normalization and peace mechanisms (JPST, TPMT, MPOS, OPAPRU), and security sectors (AFP, PNP, MILF-BIAF);
• Civil society, academic, and faith-based organizations engaged in peacebuilding and protection.

NOTE: This will be discussed with the selected consultant.

VII. KEY TASKS AND DELIVERABLES

The consultancy will run for a maximum of three months (November 2025 – January The following deliverables are expected:

Key Activity Expected Output Indicative Timeline

Inception Phase Inception Report (study design, sampling, tools, work plan days

Field Data Collection Completed data sets, field documentation days

Analysis and Draft Report    Draft Baseline Report and Presentation days

Finalization Final Baseline Report (clean version) and data annexes days

The final report must include an executive summary, methodology, findings, conclusions, recommendations, and annexes with tools, raw data, and the list of respondents. The report should not exceed 30 pages, excluding annexes.

VIII. CROSS-CUTTING CONSIDERATIONS AND ETHICAL STANDARDS

The consultant shall ensure adherence to NP's safeguarding and data protection policies, EU ethical research standards, and Do-No-Harm principles. All data collection must obtain informed consent and guarantee confidentiality. Special measures should be taken to protect women, youth, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable respondents. All personal data must be handled in compliance with the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and NP's internal protocols.

IX. INSTITUTIONAL AND OPERATIONAL ARRANGEMENTS

The consultancy will be commissioned by Nonviolent Peaceforce Philippines (NPP) under the oversight of the Head of Mission. Strategic direction will be provided by the Senior Program Development Manager (SPDM), while day-to-day coordination will be managed by the Project Coordinator and M&E Officer. The consultant will work closely with NP field teams and implementing partners to ensure timely and ethical completion of all deliverables.

Key operational arrangements include:

• Participation in coordination meetings (virtual or in-person) with NP teams;
• Joint development of data collection tools and training of enumerators;
• Adherence to NP safeguarding and data protection standards;
• Submission of all deliverables for review and approval by NP prior to finalization;
• Transfer of ownership of all data and reports to Nonviolent Peaceforce upon completion.

X. EXPECTED OUTPUT

• The following outputs will be delivered in line with the schedule in Section [Key Tasks & Deliverables]. This section details the required content, format, and quality standards for each output.
  

Click here to access full list of expected output.

XI. PROFESSIONAL FEE AND MODE OF PAYMENT

The maximum amount for this consultancy engagement is PhP 850,000 and will be inclusive of tax and the payment will be done according to the following arrangement:

1st Installment

20% of the total amount

Upon submission and approval of Inception Report capturing research design and data gathering tools.

2nd Installment

40% of the total amount

Upon submission of the following milestones/Progress Report:

• At least 50% retrieval of survey instruments from respondents
• Report on Survey Results (Initial)

3rd Installment

40% of the total amount

After completion of final study report

The payments will be made in A/C payee cheques in the name of the consultant/company.

XII. QUALIFICATIONS OF THE CONSULTANT

For Individual Consultants:

• Advanced degree (Master's or doctoral degree) in social sciences, public policy, statistics, or related fields.
• Minimum 5 years' experience on development research, M&E, or peace initiatives, conflict, and humanitarian work;
• Proven experience in conducting baseline studies, evaluation studies, or similar research in conflict-affected or humanitarian contexts.
• With demonstrated expertise in monitoring and evaluation of gender-transformative.
• Strong skills in quantitative and qualitative data collection, statistical analysis, and report writing;
• Proven capacity to lead field research teams in complex and sensitive settings, applying conflict sensitivity and "Do No Harm" principles;
• Familiarity with the Bangsamoro context and/or understanding of the local languages is an advantage.

For Institutional Consultants / Consulting Firms:

Institutional consultants or firms may apply, provided they demonstrate:

• Legal registration and eligibility to operate as a research or consultancy firm in the Philippines;
• Proven track record of at least three (3) completed baseline studies, evaluations, or research assignments in peacebuilding, governance, or humanitarian sectors within the last five (5) years;
• Availability of a multidisciplinary team with complementary expertise in M&E, conflict analysis, gender and inclusion, data analytics, and community engagement;
• Clear management structure indicating roles and responsibilities of each team member, with one designated Team Leader as the primary focal point;
• Demonstrated capacity to deploy and supervise field enumerators in BARMM and adjacent areas;
• Financial and administrative systems adequate for the management of an EU-funded consultancy contract.

XIII. APPLICATION PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Letter of Interest addressed to Delsy Ronnie, Head of Mission, Nonviolent Peaceforce Philippines, briefly stating your suitability, availability, and proposed start date.
• Technical Proposal (concise and tailored to this ToR), including:
• Consultant/Company Profile
• Methodology and Sample Size Determination
• Relevant experience (2 comparable sample work)
• Data management plan (collection, processing, and analysis)
• Work plan with proposed timeline ((3 months or 100 days)

HOW TO APPLY: 

• Candidates meeting the above requirements are requested to submit all documents mentioned above, through our website, detailing their experience and how they qualify for the role. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• The closing date for applications is Friday, 7th November 2025.
• As part of the recruitment process, shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete a written assignment before participating in an interview.

SPECIAL NOTICE 

Nonviolent Peaceforce is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability. 

Nonviolent Peaceforce acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of employees, contractors, volunteers, interns, communities we work with, and other stakeholders and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities and government guidance and complies with best practices in the Humanitarian and Development sector. NP expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We prioritise ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us. 

The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation. 

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. NP also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants' previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures. 

NO FEE  

We never ask for payment as part of our selection process, and we always contact candidates via our corporate accounts and platforms. If you are approached for payment, this is likely to be fraudulent. Please check whether the role you are interested in is posted here on our website.