Consultant Oxfam Research

Terms of Reference for Research
(Open Call)

For the research and development of an Oxfam research brief to quantify and measure the failures of the Oslo peace process.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: 25 May 2018

25 years since Oslo 1 was signed, Palestinians have seen nothing but myriad of broken promises.

Oxfam, on the eve of the 20 year anniversary of the signing of Oslo released 20 facts, which highlighted that despite the hope the Accords promised, Israel continues to increase its control over the land and lives of Palestinians, Gaza is increasingly being cut off from the outside world, Palestinian land, people and society have been fragmented and divided, and a once independent Palestinian economy has been stunted. Five years on, Oslo remains a list of broken promises for Palestinians.

The focus of the project will be to quantify and provide hard evidence and new analysis that shows clearly what these promises have cost Palestinians, and projects, where possible, how Palestinians’ lives and wellbeing would be better now if Oslo had lived up to these promises.

In 2013, Oxfam spoke of the first Oslo Accord as a lost opportunity. To mark 25 years since the signing of the Declaration of Principles, the team wants to take this one step further and show the international community not simply that Oslo has failed, but measuring by how much and proving the hypothesis that Oslo has done nothing but further entrench the occupation, including through the failure of parts of the agreement to comply with minimal rules of international law and hold parties accountable for violations of international law and the spirit of the “peace process” .

The research will frame ‘Oslo’ – and the promise it held – not as a document or series of agreements, but also the spirit/concept of the peace process itself.

SUGGESTED RESEARCH METHODS

Desk review of available literature that can provide data and analysis of the economic political and social costs of each theme/ sector outlined in this TOR. This includes policy briefs and research, academic articles, and primary source documents, annexes, associated documents, correspondence etc.

Interviews with key players involved in the formation of the accords as well as those involved in mitigating the impact of the damage left behind by Oslo’s broken promises. Including CSOs, former negotiators, journalists, academics, former diplomats, UN sources. The scope of the research will take place between 1991 and the first Gaza war. Key moments will include: 1991 Peace talks, 1993 Declaration, 1995 Paris Protocol, 2000 Camp David, 2001 2nd Intifada, 2004 Annapolis, 2005 renewal of peace process, 2007 Road Map.

Interviews with ordinary Palestinians with a focus on parents of those born in the early 90s, and those born in the early 90s who have lived all their lives under the Oslo arrangements (the Oslo Generation). Across all parts and socio-economic and political mosaic of the OPT.

 STYLE AND LENGTH OF REPORT / RESEARCH PRODUCTS*

The final product will be a 10-14 page Oxfam research briefing paper.

The report will be released on September 6th 2018 and a final draft presented for sign-off must be finalized no later than one month in advance so it can begin global sign-off processes.

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QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Graduate degree in Economics, Law, Political Science or other relevant field
• Understanding of political and economic context of OPTI and well as the Oslo process
• Strong experience in vigorous qualitative and quantitative research methods, analysis and outputs.
• Good contacts with key contacts connected to the negotiations in country and in capitals, where appropriate
• Strong understanding of humanitarian and development themes
• Strong track record of producing research reports and publications in conflict contexts
• Fluency and drafting skills in English, Arabic preferable.

Application

Interested applicants are requested to submit the following documents:

Qalifications

* CV

* Portfolio and links/ samples of previous work

Technical Offer

• A cover letter describing why you are the right fit for this consultancy
• Financial offer in USD. The amount includes any taxes which may apply. Oxfam will not issue any additional expenses or reimbursements.

Service requirements

Individual consultants and private companies are eligible to apply, subject to the availability of official documents of registration in the country/state where located, Companies/ individuals registered under the Palestinian Authority (PA) are required to submit a zero VAT invoice. Companies/ individuals registered under the Israeli authorities are required to submit an official tax invoice.

Award Criteria

Applicants will be considered after review of submitted applications as specified above. The consultancy contract will be awarded to the strongest application. Other areas to be considered include:

Payment installments will be issued upon receipt of deliverables as agreed between Oxfam and the selected candidate and after submitting an official invoice (VAT or zero VAT invoice).

FFor the full TOR please click here

Deadline for submission of quotes: 04:00 PM Jerusalem time on 25 May, 2018.  Late submissions cannot be accepted.

Please send submissions to Anas Abdeen ([email protected])