Expert for SSE Case Study

Type of contract: Consultancy, 9 months

Start of contract: ASAP

Background: COSPE is a leading organization operating in the OPT since 1995 dedicated to promoting social and solidarity economy initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable development and community empowerment. We believe in the power of grassroots projects to drive positive changes.

The three-year IBTKAR Project funded by the Italian Agency implemented by OXFAM in partnership with Cospe, ACAD, Acad Finance, Reef Finance, Banca Etica, Provincia Autonoma di Bolzano, stems from the desire to strengthen the social, economic and environmental resilience of agricultural entrepreneurs and Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) actors in the West Bank and Gaza Strip through innovative and sustainable solutions in the post-Covid-19 era. In this way, the Project intends to contribute to the achievement of MDG 8 aimed at fostering lasting, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work in Palestine.

To this end, the Project adopts a holistic approach, intervening on three levels: micro, i.e. financial and technical support to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in the agricultural sector and to SSE operators; meso, i.e. strengthening of structures (financial and technical accompaniment) to support small agricultural producers; and macro, for a legislative, but also cultural and social, framework in favour of financial inclusion and SSE. This level will also be accompanied by actions at the international level to support respect for the socio-economic rights of Palestinians.

Scope of work:

The candidate is required to conduct comparative study of the legal and political aspects of the different realities of the SSE (Social and solidarity Economy) and of other institutional stakeholders that can contribute to its recognition and development in Palestine. The primary objective is to provide an in-depth understanding of the legal and political dynamics of the SSE in the Palestinian context in order to promote its recognition and development. The study will be conducted in cooperation with a local technical partner.

1. Aims of the Study:

   - Provide a comprehensive understanding of the SSE in Palestine.

   - Provide a basis for outreach and lobbying activities towards Palestinian policy makers.

   - To initiate a structured policy dialogue with relevant decision makers in Palestine.

2. Legal Comparison:

   - Comparative analysis of the legal systems regulating the different entities of SSE in Palestine, including cooperatives, social enterprises and community organisations.

   - Identification of convergences and divergences in legal regimes for SSE stakeholders.

3. Policy Coherence:

   - Assessment of the impact of policies for SSE in relation to other policies involving economic actors and sectors.

   - Analysis of synergies and tensions between policies for SSE and those affecting the economy at large.

4. Participation:

   - Identification of actors influencing policies for SSE in Palestine.

   - Assessment of the role that SSE actors can play in the Palestinian policy process.

   - Integration of results with the mapping of Palestinian SSE actors, with a focus on social, economic and environmental impacts.

5. Publication and Dissemination:

   - Drafting of the research report in English and Arabic.

   - Publication through the SSE network and Consortium partners.

   - Organisation of a public event to present the results of the Palestinian SSE analysis.

6. Public Event:

   - Involvement of SSE stakeholders, policy makers, representatives of national and international institutions and civil society.

   - Presentation of SSE contributions in terms of social justice, inclusive and sustainable economic development.

   - Promotion of political dialogue and initiation of consultation between stakeholders to foster the development of the SSE.

Deliverables:

   - Drafting and finalization of the research report in English and Arabic.

   - Publication through the SSE network and Consortium partners.

   - Organisation of a public event to present the results of the Palestinian SSE analysis.

Review and Approval: the document will be subject to review and approval by the Consortium and the local technical partner prior to the start of the research activities. Any substantial changes will have to be agreed upon by all parties involved. The final version of the case study report will be shared with the Steering Committee of the project.

Timeframe and methodology:

The study will be conducted within a 9-month timeframe, including periodic report meetings to be held by the Consultant together with the Steering Committee of the Project, according to the following tentative phases:

- Phase 1: Preparation and planning (1 month)

- Phase 2: Research and analysis (4 months)

- Phase 3: Report writing (2 months)

- Phase 4: Publication and dissemination (1 month)

- Phase 5: Organisation of the public event (1 month)

Below is a hypothetical calendar of meetings with the Steering Committee of the project to be held:

• 1 meeting at the inception phase
• 1 meeting after 3 months
• 1 meeting at the final stage of the Case study elaboration.

The Consultant will engage a wide array of target groups and stakeholders, by visits, interviews, focus groups and similar tools, as well as getting information from official sources, such as laws, regulations, statistic data, studies, tools available and similar sources.

The Consultant will be based outside COSPE offices and will use his/her own necessary resources (laptop, telecommunication, etc.). The consultant may be required to attend in-person meetings. Travel and mission costs will be included in the total amount contracted by COSPE with the Consultant.

جميع الحقوق محفوظة لموقع جوبس.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., economics, sociology, international development) required; with additional qualifications or certifications related to SSE being a plus. Master's degree preferred.
• Strong background in legal and political studies, with specific knowledge or experience in the field of Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE).
• Strong understanding of social and solidarity economy principles, including cooperative enterprise models, fair trade practices, and community-based finance.
• at least 4 years of work experience in related fields, such as: Academic or professional research on the legal and political aspects of the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE), work with organizations or institutions dealing with economic and social policies, experience in conducting comparative studies and analysis of public policies.

Skills:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent writing skills in English and Arabic, with the ability to draft research reports and communicate findings effectively.
• Ability to identify and engage with relevant stakeholders, including policy makers, SSE actors, and civil society organizations.
• Ability to organize public events, including coordinating with stakeholders and presenting research findings.

Interested candidates should submit a resume (max 4 pages including publications) outlining their qualifications and experience and a technical and financial offer to:  [email protected].

Please include "Expert for SSE Case Study " in the subject line of your email.

Applications that do not meet these criteria will be automatically excluded.

COSPE is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including those with diverse backgrounds and those with disabilities.

Application Deadline: 05/05/2024