CEHRO is currently looking for a seasoned consultant to undertake the study.

የኢትዮጵያ የሰብዓዊ መብቶች ድርጅቶች ህብረት (ኢሰመድህ) Consortium of Ethiopian Human Rights Organizations (CEHRO) Call for Consultancy: Study on understanding Victims’ and Witnesses’ Expectations of Reparations for Sustainable Peace September, 2026 About CEHRO The Consortium of Ethiopian Human Rights Organizations (CEHRO) is a Consortium of 27 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) working on Human Rights, Democracy, and Sustainable Peace in Ethiopia. Over the past eight and a half years, CEHRO has been actively engaged in the advancement of human rights protection and promotion, and democratic and sustainable peace values in Ethiopia by creating a common platform for human rights CSOs to articulate their voices and launch articulated and evidence-based advocacy for an enabling environment for the operation of civil society in Ethiopia. CEHRO’s strategic priorities focus on capacity building of members and key stakeholders, policy advocacy, and broadening of civic space in Ethiopia. For further information about CEHRO, click here https://cehro.org/ Context It is to be recalled that Ethiopia has adopted a Transitional Justice (TJ) policy in 2024. This policy recognizes reparations as one of its five core pillars, alongside truth-seeking, accountability, conditional amnesty, and institutional reform. The policy affirms that victims have the right to participate in the design of mechanisms through which justice is defined and pursued, and it give mandate for Civil Society Organizations( CSOs) and other right based organization to ensure effective inclusion and participation of victims in the implementation of the TJ process. Despite these policy-level commitments, there remains a gap in empirical evidence on how victims and witnesses themselves understand reparations, what they expect from reparation methods, and how they perceive the connection between reparations and sustainable peace. Victims and witnesses in Ethiopia have been affected by diverse conflicts across different regions and time periods, and their experiences, needs, and expectations are heterogeneous. A reparations program that does not reflect these realities risks being ineffective, illegitimate, and potentially counterproductive. In this context, the Consortium of Ethiopian Human Rights Organizations (CEHRO) has been actively involved in Ethiopia’s peace building processes, particularly focusing on the TJ process. This engagement includes various dimensions, including capacity building for key actors relevant to the process. Through these efforts, CEHRO has been empowering local communities and organizations to play a pivotal role in ensuring that TJ mechanisms are implemented effectively and equitably. More specifically, CEHRO, in collaboration with the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) , is currently implementing a project titled “Healing and Reconciliation Project in Ethiopia (HEAR)” in Diga Woreda, East Wollega Zone, Oromia Region, and Bambasi Woreda, Assosa Zone, Benishangul Gumuz Region. The overall goal of the project is to strengthen and promote inclusive TJ processes in Ethiopia that foster healing, accountability, and reconciliation among affected communities. Over the past two years, the project has conducted various capacity-building, awareness-raising activities, dialogues, and community-engagement activities. As part of these ongoing initiatives, CEHRO is planning to conduct a study to generate evidence-based, victim-centered knowledge on victims’ and witnesses’ understanding and expectations of reparations in the project intervention areas (Diga Woreda, East Wollega Zone, Oromia Region, and Bambasi Woreda, Assosa Zone, Benishangul Gumuz Region). The findings will inform the design and implementation of future reparation programs that contribute to sustainable peace and stability in Ethiopia, and for this purpose, CEHRO is currently looking for a seasoned consultant to undertake the study. Objective 3.1. General Objective The overall objective of this consultancy assignment is to generate evidence-based, victim-centered knowledge on how victims and witnesses in the project intervention areas understand, prioritize, and expect reparations as one pillar of the TJ Process would contribute to sustainable peace and stability. 3.2. Specific Objectives The study shall pursue the following specific objectives: To document and analyze how victims and witnesses across the two project intervention areas conceptualize “reparations” and what they perceive as their entitlements. To identify and compare victims’ and witnesses’ expectations regarding the form, scope, and delivery of reparations, distinguishing between individual and collective reparations. To assess victims’ and witnesses’ expectations regarding their own participation in the design, implementation, and monitoring of reparations programs. To analyze how victims’ and witnesses’ expectations of reparations relate to their perceptions of sustainable peace and stability in Ethiopia. To identify practical, context-sensitive recommendations for designing and implementing reparation measures that reflect victims’ expressed priorities. Methodology and Ethical Considerations 4.1. Methodology The consultant will employ a mixed-methods, participatory, and context-sensitive approach that prioritizes the voices of those most affected, including women, Persons with Disabilities, and IDPs. The methodology shall include: Primary Data Collection: Key Informant Interviews (KIIs): Conduct approximately 10 to 15 KIIs with key actors, including victims’ representatives, civil society leaders, legal experts, transitional justice practitioners, government officials, and traditional/religious leaders. Semi-Structured Interviews: Conduct approximately 15 to 25 in-depth interviews with victims and witnesses across selected communities, ensuring diversity by region, gender, age, and type of violation experienced. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs): Facilitate approximately 4 to 6 FGDs with victim communities, ensuring separate spaces for women, youth, and other marginalized groups where appropriate. Survey Administration: Administer a structured survey questionnaire to approximately 200 to 300 victims and witnesses to measure the distribution of expectations across different victim groups. Secondary Data Collection: Desk review of project reports, government policy documents (including the Transitional Justice Policy), human rights documentation, academic literature, and relevant regional and international normative frameworks (including the African Union Transitional Justice Policy). Field Travel: Data collection will involve travel to the project intervention areas (Diga Woreda, East Wollega Zone, Oromia Region, and Bambasi Woreda, Assosa Zone, Benishangul Gumuz Region). 4.2 . Ethical Considerations The consultant shall adhere to the following ethical principles: Informed Consent: All participants must provide voluntary, informed consent before participating. Confidentiality: Personal identifiers must be removed from all data. Data must be stored securely. Trauma-Informed Approach: All tools and procedures must be designed to avoid re-traumatization. Enumerators and interviewers must receive training on trauma-informed interviewing. Do No Harm: The safety and dignity of participants must be prioritized at all times. Community Engagement: Research must be conducted in partnership with local actors and in a manner that respects community norms and traditions. Deliverables The selected consultant/expert will be responsible for the following deliverables: No Deliverable Description Timeline 1 Inception Report A detailed inception report including: refined methodology, data collection instruments (interview guides, FGD guides, and survey questionnaire), sampling strategy, ethical protocols, work plan, and field deployment plan. Within 10 days of contract signing 2 Primary Data Collection Completion of all KIIs, interviews, FGDs, and survey administration in selected field sites. Within 20 days of inception report approval 3 Draft Study Report A comprehensive draft report presenting findings, analysis, and recommendations. Within 20 days of completing data collection 4 Collecting Feedback Presentation for CEHRO Management and Collecting Feedback Within 5 days of draft report submission 5 Final Study Report A revised and finalized report incorporating feedback from the Validation Workshop. Includes executive summary, methodology, data analysis, discussion of key findings, recommendations, and annexes. Within 5 days of the Validation Workshop Timeline The assignment is expected to be completed within 30 days following the signing of the contract and receipt of initial project briefing materials. The consultant shall propose a detailed timeline in their technical proposal. Requirements 7.1. Qualifications For Individual Consultants: Advanced degree (Master’s degree or higher) in Peace and Conflict Studies, Human Rights, Law, Sociology, Political Science, Social Studies, Development Studies, or related fields. For Consulting Firms: Registered legal entity with demonstrated experience in transitional justice, human rights, and/or peacebuilding research. Team leader must possess an advanced degree in a relevant field. 7.2. Experience and Skills Proven experience (at least 5 years) in designing and conducting mixed-methods research, including qualitative and quantitative data collection in conflict-affected contexts. Demonstrated experience in conducting KIIs, FGDs, and surveys with victims and witnesses of human rights violations. Strong understanding of transitional justice, reparations, victim participation, and social cohesion in Ethiopia. Familiarity with the Ethiopian Transitional Justice Policy and the African Union Transitional Justice Policy. Excellent qualitative and quantitative analytical writing and reporting skills in English. Knowledge of local languages (Amharic and Afan Oromo, etc.) is an advantage. Experience working with victims and witnesses in a trauma-informed manner. Familiarity with the socio-cultural context of Diga and Bambasi Woredas. Application Process and Submission Instructions 8.1 Technical Proposal Cover Letter: Expressing interest and summarizing relevant experience. Understanding of the Assignment: Brief interpretation of the ToR, including any proposed refinements to the methodology. Methodology: Detailed description of the proposed mixed-methods approach, including data collection tools, sampling strategy, ethical protocols, and participatory methods. Work Plan: Detailed timeline with phases, activities, and deliverables. Team Composition: CVs of all proposed team members, highlighting relevant qualifications and experience. Sample Work: At least two examples of similar research studies or reports previously conducted. References: Contact information for at least three professional references. 8.2 Financial Proposal Budget Breakdown: Detailed budget in Ethiopian Birr (ETB), including: Professional fees (per team member/day) Travel and accommodation Data collection costs (enumerator fees, transportation, venue hire) Translation and transcription Materials and supplies Communication Report production and dissemination Contingency (if applicable) Payment Schedule: Proposed payment schedule linked to deliverables. 8.3 Submission Instructions Submissions should be sent via email to [email protected] and copy to [email protected] with the subject line: “Application for Study on Victims’ and Witnesses’ Understanding and Expectations of Reparations in Ethiopia” Deadline: Submissions must be received within seven (7) consecutive days from the date of the announcement) of this call. Evaluation Criteria No Criteria Weight 1 Technical quality of the proposed methodology 30% 2 Relevant experience and qualifications of the consultant/team 25% 3 Understanding of the Ethiopian context and transitional justice landscape 15% 4 Quality of sample work and references 10% 5 Financial proposal (value for money) 15% 6 Compliance with ToR requirements 5% Note: CEHRO is an equal opportunity organization. Female candidates and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.