International Social Cohesion Consultant

Job Description

Following the fall of Kabul in 2021, Tajikistan became one of the main neighbouring countries of destination and transit for Afghans. Tajikistan hosts the largest number of refugees in Central Asia, originating primarily from Afghanistan. Currently, more than 10,000 Afghans are living in Tajikistan, primarily with host communities in Vahdat, Rudaki, Dushanbe, Kushoniyon, and Jabbor Rasulov. [1]

IOM supports Afghan and host communities through community- and household-level social cohesion interventions, aiming to reinforce access to services for all and increase peaceful coexistence between and within communities. At the community level, IOM conducts integration and social cohesion interventions, with a special focus on Afghan and Tajik youth and women.
[1] UNHCR, "Tajikistan," UNHCR Central Asia, https://www.unhcr.org/centralasia/en/tajikistan. This citation refers to the UNHCR's overview of its operations in Tajikistan, which includes details about Afghan refugees residing in various host communities within the country.

Responsibilities

• Develop a detailed implementation plan with key milestones and methodology.
• Review relevant literature and project-related documents including but not limited to the KAPB survey on SBCC, reports of implementing partners, monitoring notes, and other relevant documents.
• Review the original objectives, scope, and intended outcomes of the SC strategy implemented under the project.
• Review existing literature, data, and evidence from similar projects to incorporate best practices into future strategies
• Attend meetings with project staff and stakeholders to understand the context and needs of the affected communities. 
• Develop an inception report outlining the reviewed and approved methodology, ensuring alignment with IOM standards on research and report writing. 

Inception Period and Literature Review Field Visits and Data Collection

• Ensure that the entire study, including data collection and analysis, adheres to IOM's Data Protection Principles to protect the privacy and confidentiality of all participants
• Collaborate with IOM NGO partners to conduct needs assessments in 4 districts in-person consultations.
• Conduct at least 1 field visit to each target district to:
• Interview Afghan refugees, host community members, and key stakeholders to assess progress and challenges.
• Analyze the effectiveness and accessibility of local social cohesion interventions.

Data Analysis and Final Impact Assessment Report

• Assess the results, impact, and sustainability of IOM’s social cohesion interventions in enhancing peaceful coexistence between Afghan and Tajik communities.
• Evaluate the programme’s success in fostering mutual understanding and integration, particularly for Afghan refugees within host communities.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of interventions in addressing discrimination, reducing xenophobia, and promoting solidarity.
• Analyze the target audiences, including:
  1. Primary audience: Community members directly involved in or affected by the interventions.
  2. Secondary audience: Individuals influencing community dynamics (e.g., family, teachers, community leaders).
  3. Tertiary audience: Broader stakeholders shaping social norms (e.g., policymakers, media, religious leaders).
• Measure changes in attitudes, perceptions, and behaviours among community members using qualitative and quantitative metrics.
• Collect testimonials, case studies, and field reports to illustrate the impact of interventions on social cohesion.
• Identify persistent barriers to social cohesion and areas requiring further intervention.
• Highlight shifts in institutional or community norms, practices, or policies that support integration.
• Assess the engagement and capacity-building outcomes for NGOs and their ability to implement SC events effectively.
• Develop an Impact Assessment Report with detailed recommendations based on the analysis of findings.

Social Cohesion Strategy

Development of a tailored Social Cohesion Strategy

• Conduct a comprehensive review of the findings from the impact analysis, field visits, and stakeholder consultations to inform the strategy.
• Identify key challenges, opportunities, and priorities for promoting social cohesion in the target districts.
• Develop a context-specific Social Cohesion Strategy that addresses the unique needs of Afghan refugees and host communities, fostering peaceful coexistence.
• Integrate evidence-based best practices from similar projects and align the strategy with national and international frameworks for social cohesion.
• Ensure the strategy is inclusive, gender-sensitive, and culturally appropriate to enhance its acceptance and effectiveness.
• Define measurable goals and objectives to guide future interventions and assess progress.

Development of a detailed Action Plan 

• Create a detailed Action Plan that translates the Social Cohesion Strategy into actionable steps, specifying timelines, responsibilities, and required resources.
• Outline specific interventions and activities to address identified barriers to social cohesion and promote integration, mutual understanding, and solidarity.
• Provide a roadmap for engaging diverse stakeholders, including local leaders, NGOs, and community members, in implementing the strategy.
• Incorporate monitoring and evaluation (M&E) components within the Action Plan to track progress, measure impact, and ensure accountability.
• Include budget estimates and resource allocation recommendations to facilitate efficient implementation of the plan.

Capacity building for NGOs

• Provide NGOs with refined tools and methodologies to implement SC activities.
• Develop training modules and guidelines tailored to the local context. The guidelines should include tools on implementing social cohesion activities in the target districts based on the results of impact assessment. 
• Offer strategies for multi-stakeholder engagement, including community leaders, influencers, and policymakers.

• Comprehensive analysis of the pre-existing social attitudes, behaviours, and knowledge within Afghan and host communities.
• Documentation of changes in perceptions and practices following IOM interventions.
• Identification of challenges and opportunities for future programmes.
• The report should be in accordance with IOM's guidelines to ensure quality, consistency, and compliance with established standards.

Social Cohesion Strategy:

• A comprehensive document outlining objectives, intervention areas, and measurable indicators for enhancing social cohesion.
• A detailed plan including timelines, responsibilities, and actions for implementing the strategy effectively.
• Recommendations for fostering community and institutional support for integration efforts.
• Guidelines and training materials for NGOs and stakeholders.
• Monitoring and evaluation strategy for assessing the sustainability of social cohesion interventions.
• Metrics and tools for NGOs to measure the effectiveness of their initiatives.

Action Plan:

• A detailed plan including timelines, responsibilities, and actions for implementing the strategy effectively.
• Recommendations for fostering community and institutional support for integration efforts.
• Strategies for involving community influencers, media, and local authorities in promoting social cohesion.

Capacity-Building Framework:

• Guidelines and training materials for NGOs and stakeholders.
• Monitoring and evaluation strategy for assessing the sustainability of social cohesion interventions.
• Metrics and tools for NGOs to measure the effectiveness of their initiatives.

Presentation:

• Presentation of findings, results, and recommendations to IOM and implementing partners, including actionable next steps.

Qualifications

Required Skills

Job info