Consultant: Baseline Study for SUSTAIN Project

Strengthening Unified Systems for Transformation, Accountability, Inclusion and Normalization of the Bangsamoro (“SUSTAIN”)

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

(Philippines Nationals Only)

 

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 is designed to collect quantitative and qualitative data for measuring the target indicators for better monitoring and evaluation of the project. The objective of this baseline study is the data collection for the set of indicators outlined in the project logical framework. This aims to established a benchmark in the approved indicators.

 

Specifically, the baseline study aims to collect baseline data for the following project impact, outcomes, and outputs below:

 

IMPACT:

Overall Goal: To sustain and expand peace gains related to security aspects of the normalization process in the Bangsamoro areas.

Indicator 1: % reduction in armed conflict related incidents in normalization areas

 

Indicator 2: % of security-related normalization mechanisms that remain operational, and perceived to be effective, and locally accepted

Indicator 3: % of community members in the target Bangsamoro areas reporting improved trust in governance and normalization institutions

 

Indicator 4: % of conflict-affected communities reporting improved resolution of land disputes, clan conflicts, and cultural tensions through peaceful means

 

Indicator 5: # of people directly benefiting from EU-supported interventions that specifically aim to support civilian post-conflict peace-building and/or conflict prevention (GERF 2.24)

 

Outcome 1: 

Specific Objectives: Improved conflict sensitive and people centered security initiatives in target communities

Indicator 1: # of policies/operational procedures integrated with conflict/gender sensitive and community-centered SALW control efforts in target communities.

 

Indicator 2: # of actions taken by duty bearers to increase participation of communities in SALW control and disarmament efforts and processes in target communities.

 

Indicator 3: % of surveyed community members reporting satisfaction on the levels of participation and consultation of communities in SALW control and disarmament efforts

 

Indicator 4: % of local civilian protection actors and mechanisms perceived as timely, inclusive, and responsive by their communities

Outcome 2:

Specific Objectives: Increased and improved participation of vulnerable populations in the normalization process in target communities

Indicator 1: % increase in participation of women, youth, and former MILF combatants in peacebuilding and decision-making platforms in target communities

 

Indicator 2: % women, youth, former combatants, IP, etc. who report their participation in normalization and governance processes was meaningful.

 

Indicator 3: % of focus group participants that felt confident representing their communities’ needs in governance and normalization processes

Outcome 3:

Specific Objectives: Strengthened capacities of existing grassroots civilian protection mechanisms in target communities

Indicator 1: % of target communities with functional and coordinated EWER mechanisms actively monitoring and reporting on incidents of SALW-related and paramilitary violence

Indicator 2: % of documented rido and land disputes that have been acted upon through culturally appropriate community-led mechanisms to prevent escalation of violence.

 

Indicator 3: % of election-related incidents that are monitored, reported, or addressed by local civilian protection actors using nonviolent means

 

Indicator 4: % increase in collaboration between community-based protection mechanisms and formal actors (e.g. LGUs, security forces, CSOs) in conflict prevention and resolution initiatives in target communities

Outcome 4:

Specific Objectives: Strengthened capacities of peace mechanisms to fulfill their mandates

Indicator 1: % of peace agreement commitments monitored and reported on by TPMT with actionable recommendations adopted by stakeholders

 

Indicator 2: % of JPSTs that remain active and effective over time through joint activities and community engagement

 

Indicator 3: % of multi-stakeholder peace and transition dialogue platforms with active participation of women, youth, IPs, and other local groups

 

Indicator 4: % of stakeholders (e.g., CSOs, LGUs, TPMT, JPSTs) reporting improved coordination and clarity of roles in peace and transition mechanisms

IV. METHODOLOGY AND SCOPE OF WORK

• The consultant will lead the processes involved in the review of tools, conduct of baseline activity, and will work closely with the Project Coordinator and M & E Officer.
• He/she is expected to come up and utilize methodologies aligned with the key indicators of the project results.

In general, the methodology will involve collection of data from a certain sample size across the following specific project locations in Basilan, Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Special Geographic Area, Sultan Kudarat, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Tawi-Tawi, and Sulu.

The framework should include appropriate analysis tools and approaches including different methods for triangulating the data. It is recommended the instruments be using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies but not limited to desk review, survey, key informant interviews (KII), and focus group discussions (FGD), etc.

1. Conduct of the baseline survey through the agreed methodologies, tools and schedule that is acceptable in the context of the community, local government, and other stakeholders. The consultant will be responsible in the following:

• • Coordinate with the Senior Programme Development Manager, Project Coordinator, and M&E Officer in the development of the tools and processes
  • Collate field-based reports and documents available that will aid in the development of the tool and baseline process
  • Lead in the facilitation of the baseline process ensuring that the norms of the community are considered.
  • Ensure participation of the target groups of the project.

 

2. Facilitate presentation of the Baseline results to NP and partner NGOs

Table 1: Key Participants, Targets, Impact Groups

Target Group

Community beneficiaries include conflict-affected individuals and local peacebuilders, while institutional beneficiaries are selected for their formal roles in governance, security, and normalization, as well as their reach and capacity to influence local peace efforts.

 

NOTE: This will be discussed with the selected consultant.

 

V. SAMPLING STRATEGY

The sampling should include a purposely-targeted representation from key actors and stakeholders targeted by the project. The consultant must also consider the gender, ethnicity, education and intra and inter-faith groups.

 

The consultant is invited to propose an appropriate sampling methodology and size that is statistically valid and cost effective. A final representative selection will be made against an agreed set of criteria by NP and the consultant.

Both the sample size and proposed tools will be discussed and approved by NP before the start of the data collection.

VI. PREPARATION OF THE DELIVERABLES/TIMELINES AND FINANCIAL PROPOSAL

The consultant’s engagement shall be in three (3) months maximum duration from submission of proposal to final report. Target duration of the engagement is from November 2025 – January 2026. The activities with corresponding deliverables or outputs are the following.

 

Key Activities

1.     Preparatory activities

a.     Inception meeting with

b.     Desk review

c.      Finalisation of work plan, evaluation respondents and data gathering tools

# of days

18

Key Activities

2.     Field work / data collection

# of days

30

Key Activities

3.     Analysis, writing and submission of approved draft report

4.     Report presentation and debriefing

# of days

25

Key Activities

5.     Submission of final report and supporting documentation

# of days

20

 

Total # of days: 93 days

The baseline proposal and workplan will include the baseline approach, framework of analysis, Key baseline questions matrix, sampling approach and methods, data collection tools, validation (data quality assurance), data analysis plan (showing how each question will be analyzed from the data collected), roles and responsibilities, timeline with detailed calendar of key activities and milestones and associated levels of effort of each of the evaluation team members. The Key baseline questions matrix should identify more detailed areas of focus for each question, and methods for investigation.

The consultant will ensure that the following gender considerations are integrated in conducting the assignment:

• The entire process will take into consideration key gender issues for each area of focus.
• Set gender equality protocols for the data collection, ensure all tools and data collection techniques are sex-disaggregated.
• Collect data using good gender equality practices. Note that data sets must be sex-disaggregated and collect information from women and men as separate individuals or groups.

The financial proposal should comprise consultant professional fees. All costs should remain valid up to forty-five days (45) from the day of proposal submission.

 

VII. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CONSULTANT

In close cooperation with the programme’s unit particularly the Project Coordinator and the M&E Officer, the successful consultants will:

• Design a precise timeline to plan, to capture information, analyze results and complete the Baseline report;
• Develop and suggest crucial additional and improved indicators to capture project outcomes and outputs;
• Design baseline survey chart to present the findings;
• Formulate research questions based on log frame indicators and agreed upon additional indicators;
• Present the planning of the survey through an in-person or virtual workshop for project staff;
• Consolidate survey results after the actual survey conducted by NP for data analysis;
• Amend survey chart and research questions as by inputs from the workshop;
• Summarize findings in the survey chart and in an analytical narrative part;
• Present the draft report to the project staff;
• Incorporate comments from the project staff for the final report.

 

VIII.EXPECTED OUTPUT

Draft and final report should be submitted according to the schedule. With submitting a draft report, the consultant should organize an in-person or virtual workshop and discuss on comments and suggestions of the project staff. Relevant comments should be considered in the final report.

The final report should follow the following format:

• Cover Page
• Acknowledgement
• Glossary/Acronyms
• Executive Summary
• Introduction
• Methodology
• Scope and Limitation
• Findings
• Conclusion
• Recommendations
• Appendices,
  • to include baseline survey terms of reference, maps, sample framework, summary of research team’s activities, end notes (where appropriate) and bibliography. All materials produced by the survey, including hardcopy of the report and raw data
  • Final Data Collection Tools Used
  • Raw Data Collected
  • List of Persons Interviewed and Sites Visited

The main report shall not be more than 30 pages (excluding appendices). Moreover, the consultant will be responsible for presenting the most significant findings to the NP and implementing partners.

IX. COPYRIGHT AND OWNERSHIP OF THE STUDY

All documents produced under this consultancy shall be the sole property of NP and may be used for any purpose whatsoever without the need to consult with the author.

X. PROFESSIONAL FEE AND MODE OF PAYMENT

 

The professional fee amounting to (Php 875,000.00) will be inclusive of tax and the payment will be done according to the following arrangement:

 

Instalments        Amount                                  Timeframe

1st instalment    20% of the total amount       Upon approval of study design, research tools, and study work plan

2nd instalment  40% of the total amount       After submission of draft version study report

3rd instalment   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.

XI. QUALIFICATIONS OF THE CONSULTANT

The consultant shall have the following qualifications:

 

• A master’s or doctoral degree in political science, public policy, social sciences, research methodology, statistics, or related fields;
• At least 3-5 years background on development research, evaluation of developmental programmes, and project management, preferably in areas related to peace and conflict and humanitarian work;
• Knowledge with electoral systems and processes, including knowledge of both domestic and international electoral contexts;
• Knowledge with concepts related to electoral integrity, voter behavior, and political participation;
• Experience in conducting baseline studies or similar research in the electoral or governance sectors;
• With demonstrated expertise in monitoring and evaluation of gender-transformative;
• Knowledge with different methodologies for evaluation and review, including quantitative and qualitative data collection and participatory approaches;
• Demonstrated ability to construct and use sex-disaggregated data collection tools and to present data in reports in a consistent and through sex-disaggregated and gender-sensitive manner;
• Proven ability to write quality reports and expertise in carrying out large scale qualitative and quantitative studies;
• Must be result-oriented, a team player, exhibiting high levels of enthusiasm, tact, diplomacy, and integrity;
• Understanding the socio-political dynamics of the election context being studied and adapting methodologies accordingly.

 

XII. APPLICATION PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS

Qualified and interested parties are asked to submit the following:

• Letter of Interest addressed to
  • DELSY RONNIE
  • Head of Mission
  • Nonviolent Peaceforce Philippines

• A detailed technical proposal clearly demonstrating a thorough understanding of this TOR and including but not limited to the following:
• Consultant/Company Profile
• Description of the Methodology and Sample Size Determination
• Demonstrated previous experience in similar assignments and qualifications outlined in this TOR (provide 2-3 sample work)
• Proposed data management plan (collection, processing, and analysis)
• Study work plan
• Team composition and level of effort of each proposed team member (include CVs of each senior team member)
• A financial proposal with a detailed breakdown of costs for the study quoted in PHP.

 

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 Monday, October 20th, 2025.
  
• As part of the recruitment process, shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete a written assignment and if successful, participate in an interview process.
  

 

SPECIAL NOTICE 

Nonviolent Peaceforce is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, 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 prioritize 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 organization.

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.