Terms and Reference for “Consultancy to Conduct Baseline Study on SUSTAIN Project of Nonviolent Peaceforce”
(Philippine Nationals Only)
You may view full Terms of Reference in this link. (This posting is just a shortened version)
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 aims to collect quantitative and qualitative data aligned with the four outcomes and related indicators of the SUSTAIN project, as approved in Annex I – Description of the Action and Log frame (main references) This will enable accurate monitoring, evaluation, and learning throughout project implementation.
The study specifically seeks to gather baseline data for the following outcomes:
The baseline will assess indicators disaggregated by sex, age, disability, ethnicity, and other relevant diversity factors in accordance with NP’s Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) framework. Please see Annex I for the table of Impact and Outcome Indicators:
IV. METHODOLOGY AND SCOPE OF WORK
The consultant will design and implement a participatory, mixed-methods approach combining both qualitative and quantitative data collection. The approach must be conflict-sensitive, gender-transformative, and GEDSI-responsive, ensuring meaningful participation of women, men, youth, persons with disabilities, and marginalized groups across the nine project provinces.
Sampling will ensure proportional representation of key beneficiary groups—youth, women, ex-combatants, IDPs, and local peace actors—as identified in Annex I. Data collection will include desk reviews, surveys, key informant interviews (KIIs), and focus group discussions (FGDs). Triangulation and participatory action research will be applied to validate data quality and contextual relevance.
The consultant will work closely with the Senior Program Development Manager, Program Manager and M & E Officer to co-develop data collection tools, ensure ethical data gathering, and facilitate participatory validation of results.
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V. TARGET LOCATION AND COVERAGE
The baseline study will cover nine conflict-affected provinces of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and adjacent areas targeted by the SUSTAIN Project: Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Special Geographic Area (SGA), Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and Sultan Kudarat. Data collection will take place in selected municipalities and barangays within these provinces, determined jointly by Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) and the consultant during the inception phase, based on accessibility, security, and representativeness.
VI. TARGET RESPONDENTS AND PARTICIPANTS
The baseline will collect data from a representative mix of community and institutional stakeholders, reflecting the project’s gender-transformative and GEDSI focus. Sampling will ensure balanced geographic, gender, and role-based representation across the following groups:
NOTE: This will be discussed with the selected consultant.
VII. KEY TASKS AND DELIVERABLES
The consultancy will run for a maximum of three months (November 2025 – January 2026). The following deliverables are expected:
Key Activity Expected Output Indicative Timeline
Inception Phase Inception Report (study design, sampling, tools, work plan) 20 days
Field Data Collection Completed data sets, field documentation 30 days
Analysis and Draft Report Draft Baseline Report and Presentation 30 days
Finalization Final Baseline Report (clean version) and data annexes 20 days
The final report must include an executive summary, methodology, findings, conclusions, recommendations, and annexes with tools, raw data, and the list of respondents. The report should not exceed 30 pages, excluding annexes.
VIII. CROSS-CUTTING CONSIDERATIONS AND ETHICAL STANDARDS
The consultant shall ensure adherence to NP’s safeguarding and data protection policies, EU ethical research standards, and Do-No-Harm principles. All data collection must obtain informed consent and guarantee confidentiality. Special measures should be taken to protect women, youth, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable respondents. All personal data must be handled in compliance with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and NP’s internal protocols.
IX. INSTITUTIONAL AND OPERATIONAL ARRANGEMENTS
The consultancy will be commissioned by Nonviolent Peaceforce Philippines (NPP) under the oversight of the Head of Mission. Strategic direction will be provided by the Senior Program Development Manager (SPDM), while day-to-day coordination will be managed by the Project Coordinator and M&E Officer. The consultant will work closely with NP field teams and implementing partners to ensure timely and ethical completion of all deliverables.
Key operational arrangements include:
X. EXPECTED OUTPUT
Click here to access full list of expected output.
XI. PROFESSIONAL FEE AND MODE OF PAYMENT
The maximum amount for this consultancy engagement is PhP 850,000 and will be inclusive of tax and the payment will be done according to the following arrangement:
1st Installment
20% of the total amount
Upon submission and approval of Inception Report capturing research design and data gathering tools.
2nd Installment
40% of the total amount
Upon submission of the following milestones/Progress Report:
3rd Installment
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.
XII. QUALIFICATIONS OF THE CONSULTANT
For Individual Consultants:
For Institutional Consultants / Consulting Firms:
Institutional consultants or firms may apply, provided they demonstrate:
XIII. APPLICATION PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS
HOW TO APPLY:
SPECIAL NOTICE
Nonviolent Peaceforce is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, 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 prioritise 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 organisation.
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.