EOC-DICAC: “Consultancy for Youth-Led Conflict Analysis, Gender-Sensitive and Youth-Focused Service Provision Assessment, Accessibility Audits, and Capacity Building on GBV, SRH, and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in Afar and Southern Ethiopia”

Terms of Reference

Title of the project: project of building adaptive resilience for people affected by conflict and climate crisis focusing on youth in Afar and South region of Ethiopia.

Location: Addis Ababa/ Afar/ Southern Ethiopia (Roving)

Duration: 9 months (April 1, to September 30-2026)

Reporting to: EOC-DICAC-Refugee & Returnee Affaires Department

Background

This initiative, supported by UNHCR/KOICA and executed by EOC-DICAC and ASDEPO in partnership with the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs (MOWSA) and Refugees and Returnee Services (RRS), employs a Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) Nexus strategy to enhance resilience and social cohesion among vulnerable groups in Ethiopia impacted by conflict and climate emergencies, particularly focusing on youth. The project seeks to expand youth centers, empower youth organizations, and enhance access to vital services such as sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence prevention, mental health, psychosocial support, and livelihoods. In alignment with the UNSDCF, it advocates for inclusion, sustainability, and peace through integrated interventions that address urgent humanitarian needs while promoting long-term development and climate resilience.

As part of this effort, DICAC will carry out Youth-Led and Youth- Focused Conflict Analysis and Research, conduct assessments of youth-focused and gender-sensitive service provision, perform accessibility audits to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities and respond appropriately, and enhance the capacity (technical assistance and training) of the Ethiopia Disaster and Risk Management body on GBV and SRH issues (Addis Ababa/Federal and Afar). Additionally, local authorities will receive capacity building on Disaster Risk Reduction to develop preparedness and response plans and improve working conditions, integrating GBV and SRH and youth issues into seasonal Belg and Meher and other climate-focused assessments, and cascade and implement recommendations.

Youth-Led and youth Focused conflict Analysis and research assessment: aims to enhance the understanding of conflict dynamics in six designated Woredas and to inform evidence- based Peace building Action Plans. Youth peace builders trained through the program will work in conjunction with Peace Committees and Joint Peace Committees to carry out participatory assessments utilizing desk reviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. With the support of regional peace and conflict specialists, the consultancy will oversee this process, ensuring the creation of six conflict analysis reports, bolstering youth capacity in research, and fostering their meaningful involvement in peace building initiatives.

Conduct youth-focused and gender-sensitive service provision assessment: This initiative entails performing a thorough assessment of current services, with a particular emphasis on gender sensitivity and youth-centric elements. The assessment seeks to analyze the adequacy, accessibility, and effectiveness of services aimed at meeting the needs of both genders and the youth demographic. By applying a gender-sensitive perspective and incorporating youth viewpoints, this assessment aspires to uncover gaps, challenges, and opportunities for enhancement in service delivery. The results will guide targeted interventions and strategies to improve services, ensuring they are more inclusive, responsive, and customized to address the varied needs of both genders and the youth. The objective is to conduct I assessments covering both regions (South and Afar).

Accessibility audits: this activity involves conducting accessibility audits to comprehensively address the needs of individuals with disabilities and formulate responsive strategies. This initiative reflects a commitment to inclusivity and social equity by systematically assessing and enhancing the accessibility of various environments. The activity begins with a thorough examination of physical spaces, digital platforms, and communication channels to identify potential barriers that individuals with disabilities may encounter. The audit aims to ensure that public spaces, services, and information are universally accessible, fostering a more inclusive and accommodating society. Subsequently, responsive measures are developed and implemented to remove identified barriers, promoting an environment where people with disabilities can participate fully and independently. This activity not only aligns with principles of social justice but also emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing the diverse needs of the community. By prioritizing accessibility, the initiative strives to create an inclusive and supportive framework that empowers individuals with disabilities and promotes equal participation in all facets of community life. The target is 2 audits, one Woreda per region targeted.

Enhance the capacity (technical assistance and training) of the Ethiopia Disaster and Risk Management body regarding GBV and SRH issues (Addis Ababa/Federal and Afar): This involves training the Ethiopia Disaster and Risk Management body at national and regional (Afar) levels on GBV and SRH topics. A disaster risk reduction task force exists at the kebele level, and the training will also be extended to selected active members of this task force. The task force comprises representatives from various sectors as well as community members. This initiative aims to improve their comprehension of SRH and GBV and its relationship with climate change. The direct beneficiaries will include 456 staff members from the disaster reduction office across different levels, along with personnel from other sectors. Specifically, 36 disaster reduction officers will receive training at the federal level (20 at Federal, 10 at Regional, 2 at Zonal, and 4 at Woreda levels). Additionally, workshops will be conducted for 420 DRM task force members in each Woreda, targeting active members of the disaster reduction task force in two rounds (35 members per Woreda over 2 rounds). Indirect beneficiaries will encompass 101,454 youth aged 15-35 who will gain awareness regarding the linkage between SRH and GBV, as well as the significance of implementing early warning messages (this represents half of the youth in the project areas).

The capacity building of local authorities in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR): aims to develop preparedness and response plans while enhancing working conditions. This initiative integrates Gender- Based Violence (GBV), Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), and youth issues into seasonal assessments for Belg and Meher, as well as other climate-related evaluations, to effectively cascade and implement recommendations. The goal is to empower local authorities through DRR training, enabling them to formulate preparedness and response strategies. This effort is directed at strengthening the capabilities of regional entities in Ethiopia concerning GBV and SRH matters, ensuring these issues are incorporated into crisis-oriented assessments for successful execution. The target is to produce 4 action plans, with 2 plans allocated for each region. Furthermore, the integration of GBV, SRH, and youth considerations into climate assessments. particularly during the Belg and Meher seasons, is essential for the effective implementation of recommendations and addressing these issues within climate-focused strategies. The objective is to complete 4 assessments/action plans, averaging 1 per year. Training will be provided to the staff of the Disaster Risk Management Commission (DRMC) at the federal level, focusing on the relationship between climate change, SRH, and GBV. A total of 44 staff members will receive this training, utilizing materials provided by UNHCR. The assessment process will be conducted by the federal DRMC, with UNHCR offering the necessary technical support to ensure that SRH and GBV considerations are integrated into the assessment tools. During the project duration, 4 assessments (1 per year) will be carried out. Each Disaster Risk Management Woreda office will be equipped with computers (one desktop and one laptop per Woreda, totaling 12 computers and WIFI routers) and office furniture (one table, four chairs, and one shelf per Woreda). The total number of direct beneficiaries is 44 staff members, who will concentrate on preparedness and early warning systems (six per Woreda and four per region). The following diagram illustrates the Empowerment Framework that will be employed throughout the program's implementation.

Objectives of the Assignment

• The consultant will provide technical expertise and guidance to youth peace builders in conducting participatory conflict analysis and research. The goal is to produce six comprehensive conflict analysis reports (one per Woreda) that inform peace building strategies and enhance youth capacity in conflict research.
• The consultant in collaboration with DICAC, ASDEPO and youth peace builders will conduct youth-focused and gender- sensitive service provision assessments. The goal is to conduct 1 assessments covering both regions (South and Afar).
• The consultant in collaboration with DICAC, ASDEPO and disability associations will conduct accessibility audits to address the needs of people with disabilities and respond accordingly in the target Woredas. The Goal is 2 audits, one Woreda per region targeted.
• The consultant in collaboration with DICAC/UNHCR will enhance the capacity (technical assistance and training) of the Ethiopia Disaster and Risk Management body regarding GBV and SRH issues at Federal, regional, Zonal and Woreda level (Afar). Specifically, 36 disaster reduction officers will receive training at the federal level (20 at Federal, 10 at Regional, 2 at Zonal, and 4 at Woreda levels).

The consultant in collaboration with DICAC/UNHCR will conducted capacity building of local authorities in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) focusing on the relationship between climate change, SRH, and GBV to the staff of the Disaster Risk Management Commission (DRMC) at the federal level and in collaboration with DRMC conduct climate seasonal assessments. The Goal is to trainee 44 staff, produce 4 action plans, with 2 plans allocated for each region and to complete 2 climate assessments/action plans, 1 per year.

Scope of Work

Youth-Led and youth Focused conflict Analysis and research assessment:

• Develop a youth-focused conflict analysis framework aligned with UNHCR protection principles.
• Integrate participatory tools (desk review, FGDS, Klls) for data collection.
• Deliver training sessions (in collaboration with regional educational institutions) on conflict analysis methodologies for 120 youth peace builders.
• Ensure gender-sensitive and inclusive approaches.
• Guide youth teams during data collection and analysis.
• Provide quality assurance for research outputs.
• Consolidate findings into six Woreda-specific conflict analysis reports.
• Present findings to DICAC/ASDEPO/UNHCR, Peace and Security Offices, and other stakeholders.

Conduct youth-focused and gender-sensitive service provision assessment:

• The consultant will collaborate with DICAC, ASDEPO, and youth peace builders to conduct a youth-focused, gender- sensitive service provision assessment across South and Afar regions. This assignment, involving one comprehensive assessment, focuses on identifying service gaps and needs for young people.
• Assessment Design: Developing methodologies for evaluating service provision tailored to youth and gender sensitivities.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborating with local stakeholders to conduct interviews and focus groups, ensuring diverse perspectives from young women and men.
• Reporting: present and deliver evidence-based findings and recommendations to improve service provision in target regions.

Accessibility audits:

• The consultant will partner with DICAC, ASDEPO, and disability associations to conduct two accessibility audits in target Woredas (one per region), focusing on improving access for people with disabilities. This involves identifying physical, information, and communication barriers in public infrastructure to create inclusive environments.
• Audit Execution: Conduct on-site accessibility audits of public spaces, buildings (e.g., offices, schools, and health facilities), digital platforms and services.
• Collaborative Approach: Work with DICAC, ASDEPO, and local disability associations (OPDS) to ensure the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in the audit process.
• Identification of Barriers: Identify physical, information, and communication bottlenecks that prevent access for people with disabilities.
• Report and Action Plan Development: present and deliver evidence-based report findings and develop recommendations for modifications and improvements based on the audit findings.

Capacity building trainings to Ethiopia Disaster and Risk Management body regarding GBV and SRH issues:

• The consultant will partner in partnership with DICAC and UNHCR, need to provide the institutional capacity of Ethiopia's Disaster Risk Management body in Federal and Afar regarding Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH). It provides technical assistance and training for 36 personnel across federal (20), regional (10), zonal (2), and woreda (4) levels to integrate these protection issues into disaster responses.
• Develop training material and methodologies together with UNHCR and DICAC.
• Targeted Training: 36 Disaster Reduction Officers will receive specialized training on GBV and SRH mainstreaming within disaster response.
• Geographical Focus: The training specifically targets officers operating in the Federal and Afar Region at various administrative levels.
• Implementation Partner: The initiative operates through collaboration between the consultant, DICAC, and UNHCR.
• Level Specifics: 20 officers at Federal level, 10 at Regional, 2 at Zonal, and 4 at Woreda levels.
• Provide and present training report.

Capacity building trainings and seasonal assessments

• The consultant will partner with DICAC/UNHCR to enhance the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) capacity of 44 Disaster Risk Management Commission (DRMC) staff, focusing on climate change, Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), and Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The project includes developing four action plans (two per region) and conducting two climate seasonal assessments.
• Capacity Building: Train 44 federal/local DRMC staff on DRR, climate change, SRH, and GBV.
• Develop training material and methodologies together with UNHCR and DICAC.
• Action Planning: Produce 4 action plans (2 per region) tailored for local authorities.
• Assessment: Conduct 2 climate seasonal assessments (1 per year) in collaboration with DRMC.
• Present assessment findings to DICAC/ASDEPO/UNHCR and provide training report.

Methodology

Youth-Led and youth Focused conflict Analysis and research assessment:

• Stakeholder Mapping/Analysis: Identifies primary and secondary actors, their motivations, power dynamics, and relationships (interests vs. positions).
• Conflict Tree Analysis: Breaks down conflict into root causes (roots), core issues (trunk), and symptoms (leaves) to distinguish between underlying drivers and immediate manifestations.
• Dividers and Connectors Analysis: Identifies factors that divide people (sources of tension) and those that connect them (capacities for peace).
• Conflict Sensitivity Assessment: Evaluates the interaction between a project and the context to ensure interventions do not worsen conflict (Do No Harm approach).
• Scenario Building: Develops alternative future scenarios based on conflict trends to anticipate potential outcomes and guide proactive responses.
• 4Rs Analysis (Rights, Responsibilities, Returns, and Relationships): Analyzes the legitimacy of conflict actors, their responsibilities, economic motivations, and relationships.
• Conflict Scan/Rapid Assessment: Uses interviews, literature reviews, and surveys for a quick overview of the conflict situation.
• Political Economy Analysis: Examines the political, economic, and social structures, focusing on "greed" (predatory accumulation) vs. "grievance" (marginalization).
• Systems Thinking/Mapping: Visualizes the interconnectedness of various conflict factors and actors, highlighting systemic causes rather than isolated issues.

Key Framework Areas

• Conflict analysis frameworks typically cover:
• Context Analysis: Socio-economic, environmental, and political factors.
• Actor Mapping: Needs, goals, and capacity of stakeholders.
• Conflict Drivers and Dynamics: Triggers for violence and long-term causes.

Conduct youth-focused and gender-sensitive service provision assessment:

• Age and Gender-Disaggregated Data Analysis: Analyzing existing data split by sex and age to identify differences in access, usage, and outcomes.
• Participatory Assessments: Using focus group discussions, interviews, and community-led mapping to understand the experiences and needs of service users.
• Age and Gender-Sensitive Checklists & Tools: Utilizing structured, quantitative, and qualitative checklists to assess whether facilities are gender-responsive.
• Provider Self-Awareness Surveys: Evaluating the attitudes, biases, and knowledge of service providers regarding gender roles.
• Structural Quality Assessment: Evaluating infrastructure (e.g., private rooms, safety, and female staff availability) for gender sensitivity.
• Gender-Sensitive Monitoring & Evaluation: Implementing frameworks that track gender-responsive indicators.

Key Focus Areas for Assessment

• Availability: Are services provided at times and places accessible to both youth women and men?
• Accessibility & Affordability: Do gender-related, economic, or social barriers prevent access?
• Quality of Care: Do providers offer respectful, tailored, and comprehensive services?
• Staffing & Training: Is staff trained to understand and address gender-specific needs?

Accessibility audits:

• Desk Review: Review of existing policies, communication channels and building plans.
• Site Inspection: Physical inspection and simulation of experiences by auditors.
• Consultation: Focus groups, interviews, observation or surveys with persons with disabilities (OPDs).

Capacity building trainings and seasonal assessments:

• Interactive Workshops: Structured sessions focusing on dialogue, group work, and skill application rather than lectures.
• Action Learning & On-the-Job Training: Participants learn by addressing actual work problems, ensuring immediate practical application of new skills and fostering organizational change.
• Mentoring and Coaching: Pairings between experienced professionals and mentees to provide personalized guidance, build confidence, and transfer tacit knowledge.
• Peer-to-Peer Learning & Exchange Visits: Facilitating knowledge transfer by visiting other organizations or teams to learn about new working methods, fostering networking and practical insights.
• Training of Trainers (ToT): Developing internal trainers to replicate training sessions, ensuring sustainability and cost- effectiveness in building long-term organizational capacity.
• Case Studies & Simulation Exercises: Using real-world scenarios, role-playing, and simulations to help participants apply theoretical knowledge to complex, realistic situations.
• Capacity Needs Assessments: Utilizing surveys, interviews, and focus groups to align training with specific skill gaps.
• Pre- and Post-Training Evaluations: Measuring skill improvement and training impact on behaviors or institutional performance, say this Spotlight Initiative guidance.
• Action Planning: Concluding trainings with concrete action plans to ensure that the learning is applied back in the workplace.

For the seasonal assessments;

• Multi-Sectoral Teams: Teams typically comprise specialists from agricultural, food security, health, and disaster management sectors who conduct joint field assessments.
• Field Surveys & Key Informant Interviews: visit the target areas to gather direct information on crop performance, market prices, and livestock health from local officials and farmers.
• Imagery & Agromet Data: data on vegetation cover and rainfall trends are validated with field information to estimate crop production.
• Structured Questionnaires: Household-level data is collected to assess food availability, consumption patterns, and coping strategies

Deliverables

Youth-Led and youth Focused conflict Analysis and research assessment:

• Submission of methodology, work plan, and timeline.
• Training Materials - For six sessions (one for each Woreda) on peace building and conflict analysis.
• Six Conflict Analysis Reports: Including root causes, actors, interests, and recommendations.
• Final Presentation: Summary of findings and recommendations.

Conduct youth-focused and gender-sensitive service provision assessment:

• Submission of methodology, work plan, and timeline.
• Training Materials - For 2 sessions (one for each region) gender sensitive services provision (youth focused).
• One assessment report covering both regions (South and Afar).
• Final Presentation: Summary of findings and recommendations.

Accessibility audits:

• Submission of methodology, work plan, and timeline.
• Inception Report: Detailed plan and tools.
• Draft Audit Report: 2 Preliminary findings and recommendations.
• Final Audit Report: 2 Comprehensive report with photos, detailed findings, and coasted recommendations.
• Present findings to DICAC/ASDEPO/UNHCR, Peace and Security Offices, and other stakeholders.

Enhance the capacity (technical assistance and training) of the Ethiopia Disaster and Risk Management body regarding GBV and SRH issues (Addis Ababa/Federal and Afar):

• Development of training materials together with UNHCR and DICAC tailored for DRM professionals on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) in emergency settings.
• Training of 36 disaster reduction officers: 20 at Federal level, 10 at Regional (Afar), 2 at Zonal level, and 4 at Woreda level.
• Establishment or strengthening of GBV response coordination and referral pathways between the DRM Commission and local health/protection actors, specifically focusing on the Afar region.
• Integration of gender-sensitive and Survivor-centered strategies into Afar regional disaster response plans.
• Operationalization of GBV prevention activities within disaster- prone communities.
• Establishment of monitoring tools to measure increased access to GBV/SRH services in targeted Woredas.
• Training report.

Capacity building of local authorities in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) focusing on the relationship between climate change, SRH, and GBV to the staff of the Disaster Risk Management Commission (DRMC) at the federal level and in collaboration with DRMC conduct climate seasonal assessments.

• Capacity Building Component: Training for 44 DRMC staff and local authorities on the nexus of climate change, SRH, and GBV.
• Action Planning: Development of 4 action plans, providing 2 regional action plans per target region, integrating GBV case management and reproductive health into humanitarian response.
• Climate Assessments: Completion of 4 climate seasonal assessments/action plans (1 per year) conducted in collaboration with DRMC to support disaster preparedness.
• Improved Coordination: Enhanced capacity of regional and federal officials for multi-hazard contingency planning and gender-sensitive disaster response, consistent with national and local disaster management frameworks.
• Integration: Successful mainstreaming of GBV case management, protection, and climate adaptation practices into disaster management operational plans.
• Training reports and final Presentation: Summary of findings and recommendations.

Required Qualifications

The consulting team will consist of an external consultant. DICAC's MEAL, Protection manager, protection team and Peace and Ethics department will closely work with the consultant throughout this process.

The external consultant will be responsible for:

• Preparing for and coordinating the work
• facilitating debriefs and technical support for assessments and capacity building trainings
• Writing draft and final reports.

The consulting team need have the following skills/ experience and qualities:

• Have extensive experience in conducting youth-Led and youth Focused conflict Analysis and research assessment, youth- focused and gender-sensitive service provision assessment and accessibility audits in the countries/Ethiopia context.
• Have extensive experience in facilitating capacity building training in the areas of GBV and SRH issues and conducting seasonal assessments.
• Team member's needs to have Advanced degree in Peace and Conflict Studies, Social Sciences, Gender, Special needs. agriculture or related fields.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in conflict analysis, accessibility audit and participatory researches.
• Proven track record in youth engagement and capacity building especially in the areas of GBV and SRH.
• Have accessibility related expertise in the team to ensure physical and communication related technical and infrastructure standards.
• Have a proven understanding and working experiences of disability inclusion, accessibility along with universal design principles.
• Have a good theoretical and practical knowledge and experience on assessment research and training methodologies.
• Able to design and implement qualitative and quantitative data collection and data analysis.
• Can ensure that gender, conflict sensitivity, environment and climate change concerns are assessed as a part of the organizational crosscutting concerns.
• Be fluent in English and Amharic (written and spoken). Familiarity with Afar and Southern Ethiopian context and local governance structures is an asset.
• Should be willing to follow and agree to abide by DICAC's processes, rules, and policies, including Safeguarding Policy.
• The consultant should have completed all the over compliance and be updated legally to the government system before applying for this work.
• Strong analytical and report-writing skills.

Duration and dates of the assignment

The assessments, researches and capacity building trainings are planned to take place from 1 April to 30 September 2026 in the target regions and federal level.

• Work 100% (fulltime) during here under-mentioned period.
• Travel to six Woredas may be required.

Ownership, Confidentiality, and Ethics

These assessments, research initiatives, and capacity-building training sessions will uphold the confidentiality and anonymity of those providing information. Participation in the research, assessment, and capacity-building training process will not be mandatory for anyone, including direct or indirect beneficiaries.

The consultants are prohibited from sharing or disclosing the contents of the final reports or any matters pertaining to DICAC and its partners without obtaining written consent from DICAC (Data sharing protocol will be signed). While conducting the assessments, research, and capacity-building trainings, the consultants will be mindful of the local context and culture, presenting themselves with modesty and humility when addressing issues related to women, children, individuals with disabilities, and marginalized groups. Individuals with a history of child abuse, gender-based violence, or any other criminal offenses will not be involved in this work. The consultant(s) will be required to sign a self-declaration and agreement form, which will be incorporated into the contract. It is essential for the consultant to adhere to the research, capacity-building, and assessment Ethics, Principles, and Guidelines recognized both nationally and internationally. The Consultant will also sign DICAC's Code of Conduct for Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults, which will be included in the Contract.

Furthermore, while it is not obligatory, if the consultants encounter particularly sensitive issues that they believe should not be included in the general report, they may submit a separate, confidential report to the DICAC/RRAD head office.

COST

A consultancy fee amount will be agreed upon based on the number of days/months required for the assessments/research and capacity building work. The consultancy fee will be subject to tax liability as per the tax rule of Ethiopia. The consultant can submit financial plan along with technical plans.

How to Apply

N.B only highly qualified and short listed candidate will be contacted.

Interested & Qualified applicants can submit non-returnable application, CV and relevant documents including technical and financial plans within 10 working days from the date of this announcement in person or to the following address. EOC-DICAC head office 4 kilo, Addis Ababa in front of Tourist hotel.

Contact Address:

Tel.: 011 155 2221 / +251 91 304  3680 & +251 91 208 4605

Tender details

• Deadline: 2026-04-18
• Bid closing time: 17:00
• Bid closing (note): Within 10 working days from the date of this announcement
• Bid opening: 2026-04-18 17:00
• Bid opening (note): No Specific Opening Date and Time
• Region: Addis Ababa
• Publishing entity: Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Development and Inter Church Aid Commission (EOTC/DICAC)
• Buyer address: ቱሪስት ሆቴል ፊት ለፊት ወደ ዩኒቨርሳል ኮሌጅ መግቢያ በስተግራ ያለው ግቢ ሁለተኛ ፎቅ ፋይናንስ መምሪያ
• Published: Apr 08, 2026
• Posted at: 2026-04-08T09:27:59.000Z