Request for Quotations (RFQ) – Specialized Researcher in Comparative Research and Evaluation of Community Initiatives

Request for Quotations (RFQ): Specialized Researcher in Comparative Research and Community Initiative Evaluation

I. Background

ACT for Conflict Resolution invites qualified researchers and experts to submit proposals to conduct a comparative research study under the project titled:

"Community Initiatives Based on Mediation Approaches to Enhance Dialogue and Social Cohesion in Palestinian Society"

(Funded by the European Union)

The project aims to support trained mediators in implementing community initiatives that foster dialogue, mitigate tensions, and strengthen social cohesion. This research study seeks to generate knowledge, document lessons learned from the implemented initiatives, and link them to international best practices and experiences in mediation and community dialogue.

II. Objective of the Assignment

This assignment aims to contract a specialized researcher to conduct a comparative research study that combines an evaluation of the community initiatives implemented under the project with a comparative review of similar international experiences from other conflict contexts. The goal is to generate actionable knowledge and enrich community mediation practices.

III. Assignment Details

• Research Type: Comparative Research Study
• Research Topic: Analysis of mediation-based community initiatives implemented in Palestinian society, compared to similar international experiences in community dialogue and mediation.
• Expected Timeline: January – February 2027
• Location: Ramallah, Palestine
• Language: Arabic (with a mandatory Executive Summary in English)

IV. Scope of Work and Responsibilities

The consultant/researcher will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Conduct a inception/preparatory meeting with the ACT team to clarify research objectives and expected deliverables.
• Prepare a detailed research plan including methodology, data collection tools, and a timeline.
• Analyze the community initiatives implemented under the project based on evaluation findings and custom analytical framework tools designed for this study.
• Conduct a comparative review of similar international community mediation and dialogue initiatives from other conflict contexts.
• Synthesize data, conduct analysis, and extract key lessons learned.
• Draft a final research paper incorporating findings and recommendations according to ACT's approved layout.
• Professionally design the research paper to be publication-ready.
• Participate in a dedicated workshop to present research findings and facilitate a discussion on lessons learned.

V. Expected Methodology

The research study must follow a clear scientific methodology combining qualitative and quantitative approaches as appropriate. The proposed methodology is expected to include:

• Desk review of documents and reports related to the community initiatives implemented under the project.
• Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) or Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with mediators and beneficiaries.
• Literature review of relevant international comparative experiences.
• Systematic comparative analysis linking local results with international practices.
• Formulating practical, actionable recommendations tailored to the Palestinian context.

VI. Key Deliverables

The selected researcher is expected to deliver the following:

• Final Research Plan: Approved by ACT prior to commencing field/analytical work.
• Final Comparative Research Paper: Including, at a minimum:
• Executive Summary in both Arabic and English.
• Methodology description.
• Analysis of implemented community initiatives and their outcomes.
• Comparative review of international experiences.
• Lessons learned and practical recommendations.
• Publication-Ready Layout: A professionally designed version of the final research paper ready for print and digital distribution.

VII. Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (minimum requirement) in a relevant field such as Social Sciences, Conflict Resolution, Peacebuilding, Community Development, or related disciplines.
• Proven experience in conducting qualitative and quantitative research in mediation, community dialogue, or conflict resolution.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting comparative studies of international case studies.
• In-depth understanding of the Palestinian context and its related social and political challenges.
• Strong qualitative and quantitative analytical skills.
• Proven research report writing skills.
• Ability to adhere to strict timelines and deliver high-quality outputs.
• Previous experience working with civil society organizations or internationally funded projects is preferred.

VIII. Proposal Submission Requirements

Applicants must submit a comprehensive proposal containing the following components:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Highlighting relevant experience, academic qualifications, and samples/links of previous similar research work (if available).
• Technical Proposal: Must include:
• Understanding of the assignment and its objectives.
• Proposed research methodology.
• Proposed data collection tools, explaining the purpose and structure of each.
• Work schedule/timeline breaking down key tasks.
• Preliminary outline/structure of the research paper.
• Financial Proposal: Itemized cost breakdown covering all assignment expenses, including researcher fees, data collection costs, and layout/design expenses. Prices must be quoted in Euros (€), inclusive of all taxes, and remain valid for three (3) months from submission.

IX. Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation CriterionWeight

• Relevant research experience and qualifications30%
• Quality of the technical proposal and research methodology25%
• Familiarity with the Palestinian context and mediation/dialogue sectors15%
• Financial Offer30%

ACT reserves the right to accept or reject any offer without providing reasons. ACT is not bound to select the lowest price offer, but rather the most advantageous offer balancing technical quality and cost-effectiveness (Value for Money).

X. Contract Duration

The contract begins upon signing and ends after all required deliverables are completed and approved by ACT. The core research activities are scheduled for execution between January and February 2027.

XI. Application Process

Technical and Financial proposals, accompanied by the candidate's CV, should be submitted by email to:

Contact Person: Sahar Fakhouri

Email: sahar.fakhouri@actadr.org

Deadline: September 13, 2026

Email Subject Line:

Price Quotation – Comparative Research Study Researcher

Incomplete submissions or proposals received after the deadline will not be evaluated.

XII. General Terms & Conditions

• All submitted proposal documents must be in Arabic unless otherwise agreed upon.
• The researcher is strictly bound to maintain confidentiality regarding all data and information accessed during the assignment.
• ACT will facilitate access to necessary project reports and documentation subject to availability.
• The contract is governed by ACT’s administrative and financial procedures as well as donor compliance requirements.