Tenders are invited for Consultant: Baseline Study for Strengthening Unified Systems for Transformation, Accountability, Inclusion and Normalization of the Bangsamoro (SUSTAIN) Project Closing Date: 20 Oct 2025 Type: Consultancy Themes: Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding/Protection and Human Rights 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 warningearly response systems, accompaniment, and conflict-sensitive programming, while working closely with civil society and local authorities. NPs 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 Tender Link : https://reliefweb.int/job/4181614/consultant-baseline-study-sustain-project
