Tenders are invited for Participatory Action Research (PAR) on Private Armed Groups (PAGs) and Their Impact on Local Peace and Security in Bangsamoro Closing Date: 3 Mar 2026 Type: Consultancy TERMS OF REFERENCE (ToR) Participatory Action Research (PAR) on Private Armed Groups (PAGs) and Their Impact on Local Peace and Security in Bangsamoro You may view and download Terms of Reference here. I. Background and Context Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) is an international civil society organization working to protect civilians in violent conflict through Unarmed Civilian Protection (UCP). In the Philippines, NP has operated since 2007, with a sustained presence in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and adjacent provinces. NP works alongside communities, civil society organizations, and local authorities to prevent violence, reduce threats, and strengthen inclusive peace and protection mechanisms, with particular attention to women, youth, Indigenous Peoples (IPs), and other populations in vulnerable situations. This consultancy is undertaken under the EU-funded SUSTAIN Project, which aims to strengthen community safety, civilian protection, and normalization processes in conflict-affected areas of Bangsamoro. Within this framework, Activity 1.4.1 seeks to generate a robust, evidence-based understanding of Private Armed Groups (PAGs), their operations, and their impacts on local peace and security, in order to inform reintegration, prevention, and normalization strategies aligned with the Bangsamoro peace process. II. Purpose and Overall Objective The overall objective of this assignment is to conduct a comprehensive Participatory Action Research (PAR) on Private Armed Groups (PAGs) operating in Bangsamoro, examining their historical evolution, recruitment patterns, organizational structures, and impacts on local peace and security. The research will place particular emphasis on: The impacts of paramilitary and PAG-related violence on populations in vulnerable situations, including women, youth, and Indigenous communities; The dynamics and effectiveness of existing demobilization and reintegration efforts, including the integration of former PAG members into the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP); The implications of PAG dynamics for normalization, civilian protection, disarmament, and small arms and light weapons (SALW) control in Bangsamoro. The study will generate actionable, locally grounded evidence to support inclusive peacebuilding, inform policy and programming, and strengthen sustainable normalization outcomes, in line with the interconnection of outcomes, outputs, and activities under the SUSTAIN Project (Annex 3). III. Specific Objectives The PAR shall: Develop a comprehensive profile of PAGs in Bangsamoro, including their origins, evolution, recruitment mechanisms, command structures, territorial presence, and linkages with political, security, and socio-economic actors. Analyze the impacts of PAG operations and paramilitary violence on community safety, social cohesion, and human security, with differentiated analysis for women, youth, and Indigenous Peoples. Engage approximately 120 diverse stakeholdersincluding community members, former PAG members, womens groups, youth leaders, Indigenous leaders, civil society organizations, local government units, and security actorsto ensure participatory, inclusive, and context-sensitive analysis. Assess existing demobilization, disarmament, and reintegration pathways, including the integration of former PAG members into AFP and PNP structures, identifying gaps, risks, and good practices. Generate evidence-based recommendations to inform reintegration, prevention, SALW control, and normalization strategies at community, local, and regional levels. Contribute to the identification of key messages and inputs for future policy dialogue, programming, and IEC materials related to armed violence prevention and community safety. IV. Scope of Work The Consultant shall work under the overall guidance of the M & E or any designated staff of NO, and in close coordination with the NP Program Manager. The scope of work includes, but is not limited to, the following: 4.1 Research Design and Inception Review relevant literature, policies, and program documents related to PAGs, normalization, and SALW in Bangsamoro. Design a PAR framework aligned with Activity 1.4.1 and the SUSTAIN Project results framework. Develop clear research questions, analytical frameworks, sampling strategies, and data collection tools, ensuring triangulation of qualitative and quantitative methods. Integrate conflict sensitivity, do-no-harm principles, safeguarding, and gender-responsive approaches. 4.2 Participatory Data Collection Conduct stakeholder mapping and scoping across target areas. Facilitate Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with distinct groups (women, youth, Indigenous Peoples, community leaders, and former PAG members). Conduct Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with local officials, civil society actors, religious leaders, AFP, PNP, and relevant authorities. Support community dialogues and reflection sessions to surface lived experiences, validate emerging findings, and encourage collective analysis. 4.3 Analysis, Validation, and Action-Oriented Outputs Analyze findings with attention to power dynamics, gendered impacts, and community-level implications. Facilitate validation workshops with stakeholders to verify findings, address gaps, and refine conclusions. Support action planning discussions that translate research findings into practical recommendations for reintegration, prevention, SALW control, and normalization. V. Methodological Approach The PAR shall adopt a mixed-methods, participatory approach, combining qualitative and quantitative tools. Core methodological principles include: Community-led inquiry and iterative reflection; Triangulation across data sources and stakeholder groups; Safe, inclusive, and ethical engagement with populations in vulnerable situations; Sex- and age-disaggregated data collection and analysis; Continuous engagement with NP to ensure policy and program relevance. VI. Expected Deliverables and Timelines The consultancy will run for a total of 120 days (4 months). Key Deliverables: A. Inception Report Refined research questions and PAR framework Methodology and sampling strategy Data collection tools Work plan and timeline B. Draft PAR Report Comprehensive analysis of PAG dynamics and impacts Assessment of reintegration and normalization pathways Preliminary findings and recommendations C. Final PAR Report Revised report incorporating validation feedback Clear, actionable recommendations linked to Activity 1.4.1 outcomes Annexes including tools, stakeholder lists (anonymized), and methodological notes D. Presentation and Debriefing Presentation of findings to NP and selected stakeholders VII. Indicative Work Plan (4 Months / 16 Weeks) Weeks 13: Inception phase, desk review, refinement of research framework, and development of data collection tools Weeks 49: Fieldwork and participatory data collection (FGDs, KIIs, community dialogues) Weeks 1012: Data analysis, synthesis of findings, and preparation of the draft PAR report Week 13: Validation workshops and stakeholder review of preliminary findings Weeks 1416: Finalization of the PAR report, integration of validation inputs, and presentation/debriefing VIII. Professional Fee and Mode of Payment The maximum amount for this consultancy engagement is PhP 1,750,000 and will be inclusive of tax and the payment will be done according to the following arrangement: Instalments 1st instalment Amount: 30% of the total amount Timeframe and Deliverables: Upon submission and approval of Inception Report capturing research design and data gathering tools. 2nd instalment Amount: 40% of the total amount Timeframe and Deliverables: Upon submission of Draft PAR Report, including monthly milestones 3rd instalment Amount: 30% of the total amount Timeframe and Deliverables: After completion of final study report NOTE: The Consultant is expected to submit milestones every 18th of the month within the engagement period. IX. Gender, Conflict Sensitivity, and Safeguarding The Consultant shall: Integrate gender-responsive and conflict-sensitive approaches throughout the research; Ensure sex- and age-disaggregated data collection; Apply safeguarding and ethical research standards consistent with NP policies; Ensure informed consent, confidentiality, and protection of participants. X. Ownership and Use of Outputs All outputs produced under this consultancy shall be the sole property of Nonviolent Peaceforce. NP reserves the right to use, reproduce, and adapt the materials for programmatic, policy, and advocacy purposes. XI. Qualifications of the Consultant Advanced degree or equivalent experience in peace and conflict studies, social sciences, or related fields; At least 7 years of progressive experience in peacebuilding or conflict-related research; Demonstrated working knowledge of SALW, armed violence, or normalization processes in Bangsamoro or similar contexts; Proven experience conducting participatory research in various settings and contexts; Strong analytical writing and communication skills in English. Demonstrated experience in peacebuilding, conflict analysis, and applied research in high-risk or vulnerable settings. Proven capacity to design and conduct program assessments, studies, or surveys relevant to peace, security, and normalization processes. Established experience engaging and collaborating with national-level security sector actors, including government ministries/agencies, police, and military institutions. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with civil Tender Link : https://reliefweb.int/job/4199280/participatory-action-research-par-private-armed-groups-pags-and-their-impact-local-peace-and-security-bangsamoro
