Environmental Peacebuilding Association

Afghanistan: Consultant - Researcher Climate Crisis Impact and Drivers of Conflict in Afghanistan

Sep 26, 2023 | Geneva Call
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Geneva Call is a neutral and impartial non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting respect by Armed Groups and de Facto Authorities (AGDA) for international humanitarian norms in armed conflict and other situations of violence, in particular those related to the protection of civilians. Geneva Call focuses its efforts on banning the use of anti-personnel mines, protecting children from the effects of armed conflict, prohibiting sexual violence in armed conflict, working towards the elimination of gender discrimination, protection of civilian infrastructure and humanitarian access.Geneva Call in Afghanistan seeks to increasingly prioritize conflict-related environmental issues in its humanitarian engagement with AGDAs. The mutually reinforcing impacts and increasing intersections of armed conflict, environmental degradation, and climate change have been prioritized as ultimately increasing risks to civilians in armed conflict, leading to displacement, disrupted food production, destroyed livelihoods, and limited access to basic services.

Overall Objective & Scope of Work

Project Objectives:

Geneva Call is implementing a six-month project that will help increase knowledge about the protection of marginalised communities living in environmentally vulnerable and conflict-affected areas controlled by armed groups and de facto authorities (AGDA).

Geneva Call’s programme will support and promote the following outcome:

The international community has a better understanding of the protection challenges faced by communities most vulnerable to violence, armed conflict, and climate crises in Afghanistan, and can sustainably improve their resilience and adaptive capacity through relevant programmes.

The above finding is supported by the following outcomes:

Improved understanding of the intersections between violence, armed conflict, and the climate crisis, as well as the capacities and perspectives of AGDAs in relation to environmental and civil protection.
Recommendations and guidance for the international community on humanitarian programming and constructive engagement with AGDAs to better address climate crises and mitigate associated armed conflicts.

Objectives of the research:

The researcher will lead and develop a comprehensive study on the climate crisis and causes of conflict in Afghanistan. The study will assist Geneva Call Afghanistan in developing a better understanding of AGDA’s perception of its role and responsibility towards climate change and mitigating its impact on armed violence.

The scope of work for the research component will be as follows:

Review of the literature (academic and grey) and mapping of existing studies.
Development of a methodology for collecting primary and secondary data.
Analyse conflicts over resources such as water and arable land. Particular attention should be paid to tensions between communities and minority groups that are particularly vulnerable in relation to access to resources ? especially the Kuchi and Hazara communities;
assessing the link between floods and drought and internal displacement and their impact on urban areas and neighbouring countries; and
Assessment of the role and responsibilities of AGDAs in relation to the above components.
The analysis will develop a conceptual framework to decipher the intersections between climate change impacts, climate-related actions (including adaptation and mitigation), and causes of conflict in Afghanistan.
Develop recommendations for Geneva Call Afghanistan’s operational strategy with respect to AGDA’s engagement on climate-related issues and conflict.
Present findings to the team of GC.

Geographic locations:

The research will target Central Highlands, Northern and Eastern provinces.

Methodology of the research:

Due to the fragility of the context and considering the principle of “Do No Harm”, the study will be conducted in a conflict-sensitive manner and the following methods will be used:

– Review of key literature on climate crises and conflict drivers in Afghanistan.

– Quantitative data collection (focus group discussions and key informant interviews) and analysis in the target areas

Key Deliverables (Tentative Deadlines)

Inception Report – Outline of the Research Proposal and Methodology, as well as any data collection tools, to be shared and discussed with GC Team. (2 weeks from the start of the consultancy)
First draft of research report to be reviewed by GC team. (12 weeks from the start of the consultancy)
Submission of final research report (incl. pictures). (16 weeks from the start of the consultancy)
Presentation of research main findings through online sessions for donors and INGOs community. In-person presentation to the donor. (18 weeks from the start of the consultancy)
Participation to restitution workshop in Afghanistan (3 restitution workshops in total). (20 weeks from the start of the consultancy)

Main qualifications

Education and experience

Master’s degree in a related field (e.g., Economics, Natural Resource Management, Risk Management, Climate Science/Policy, Political Science, Security Studies).
Minimum 5 years’ work experience and knowledge around issues related to climate change, conflict, risk management and environmental policy.
Excellent English communication and drafting skills, knowledge of Dari/Pashto is an advantage.

Technical skills

Proven ability to carry-out independent policy-relevant research, translate theory into practical applications, and adapt professional knowledge and technical skills to analyze, diagnose and propose solutions to policy issues and challenges related to climate change.· Capacity to develop and apply conceptual and strategic frameworks, compile policy-relevant checklists, and carry-out data analysis.· Proven ability to carry-out independent policy-relevant research, translate theory into practical applications, and adapt professional knowledge and technical skills to analyze, diagnose and propose solutions to policy issues and challenges related to climate change and fragile contexts.

Languages

English (C1-C2)

Personal skills

Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines.
Willingness to travel to high-risk locations, including conflict areas.
Sensitivity to/understanding of political and conflict dynamics.
Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to adapt to multicultural environments

Conflict of interest

Any candidate affiliated to, or openly supporting, one or more interest groups opposed to the Foundation’s principles and values, or whose previous position could engender safety issues for co-workers at Appel de Genève / Geneva Call, will be excluded from this selection process.

Preferred start date: October, 2023

Application

No later than September 30th, 2023.