Call for Applications for Experts on Climate Change and Conflict in Yemen

Mar 19, 2021 | Berghof Foundation
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The Berghof Foundation is an independent, non-governmental and non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting efforts for achieving sustainable peace through conflict transformation research, dialogue and mediation and peace education. Based in Germany, the NGO is run by a diverse team with staff from several countries and maintains working relations with partners around the globe. An international Board of Trustees supports its work.

Description of activities:

Yemen is one of the countries most effected by climate change and environmental degradation in the MENA region. Increasing drought, fewer but heavier rainfall, floods and the depletion of ground water and loss of arable land is already a reality in many parts of Yemen today.

These effects of climate change, alongside environmental degradation, act as stressors and factors contributing to local conflicts. Reduced access to water and extreme weather events may for example negatively affect food security and undermine the livelihoods of vulnerable households and communities. Growing scarcity can lead to increased competition, which becomes unmanageable in the absence of institutions for conflict resolution. Fragile states with a history of conflict like Yemen are particularly vulnerable to climate shocks.

Local authorities can play an important role in mitigating some impact of changing climate conditions and environmental degradation on local conflicts, for example by conducting environmental assessments before largescale infrastructure projects, more effective regulation of the oil industry, providing the institutional infrastructure to enable cooperation rather than competition, better urban planning which could avert flooding after heavy rains, and investment in other mitigation measures.

The Berghof Foundation and Political Development Forum (PDF) have been working for more than 3 years to strengthen inclusive local governance and peacebuilding in Yemen. Climate change and environmental degradation as one contributing factor to local conflicts can no longer be ignored. In our efforts to strengthen local institutions to address local conflicts and deliver basic services to citizens, we therefore want to explore this topic further.

We are looking for an expert on climate change and conflict in Yemen to draft a research paper in a first attempt to identify the direct and indirect effects of climate and environmental changes on community-level conflict in the governorates of Hadramawt and Al Mahra1 and ways to address them from the perspective of local authorities.

Concretely, the author of the paper shall answer the following research questions:

• What are the environmental and climatic changes which have or are likely to occur in the coming years in Hadhramawt and Al Mahra governorates?
• How have these changes affected local conflicts and the ability of communities and existing institutions to manage conflicts? How is this likely to develop in the future?
• What sectors, groups, and areas are likely to be particularly affected in the two governorates? (This analysis should take a gender and diversity sensitive approach, looking at different genders, age groups, socio-economic strata, occupational groups, as well as differential impact across geographic areas)
• How can local authorities address, mitigate and prevent climate-related conflicts and where are they dependent on national and international support and changes?

In answering these questions, the paper should:

1. Better understand (1) how climate/environmental change is affecting communities, (2) how this climate/environmental change is influencing the kinds of conflicts which arise and (3) how they could be managed effectively by local authorities
2. Identify specific cases of climate/environmental change related conflicts which have or had a particularly strong impact on communities or are perceived by communities to be or to have been especially significant
3. Develop recommendations, focused on local authorities, to address the impact of climate change on local communities

The expected length of the paper is 8.000 – 10.000 words.

Required qualifications:

• A university degree in political, social or environmental sciences or other relevant fields
• A minimum of five years of proven experience as a researcher on conflict and/or environmental issues in Yemen
• A proven record of relevant publications
• Academic research and writing skills
• Familiarity with the local context of the governorates of Al Mahra and Hadhramawt and knowledge of local conflict actors and factors
• Familiarity with the local governance structure in Yemen and the authorities’ capacities and challenges in Hadhramawt and Al Mahra in specific
• Fluency in Arabic and English, both verbally and in writing
• The ability to travel within Al Mahra and Hadhramawt OR relevant contacts in the governorates to conduct a ‘virtual field visit’ by conducting interviews with relevant counterparts
• Ability to render consulting services in a collegial, professional, and efficient manner

Deliverables:

• A workplan and methodology, which includes the consultant's understanding of the assignment, field work plan and the research approach
• A first draft
• A second draft after review by Berghof Foundation and PDF
• A final draft after final comments by Berghof Foundation and PDF

Timeframe and Budget for required service:

• The publication shall be drafted within the timeframe of 1 April to 31 May 2021
• A maximum budget of 4.500 EUR is available for this consultancy. The expert is asked to propose a timeline and budget, including a daily fee within their offer. When reviewing the offer, value for money will be the basis of the selection choice.

Language:

The application shall be submitted in English.

Application Procedure:

Please submit your application via email to yemen@berghof-foundation.org and include ‘Expert on climate change and conflict in Yemen’ in the subject of your email. Please include your CV, a list of relevant publications, a proposed research methodology and your offer, including the number of days and daily fee you suggest.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We look forward to receiving your application!