Research Consultant – Community Participation in the Community Engagement Forum

Background

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a humanitarian organization with 75 years of experience in supporting refugees and internally displaced persons worldwide. As part of our work, the Community Engagement Forum (CEF) was established as an online community of practice for humanitarian practitioners working in displacement responses. The CEF provides resources, facilitates discussions, and offers learning opportunities to strengthen community engagement in humanitarian settings.

To enhance inclusivity and ensure the meaningful participation of displaced community members in the CEF, we are seeking a Research Consultant to assess the accessibility, relevance, and engagement potential of the CEF for displaced persons.

Scope of Work

The consultant will conduct a study to determine how displaced persons can effectively participate in the CEF’s initiatives and resources. Key responsibilities include:

• Evaluating the accessibility and usefulness of CEF’s online platforms, advisory board, and engagement structures for displaced persons.
• Assessing opportunities for displaced persons to contribute meaningfully to CEF’s 2025 initiatives, such as donor advocacy, training modules, and e-learning development.
• Identifying ways to facilitate meaningful participation without creating financial, emotional, or time burdens for displaced persons.
• Conducting interviews and a desk review to gather best practices from similar communities of practice and networks.
• Preparing a research report with findings and recommendations, and presenting the results in a CEF Community Coffee and Chat session.

Deliverables

The consultant will be expected to:

1. Conduct an accessibility assessment of CEF’s platforms, structure, and advisory board.
2. Evaluate and propose mechanisms for displaced persons to participate in CEF initiatives.
3. Identify and document best practices for meaningful community participation.
4. Develop a comprehensive research report with recommendations (maximum 20 pages).
5. Present the findings and recommendations in an online webinar session for the CEF community.

Required Qualifications

• Professional experience in community participation in humanitarian settings.
• Solid understanding of humanitarian contexts, community engagement, and accountability.
• Proven research experience in similar contexts.
• Familiarity with IASC and CCCM coordination mechanisms.
• Strong English communication skills (written and verbal).
• Candidates with lived displacement experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

Terms and Conditions

• The consultancy will be conducted remotely.
• The total consultancy period is 20 days, starting no later than 21 April 2025.
• The consultant will work independently and provide progress updates.
• Payment will be based on the successful completion of agreed deliverables.
• The consultant is responsible for their own insurance coverage.