TOR – Research on barriers to SEAH reporting

Research on barriers to reporting SEA

Terms of Reference (ToR)

CARE Poland is seeking consultant(s) to conduct research on barriers to SEA (sexual exploitation and abuse) reporting and community perceptions on SEA in Poland. The findings of the proposed research will inform CARE, IRC and their Partners’ safeguarding strategies and potentially contribute to improving the safeguarding framework in Poland.

Background and purpose

Protection from sexual violence persons displaced by conflict has been a highly topical issue and important component of Ukrainian response since the 2022 invasion. However, experts noted that this has not been sufficiently linked to the existing PSEA framework in host countries, including Poland. The lack of awareness of PSEA in the aid sector significantly affected the level of safety in places where humanitarian aid has been provided. Also, the lack of a systemic safeguarding framework tailored to specific sector needs like education or health increases the risk of SEA among the refugee and migrant population.

The situation has led Humanitarian Agencies to call PSEA an “issue without name” in Poland.[1] Although through the work with our Partners, CARE saw an improved understanding of PSEA, the need for safeguarding assurances and systemic solutions in Poland is still high. While CARE has put emphasis on raising awareness, strengthening reporting mechanisms and supporting referral services, the situation leads us to believe that the reporting of SEA incidents is still very low.

Therefore, together with our Partners we aim to understand the perceptions on SEA in Poland as well as best practices and overall barriers related to SEA reporting in the broader context of power imbalance and dynamics in the humanitarian crisis.

Research objectives and research questions

The primary objective of the research is to identify community perceptions and reasons for SEA underreporting and develop recommendations to inform advocacy efforts and safeguarding strategies developed by CARE Poland, IRC and Partners.

Research objectives:

• To measure awareness, attitudes, and knowledge of the refugees and local communities receiving affected populations about SEA and SEA existing reporting and response mechanisms
• To understand preferred communication channels as well as overall barriers to SEA reporting
• To understand the cultural sensitivities and contextual factors that might influence SHEA perceptions and reporting behaviors among refugees
• To analyze the existing information on the best practices for reporting cases in Poland and to use intersections between PSEA and GBV protection to strengthen local safeguarding systems
• To ensure that feedback from crisis affected population will inform recommendations on developing the most effective SEA reporting and response mechanisms

The research will seek to answer the following questions (to be refined by the research consultants in consultation with CARE, IRC and Partners):

• How do Ukrainian refugees in Poland understand, define, and identify SEA cases?
• What is the level of understanding and attitude towards the existing SEA reporting and response mechanisms among Ukrainian refugees in Poland and local communities hosting refugees?
• What are the Ukrainian refugees’ preferred ways to receive communication about SEA and channels to raise concerns?
• How do the locally operating protection/response service providers ensure effectiveness of internal systems for managing GBV and SEA cases?
• How to foster collaboration between CSO/public sector service providers in terms of strengthening accountability to crisis affected populations?
• What factors influence trust and a sense of accountability among refugees and affected populations, and specifically, what are their expectations around the SEA reporting and response procedures?
• What evidence and good practices from different contexts can be used to further develop and strengthen safeguarding framework in Poland?

Suggested methodology

The consultant(s) will conduct research applying an appropriate methodology which includes qualitative and potentially quantitative data collection entailing beneficiary surveys, document reviews, focus group discussions, key informant and stakeholder interviews.

Secondary research will be conducted on the background and conceptual framework; It will include information on intersections between PSEA and GBV protection activities. Secondary research may also incorporate, for example, evidence and good practices from different but relevant contexts. Nevertheless, primary data collection should form the basis of the research.

Methods used for this research should be participatory and inclusive.

Some of the key stakeholders that should be targeted through the primary data collection include:

• Ukrainian refugees including those living in collective centers, minority groups, adolescents, people with disabilities
• Humanitarian Aid Workers, including GBV Program staff and MEAL staff

Deliverables

CARE Poland expects the consultant(s) to deliver the following outputs:

• Inception report that includes the design, sample, implementation, and supervision strategy of the assessment including data collection tools– developed and agreed with CARE before primary and secondary research begins
• First draft assessment report including raw data set in SPSS – including secondary data and sources consulted in the desk review, and all primary data collected including interview notes and results of quantitative exercises
• Final report of no more than 30 pages, excluding references and annexes, in English and Polish versions. The report format will be finalized during the research implementation
• Executive summary – no more than 5 pages, and provision of a powerpoint presentation summarizing key findings and recommendations
• Raw data – including secondary data and sources consulted in the desk review, and all primary data collected, including interview notes and results of quantitative exercises
• Validation workshop(s) attended by a consultant(s)/research agency and research partners to develop recommendations
• An Action Plan for dissemination of findings, including workshop for the PSEA Network Member(s) and Partners

Relevant experience & skills

• Experience in safeguarding/child protection/strong and proven background (e.g., through prior publications or references) in qualitative and quantitative research on sensitive topics and/or in humanitarian context
• Familiarity with the context of Ukraine Crisis Response
• Excellent analytical and reporting skills
• Proven skills in using participatory research methods, including participatory group discussions (focus group discussions that employ participatory activities throughout)

Timeline

Consultant(s) should propose a realistic timeframe for delivering all deliverables in the proposal. The timeline will then be consulted with CARE and Partners. Following the finalization of the report, the consultant(s) will present the findings to CARE, IRC, and Partners as well as the PSEA Network in Poland.

Selection criteria

The applications will be evaluated by the selection committee based on the following criteria:

• Research plan and methodology and their alignment with the Terms of Reference (ToR) – 40 points
• Overall amount and cost-effectiveness of the budget – 30 points
• Timeline of implementation – 10 points
• Expertise of the applying consultant(s) – 20 points

Consultant Requirements

Selected consultant(s) will be required to comply with CARE’s policies, processes, and procedures.

Safeguarding

CARE Poland is committed to preventing all unwanted behavior and all forms of misconduct at work, including fraud and corruption and sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, and child abuse. Everyone who works and consults for CARE is expected to share this commitment and abide by CARE International’s Safeguarding Policy and our Safeguarding Code and Conduct(s).

CARE Poland is committed to a safe recruitment process to help attract and appoint the right consultant(s) for the role and responsibilities set out in the Terms of Reference. All offers for consultancy will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks.

Application

1) Tenders must be received by 10th of August 2024.

2) Tenders should include the following:

• A proposal, including:
• Methodology
• Detailed plan of action indicating staff days required
• Proposed timeframe for achieving the consultancy deliverables
• Detailed budget to cover all costs associated with the research (with separated costs of the qualitative and quantitative research)
• CV or company details demonstrating relevant experience and skills and a sample of previous work
• Name and contact details for at least two references
• Tenders should be submitted by email to Anna Pilaszek, CARE Poland Safeguarding Advisor (anna.pilaszek@care.org) by 21st of August 2024.

[1] Sexual Exploitation and Abuse against Refugee Women: An issue without a name in Poland, 16 June 2023, https://easterneurope.safeguardingsupporthub.org/blog/sexual-exploitation-and-abuse-against-refugee-women-issue-without-name-poland.