ToR Consultant for Research on Climate Change and Gender-Based Violence

Project Summary

Project Countering Backlash – Reclaiming Women's Rights in Jordan, Phase 2 (2025–2028) Issuing Organization Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation Assignment Type Individual / Institutional Consultancy Geographic Scope Jordan (with SWANA regional lens) Duration 2–3 months (Year 1, 2025–2026)

Background and Context

The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation (KTK) is implementing the project “Countering Backlash – Reclaiming Women’s Rights in Jordan – Phase 2 (2025–2028)” in close partnership with Two local NGOs. This project is rooted in a feminist approach to programming and is designed to counter the growing backlash against women’s rights in Jordan and the wider South-West Asia and North Africa (SWANA) region. Under Outcome 1, the project prioritizes knowledge production, capacity strengthening, and movement building in support of women's rights actors (WRAs). A cornerstone of this outcome is a dedicated research study examining the relationship between climate change and gender-based violence (GBV), a nexus that remains critically under-studied in the Jordanian context. Climate, induced stressors including displacement, resource scarcity, food insecurity, and the aftermath of natural disasters are known to deepen existing gender inequalities and amplify risks of violence against women and girls. This study seeks to generate evidence-based insights into these dynamics, drawing on the lived experiences of affected communities in Jordan, while also situating findings within the broader regional landscape. The knowledge produced through this research will directly inform feminist advocacy, programme design, and policy engagement by KTK and its partners.

Objective of the Assignment

The overarching objective of this consultancy is to design and conduct a comprehensive, feminist, and context-sensitive research study on the impact of climate change on GBV in Jordan, and to generate actionable recommendations for women's rights actors and relevant stakeholders. Specifically, the study aims to:

• Deepen understanding of how environmental stressors exacerbate risks and vulnerabilities for women and girls in Jordan.
• Identify intersectional dimensions of climate-related GBV, including impacts on refugees, rural women, and economically marginalized groups.
• Situate Jordanian findings within the broader SWANA regional context.
• Produce evidence-based recommendations to guide programming, advocacy, and policy engagement.

Scope of Work

The selected consultant will be responsible for the following interconnected tasks:

3.1 Research Design

• Develop a detailed research methodology grounded in feminist and participatory approaches.
• Integrate robust ethical considerations and do-no-harm principles throughout the design.

3.2 Desk Review

• Conduct a thorough review of existing literature on climate change and GBV at global, regional, and national levels.
• Identify key knowledge gaps and contextual factors specific to Jordan.

3.3 Data Collection

• Design and conduct qualitative data collection using methods such as key informant interviews (KIIs), focus group discussions (FGDs), and case studies.
• Ensure meaningful inclusion of diverse and marginalized groups, including refugees, rural women, and other at-risk populations.

3.4 Data Analysis

• Rigorously analyze the relationship between climate change and GBV.
• Apply an intersectional lens to identify overlapping vulnerabilities and structural drivers.

3.5 Recommendations Development

• Develop practical, actionable, and evidence-grounded recommendations for women's rights organizations, policy and advocacy actors, and programmatic interventions.

3.6 Validation of Findings

• Facilitate a safe-space validation workshop to present draft findings to key stakeholders.
• Integrate participant feedback into all final outputs.

Deliverables

The consultant is expected to produce the following outputs: Note: All deliverables must be submitted in both English and Arabic.

• Inception Report Detailed methodology, research tools, and a comprehensive work plan agreed with KTK
• Draft Research Report A full analytical report presenting findings, analysis, and emerging recommendations in Arabic and English language.
• Final Research Report Revised report incorporating stakeholder feedback, with clear analysis of climate GBV linkages.
• Validated Recommendations A refined, actionable set of recommendations developed through a participatory validation process.
• Validation Workshop Facilitation of at least one safe space session to present and validate findings, with full documentation.
• Action Points Framework A structured list of follow-up action points to guide programming and advocacy.
• Summary Brief (Recommended) A concise, user-friendly summary of key findings and recommendations for wider circulation in Arabic and English language.

The costs of the validation session, including transportation and refreshments, will be covered by Kvinna till Kvinna.

Geographic Scope

The research will primarily focus on Jordan, engaging relevant communities, institutions, and stakeholders across the country. Where appropriate, the study should situate its findings within the broader SWANA regional context, drawing on regional literature and comparative trends to enrich the analysis and extend its applicability.

Duration and Timeline

The assignment is estimated to require 2–3 months and is expected to begin in May 2026 . A detailed work plan and timeline will be developed and agreed upon jointly during the inception phase.

• Estimated Duration 2–3 months
• Expected Start Date May 2026
• Detailed Timeline To be agreed at inception phase

Required Qualifications

Applicants should demonstrate the following qualifications and experience:

• Advanced degree in gender studies, social sciences, environmental studies, or a closely related field.
• Proven research experience in GBV and/or climate change, with a track record of producing high-quality, publishable work.
• Strong grounding in feminist research methodologies and gender-responsive approaches.
• Demonstrated expertise in qualitative data collection and analysis.
• Excellent analytical and written communication skills in English and Arabic.
• Prior experience working in Jordan or the broader SWANA region is highly desirable.

Reporting and Coordination

The consultant will report directly to the Kvinna till Kvinna programme team in Jordan and will maintain regular coordination with the POs throughout the assignment. Regular check-ins, progress updates, and milestone reviews will be scheduled to ensure quality and timely delivery.

Ethical Considerations

All research conducted under this assignment must adhere to the highest ethical standards. The consultant is expected to:

• Secure informed consent from all participants and maintain strict confidentiality.
• Apply a survivor-centered approach throughout the research process.
• Fully comply with Kvinna till Kvinna's safeguarding policies, including its PSEAH (Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment) framework and anti-corruption commitments.
• Apply a do-no-harm lens at every stage of the research design, data collection, and dissemination process.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified individuals or organizations are invited to submit the following:

• Technical Proposal outlining the proposed methodology, approach, and realistic timeline.
• Financial Proposal a detailed budget in USD for the full scope of work including taxes.
• Updated CV(s) of the lead consultant and any supporting team members.
• Work Sample(s) at least one example of previous relevant research or writing.

All applications should be sent to suma.qawasmi@kvinnatillkvinna.se

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria and weight:

• Relevant experience and academic qualifications: 30%
• Quality and rigor of the proposed methodology: 35%
• Demonstrated understanding of the assignment and context: 20%
• Financial competitiveness and value for money: 15%