Research Consultant: Skills in Fragile Environments

ABOUT THE PROJECT

This study seeks to explore evidence of the relationship between skills programmes and building stability, with a focus on bilateral programmes between the UK and overseas.

The following countries and their skills programming have been chosen as the focus for case studies as part of this research:

• South Asia: Bangladesh; Pakistan*
• Middle East and North Africa: Iraq;* Libya; Egypt; Yemen

*Countries that have been selected to conduct a more in-depth research involving at least 12 interviews per country 

The British Council has a long and rich history delivering skills programmes, from English language teaching to entrepreneurship, sports coaching and cultural skills. Our work seeks to empower youth, build their capacity and give them the tools to realise personal ambition. Although this activity is vital throughout the world, it takes on particular significance in challenging contexts where youth unemployment is high, with significant skills gaps that are mismatched with existing markets, and an underdeveloped existing skills offering in country. 

When traditional channels of diplomacy fail, cultural relations programmes can provide an important opportunity to maintain and build trust, leading to an improved bilateral relationship. In a programming context, the cultural relations approach aims to build and maintain trust, create mutual opportunities for social change and prosperity and can help to build partnerships between the countries in question.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Research consultants are invited to propose an approach which includes:

• explanation as to why skills programming is an effective intervention in fragile and conflict environments – exploring impact at policy, institutional and individual levels
• analysis of the evaluative data available from British Council skills programmes in the six selected countries (Iraq, Libya, Yemen, Egypt, Pakistan and Bangladesh) over the previous ten years
• literature review into the role played by other international agencies during this period
• (for Pakistan and Iraq) qualitative analysis to capture the longer term impact of skills programming (through interviews etc.)
• overview of the role played by skills programming in twentieth century diplomacy. This would serve as a framing device for the report, taking a broader look at British Council activity over the past 80 years. The researcher will examine material housed within the archive (e.g. previous Country Director reports) and institutional memory
• final output that is visually engaging with charts, graphs and images as appropriate.

Travel to the countries included in this research is not anticipated as a requirement for this research. Any expected travel costs within the UK etc. should be included in the costing approach.

Outputs: 

• draft findings to be produced by w/c 10 July (to be shared with British Council representative in PowerPoint format), which includes preliminary key findings, historical case study analysis, key findings from initial interviews and desk-based report analysis and areas of focus for final report
• final report prepared by 31 October 2017 (to give time for British Council Design team to produce and publish the final version by the end of November 2017). 

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Essential 

• Extensive knowledge and previous research or evaluation experience, including conducting primary research, in the field of skills and employability, security and stability, social change or youth programming
• Knowledge of skills programming or social change programming in Official Development Assistance (ODA) and non-ODA countries
• Evidence of publications in a related field
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Desirable

• Experience conducting primary research at distance or using virtual communication tools.

If you are interested, please send: 

• completed Supplier Response Document (below)
• CV tailored to the above requirements 
• completed Pricing Approach document (below)

to aoife.garrigan@britishcouncil.org with the title ‘Research into Skills in Fragile Environments’.

Please note, we can only respond to successful applicants and only within five working days of the application deadline.