TERM OF REFERENCE FOR A RESEARCH PAPER ON ISLAM AND ENVIRONMENT

TERM OF REFERENCE FOR A RESEARCH PAPER ON ISLAM AND ENVIRONMENT

Organization

CARE International in Somalia

Position Type

Short-term consultancy

Study/Assessment Topic**

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR A RESEARCH PAPER ON ISLAM AND ENVIRONMENT

Position Location

NUGAAL & KARKAAR REGIONS OF PUNTLAND, SOMALIA

Duration

20 days

Application deadline

1st March 2016

Starting date**

15th March 2016

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND

CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty and providing lifesaving assistance in emergencies. Its programmes go beyond meeting basic needs at the onset of an emergency to helping affected communities recover and rebuild their lives long after the crisis ends. CARE has been providing assistance to communities in Somalia since 1981. It is implementing a variety of longer-term development activities aimed at supporting the Puntland Government in the achievement of its development milestones. CARE works in partnership with the government, international NGOs, civil society, leaders and local authorities in order to bring effective and lasting change to the most vulnerable communities in Puntland.

PROJECT SUMMARY

Deegaankaagu waa noloshaada project -“Your environment is your life”, is an EU funded project that aims to combat rangeland degradation and hence contribute to MDG 1 as well as MDG 7. This initiative aims to reduce hunger and food insecurity in the Puntland State of Somalia by improving rangeland conditions, promoting sustainable use of rangeland resources, empowering local communities and strengthening institutional capacity of the Ministry of Environment to develop and implement a policy and operational framework for effective management of rangeland resources.

The project also aims to raise the level of environmental awareness among communities and leaders by conducting a high-level awareness raising and public education campaigns using a variety of strategies and methodologies. Use of Islamic sources is one of the preferred methods to sensitize the public on environmental issues and prevent or reduce the aforementioned unsustainable practices.

BACKGROUND OF THE CONSULTANCY

Environmental degradation has put an unprecedented amount of pressure on the fragile ecosystems of Puntland. Since the collapse of the Somalia government in 1991, almost all forms of natural resource management and control systems fell apart, resulting to depletion of natural resource base.

Environmental degradation is attributed to several unsustainable human practices, which include wanton clearing of trees for charcoal production, unplanned settlement, illegal dumping of wastes, overfishing, overgrazing, uncontrolled development of water points, off road driving in the prime rangelands among others. Environmental conditions in general, and more so the rangelands conditions in Puntland have been on the decline and this has led to reduced livestock productivity, which is a backbone to the economy of Puntland.

In order to address these unsustainable practices that resulted to the current scenario, and reverse the aforementioned trends, CARE International wants to conduct a research on existing Islamic teachings that touch on safeguarding the environment from harmful practices. This is on the premise that, Holy sources such as the Quran and hadiths are revered among Muslim communities and the research findings could be used to facilitate awareness rising of local communities.

OBJECTIVES OF THE CONSULTANCY

The consultancy aims to conduct a technical research on Islam and environmental management with emphasis on information from Holy sources (Quran and Hadith) that can be used for sound environmental management.

METHODOLOGY AND SCOPE OF WORK

The research on Islam and environment will use a combination of primary and secondary information. The consultant is expected to:

Conduct research and review all relevant existing studies/documents on Islam and the environment and frame this information in ways it can be used for environmental conservation.

Conduct wide stakeholder consultations with Islamic scholars and other learned persons in order to generate and collect enough information on the position of Islam in environmental management and the role Islam plays in environmental management.

The research should make reference to all the major thematic areas of the environment such as water management, wildlife management, air, trees/vegetation management and land/soil conservation, waste management etc.

Select, synthesize the above collected information and analyze it to meet the objective of the research.

Facilitate a review workshop to consolidate findings with Islamic scholars and other relevant stakeholders in Puntland.

CONSULTANCY PERIOD**

The consultancy duration will be for a period of 20 days. Consultants are required to quote days required for preparation, reporting, and editing to be included in their proposal bid. CARE International in Somalia will cover all travel, accommodation and meal expenses while in the field.

DELIVERABLES

§ The consultant is expected to submit a technical research paper that addresses the TOR. The paper should point out specific verses of the Quran and Hadiths that encourage environmental conservation or prohibits bad environmental practices.

§ The consultant should be able to contextualize the excerpts from the Quran/hadith to current prevailing environmental issues.

· A none-technical brief summary of the research paper for ease of dissemination.

REQURIED QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

The suitable candidate should have;

· A postgraduate degree in a relevant field

· Excellent understanding of the Holy Quran and the Hadiths of the Prophet but also with clear understanding of key natural resource management issues in the Horn of Africa in general and more so in Somalia.

· Highly developed research and analytical skills with a strong capacity in conducting independent research and managing timelines.

· Minimum 5 years working experience in conducting quality research

· Ability to work in a team and willingness to travel to remote areas.

· Good understanding of Somali language and ability to understand the context.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications should be submitted by 1st March 2016. All applicants must meet the minimum requirements described above, and those unable to meet these requirements will not be considered. CARE is an equal opportunity employer. Each application package should include the following:

· Technical and financial proposal with a clear work plan indicating the candidate’s availability and consultancy rates in USD. Please note that CARE will cover all travel, accommodation and meal expenses while in field.

· Updated CV including relevant work experience and qualifications and Contacts details of 2 references.

· A sample of recent research work, Applications without a sample will not be considered.

All applications should be sent to somconsultants@care.org; with the subject line:

“Islam and Environment”.

CARE is an Equal Opportunity Employer, promoting gender, equity and diversity. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.