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#ACEH #WONOSOBO #TAPANULI #SINGKAWANG Vacancy: Research Study of Holy Site Project

Terms of Reference
For Research Study of Holy Site Project
Empowering Inter-Faith Collaboration to Respect and Protect Holy Sites in Indonesia

Search for Common Ground Indonesia is looking for an experienced researcher to carry out the research of Holy Site Protection in Indonesia under the program of “Empowering Inter-Faith Collaboration to Respect and Protect Holy Sites in Indonesia”.  This program aims to strengthen inter-faith collaboration to safeguard Holy Sites in Indonesia by increasing religious tolerance by mapping holy sites, promoting respect of holy sites and empowering inter-faith task forces. This program is funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This Terms of Reference (TOR) defines the work that must be carried out by the Researcher. It provides a brief outline of the project, specifies the scope of the research, and outlines the research method.

Background of Project
Indonesia is home to the world's major religions and traditions including Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity in addition to various indigenous and international religions. Holy sites, varying from temples to churches to tombs, cover all corners of the archipelago. Despite this abundance of holy sites, there is a general lack of knowledge, understanding, and respect for these sacred spaces. Many holy sites in Indonesia continue to be targets of destruction, desecration, and controversy. The lack of respect for holy sites and sacred spaces reflects a broader trend of religious intolerance in the country.

The goal of this project is to strengthen inter-faith collaboration to respect and protect Holy Sites in Indonesia

The specific objectives are:
  • Increase understanding on religious tolerance through mapping and describing holy sites in Indonesia; 
  • Promote the importance of respecting holy sites through innovative educational materials and outreach activities; and 
  • Empower and institutionalize inter-faith groups to protect holy sites.
Research  Objectives
  • To map out and describe the holy site in  Indonesia (To identify both the locations of holy sites (mapping) and establish how community members define holy sites and sacred places of both their own religion and the religions of others (describing).
  • To define the important of holy site for religious life in Indonesia
  • To assess government policies and its implementation toward holy site existence and protection 
  • To determine the level of public awareness and involvement against holy site existence and protection
  • To inform the development of educational media materials and activities used in the other activities project
Research Methodology
A mix-method approach and methodology will be used to gather key data in order to inform program implementation. The methodologies will include; desk study review, observation, key informant interviews, focus groups, and surveys.  

Desk study review: A desk study will review the literature, and where appropriate the secondary data will be included in the research.  In other words, information that is readily available and published within the last 3 years will be used as complimentary information.  

Interviews: Will be conducted with key informants in the targeted locations. The key informants are determined based on research objectives. They will share the information regarding their knowledge and understanding on holy site issues and the related policies

Surveys: A community-based survey will be conducted collect quantitative data on general understanding of holy site issues.  It will be used to triangulate the key informant interviews and focus group. 

Sample size: will be discussed in-depth with the consultant and DME team of SFCG Indonesia.

Focus Groups: A focus group will be conducted per location to measure the knowledge and understanding of holy site issues and related policies

Location
Target of Focus Group
Wonosobo
Community
Aceh
Community
Tapanuli
Community
Singkawang
Community

SCOPE OF WORK 

Location:
The researcher will be based in Jakarta but will spend a significant portion of the consultancy conducting research in four cities across Indonesia. And the researcher will work under the Country Director in collaboration with program staff and the DME coordinator based in Jakarta. The consultant will be expected to travel to the several locations cited above to conduct this work.

Deliverables
  • The research proposal and work plan completed within first three days and consist of the assignment as agreed upon by the program team.
  • First Draft of research report submitted to the program team for comments and suggestions. 
  • Final Assessment Report: The report should be in English, between 15-20 pages, and consist of:

Duration & Deadlines

The duration of the contract will be a total period of three months starting from October, 2 2014.

  • Proposal, Budget, and Workplan due by October, 15 2014.
  • First draft of assessment due by December 15, 2014.
  • Final receipt of all deliverables due by December 31, 2014.

Logistical Support

SFCGI will provide preparatory and logistical assistance to the evaluator(s), which include:
  • Background materials (Program Proposal/TOR, Log Frame, etc.);
  • Preparation meeting with Country Director and key program personnel;
  • Identify interviewees and set up interviews; 
  • Arrange transportation, lodging, etc.

THE ASSESSMENT CONSULTANTS

Consultants Role

The lead consultant is expected to be responsible for the following:
  • Developing research proposal and research methodology
  • Identify and define research priority areas, and recommendations;
  • Design questioner for survey, interviews, and FGD;
  • Engage stakeholders in the research process;
  • Data analysis coordination;
  • Develop and present a draft research report to SFCG staff and other stakeholders;
  • Produce a 15-20 page report covering key findings, major conclusions and recommendations.
Qualifications:
  • Minimum 5 years applied experience in research, especially on interreligious themes 
  • Minimum  Master degree in anthropology, sociology, religious studies, conflict resolution, and other related social science
  • Proven quantitative and qualitative research skills 
  • Work experience in Indonesia
  • Fluent in English; knowledge of Bahasa Indonesia is highly desirable.
Supervision of the Consultant:
The consultant will be under the direct supervision of the SFCG Program Director, Mr. Agus Nahrowi. With further assistance from Ms. Maghfiroh during final evaluation implementation.

Please send your Curriculum Vitae and cover letter (including expected salary) to phandayani@sfcg.org, by 5pm, 30 September 2014. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.