ActionAid is looking for a Consultant for Research on Redefining Risk Through a Feminist Framework

Consultant for Research on Redefining Risk Through a Feminist Framework

Organization: ActionAid
Posted: 15 April 2025

Closing Date: 30 April 2025

Purpose of the Consultancy

ActionAid, through its Feminist Humanitarian Network (FHN), seeks a consultant to lead a groundbreaking research initiative aimed at rethinking the concept of “risk” in the context of humanitarian and development aid. This research will focus on redefining risk from a feminist perspective, with a particular emphasis on the lived experiences of Women’s Rights Organizations (WROs) and feminist movements.

The consultancy will address the gap in current risk frameworks that often overlook the unique vulnerabilities and strengths of feminist organizations. By prioritizing intersectional perspectives, the research aims to challenge exclusionary practices and bring forward a model of risk management that is equitable, inclusive, and transformative. The primary goals of the research are as follows:

1. Examine and document existing risk frameworks within humanitarian and development funding.
2. Redefine the concept of risk in a manner that ensures fairer aid distribution and promotes more inclusive donor practices.
3. Provide actionable recommendations to donors, policymakers, and humanitarian agencies, with a specific focus on shifting power dynamics towards WROs and feminist movements.

This research is timely, given the growing global call for more inclusive and feminist-driven approaches to humanitarian aid and development. By critically examining current practices and advocating for change, this consultancy will contribute significantly to shaping more equitable aid systems.

Scope of Work

The consultant will be expected to carry out the following tasks throughout the course of the consultancy:

1. Conduct a Literature Review

The consultant will begin by reviewing the existing literature surrounding risk frameworks in the humanitarian and development sectors. This review will include an analysis of how risk is currently understood, managed, and incorporated into humanitarian funding mechanisms. The consultant will aim to:

• Analyze existing risk frameworks in both humanitarian and development contexts.
• Identify gaps and limitations in current approaches to risk, especially those that may overlook or misrepresent the realities of feminist and women’s rights organizations.
• Examine how risk is defined beyond financial aspects, including other critical factors such as security risks, legal challenges, operational difficulties, and reputational risks.

The aim is to understand where current frameworks fall short in terms of inclusivity and to identify how they might evolve to better meet the needs of WROs and feminist movements.

2. Facilitate Participatory Research

A key element of the consultancy will involve engaging with feminist actors to ensure that the research accurately reflects their lived experiences. The consultant will:

• Conduct key informant interviews with FHN members, representatives from WROs, and other important humanitarian actors who have a stake in risk management within their organizations.
• Organize focus groups with WROs, including a dedicated in-person session at the FHN Members’ Meeting in May/June 2025.
• Ensure that the research incorporates intersectional perspectives, making sure to include voices from marginalized racial, ethnic, and disability communities within feminist movements.

These participatory methods are crucial in ensuring the research is grounded in the real-world experiences and needs of those most affected by current risk frameworks. This inclusive approach will also help uncover systemic inequalities that exist within current risk models.

3. Develop a Research Report and Advocacy Strategy

Following the data collection phase, the consultant will be responsible for synthesizing the findings into a comprehensive research report that offers a feminist analysis of risk. This report will:

• Present key insights and findings, backed by qualitative data gathered from interviews and focus groups.
• Offer recommendations for donors, humanitarian agencies, and policymakers, aimed at creating more inclusive and equitable risk management practices.
• Ensure accessibility by arranging for the translation of the report into Arabic, French, and Spanish. The translation costs will be covered as part of the consultancy fees, with support from the FHN Communications Lead for coordination.

The goal is to ensure that the report reaches a broad audience and that its findings can be used to push for meaningful policy changes.

4. Disseminate Findings and Support Advocacy

Once the research report is finalized, the consultant will help disseminate the findings and engage relevant stakeholders to foster policy change. The consultant will:

• Engage with a wide range of stakeholders to promote the adoption of feminist-driven risk management approaches.
• Share the findings with FHN members, WROs, and international allies, ensuring that the insights from the research influence future decision-making and resource allocation in humanitarian aid.
• Support the advocacy efforts by helping to build momentum for policy changes that shift the balance of power and recognize feminist organizations as key players in shaping humanitarian policy and practice.

How to Apply

Interested applicants can request the full Terms of Reference (ToR) from Chris Homann (he/him) at [email protected].

Proposals must be submitted before or on 30 April 2025, 11:00 GMT to Chris Homann (he/him) at the same email address. The proposal should include a detailed plan for conducting the research, a breakdown of the methodology, a timeline for the deliverables, and the consultant’s qualifications.

This consultancy offers a unique opportunity to influence global humanitarian practices and contribute to a more equitable and feminist approach to risk management in aid systems. We encourage applicants with a deep commitment to gender equality, social justice, and inclusive development to apply.

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