Mapping Peace Structures and Their Impact on Social Cohesion in the Karamoja Cluster

1. Background

The Karamoja Cluster, spanning the borderlands of Ethiopia, South Sudan, Kenya, and Uganda, represents a geographically and culturally interconnected region characterized by historical pastoralist mobility, shared natural resources, and recurring inter-communal conflict. Climate variability, competition over resources, limited state presence, and historical marginalization have continued to exacerbate instability and undermine social cohesion across the region.

Despite the existence of formal and informal peacebuilding structures—ranging from state-backed mechanisms to traditional councils and faith-based initiatives, these systems are often fragmented, under-documented, and vary in effectiveness and reach.

A joint project of the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) and the All-Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) seeks to strengthen the role of civil society and faith-based organizations in promoting peace and governance in the Horn and East Africa. As part of its regional program, “Transforming Lives in the East and Horn of Africa Region through Evidence-Based Advocacy and Campaigning for Peaceful Change,” Salama Hub is commissioning this study to map existing peace structures in the Karamoja Cluster and examine their effectiveness and relevance to social cohesion.

2. Purpose of the Study

The primary purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive mapping of peace structures in the Karamoja Cluster and assess their role in fostering social cohesion and addressing conflict drivers. The research is expected to generate baseline information that can inform future programming and engagement.

While the emphasis is on documentation and classification, the study may also consider how various peace mechanisms—formal, informal, and hybrid—operate, and what added value they may present.

It is important to clarify whether the study is intended to produce recommendations or to remain strictly descriptive in scope. Additionally, the rationale for examining state-led mechanisms should be clearly articulated within the framework of the study outcomes.

3. Research Objectives

3.1 Overall Objective
To contribute to peacebuilding efforts in the Karamoja Cluster through comprehensive study, documentation and mapping of formal, informal, traditional, and hybrid peace structures.

3.2 Specific Objectives

• To systematically identify, document, and categorize peace structures (formal, informal, traditional, hybrid) in Ethiopia, South Sudan, Kenya, and Uganda within the Karamoja Cluster.
• To examine the roles, reach, and functionality of these structures in conflict resolution, prevention, reconciliation, and peacebuilding.
• To explore the presence and coordination of cluster-based and cross-border peacebuilding approaches, including the inclusion of gender and youth.
• To identify linkages, overlaps, opportunities, or duplications across peace structures.
• To establish a foundation of knowledge that can inform future programming, coordination, or strategic dialogue.

4. Scope and Coverage

This study will focus on selected conflict-prone and culturally significant border areas within the Karamoja Cluster, covering:

• Ethiopia: Southwestern, South Omo
• South Sudan: Eastern Equatoria, Torit
• Kenya: Turkana, West Pokot
• Uganda: Karamoja sub-region

The research will examine:

• Formal state-led peace initiatives and mechanisms
• Informal and traditional systems of conflict resolution
• Cross-border peacebuilding arrangements
• Faith-based and civil society initiatives

5. Expected Deliverables

The consultant(s) will be expected to produce the following:

• Inception Report
  A brief report outlining the consultant's understanding of the assignment, proposed approach and methodology, complete data collection tools, detailed work plan with timelines and budget.
• Mapping Report
  A factual and structured report documenting existing peace structures across the four countries in the Karamoja Cluster. This will include their geographical coverage, type (formal, informal, traditional, hybrid), operational characteristics, and known interlinkages, any opportunities available to tap into.
• Draft Research Report
  A draft version of the mapping report presenting the compiled data and documentation of peace structures, gender and youth inclusion or exclusion based on the fieldwork and desk review, without interpretive analysis or recommendations.
• Final Research Report
  A finalized version of the mapping report that incorporates feedback from Salama Hub and relevant stakeholders, ensuring factual accuracy and clarity of presentation.

6. Duration of the Assignment

The consultancy will run for a maximum of six weeks from the signing of the contract:

• Week 1: Inception phase and literature review
• Weeks 2–4: Fieldwork - data collection and analysis
• Week 5: Drafting and initial review
• Week 6: Finalization and submission of deliverables

7. Required Expertise and Qualifications

7.1 Experience and Expertise

• At least 7 years of professional experience in research, peacebuilding, gender and conflict analysis, or social cohesion in conflict-affected contexts in Africa.
• Experience working in or with actors in the Karamoja Cluster or broader Horn of Africa.
• Demonstrated familiarity with community-based peacebuilding, contemporary and traditional peace structures, and gender-sensitive approaches.
• Proven ability to produce high-quality analytical reports and policy briefs.
• Strong field research skills, including use of qualitative and participatory methodologies.

7.2 Academic Qualifications

• Advanced degrees in Peace Studies, Social Science & Development Studies, Political Science, gender and peace studies or related fields.
• Prior work with civil society, international NGOs, FBOs, or policy advocacy organizations is an asset.

How to apply

Interested consultants should submit the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting relevant experience and qualifications
• Technical Proposal outlining understanding of the assignment, methodology, and timeline
• Financial Proposal with detailed budget (including fees, travel, and logistics)
• Two samples of recent consultancy or research related to peacebuilding or social cohesion

All applications should be submitted by July 24, 2025, to: Link https://forms.gle/aX1iBvmDbxeoskqh7 and for any inquiries, please write to YTuke@afsc.org

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.