Research Study - Critical Success Factors for Implementing Impactful Transitional Justice Mechanisms in Ethiopia

1.0 Background

Ethiopia has a long history of complex conflicts stemming from historical injustices, identity-based grievances, and struggles over governance, resources, and autonomy. The transitions from authoritarian rule to more open political systems have been accompanied by recurring violence, ethnic divisions, and unresolved trauma, leaving many communities in need of both justice and healing. While efforts to promote peace and stability have been undertaken, the lack of a comprehensive and inclusive transitional justice framework continues to hinder the country’s progress toward lasting reconciliation.

Transitional justice, which includes truth-seeking, reparations, accountability for crimes, institutional reforms, and guarantees that abuses will not recur, has been successfully used in other post-conflict societies to address past human rights violations. However, in Ethiopia, these mechanisms are still developing, and will need to be well-connected, and align with local realities and traditional justice processes. The complexity of Ethiopia’s Federal structure, along with its ethnic-based governance model, presents unique challenges that require context-specific and locally led solutions.

The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) is a Quaker organization working globally for peace, social justice, and sustainable development. AFSC’s mission is to build a just, peaceful, and sustainable world free from violence, inequality, and oppression. Guided by Quaker values, AFSC collaborates with people of all backgrounds to challenge unjust systems and promote lasting peace.

The Salama Hub program of AFSC works within this complex environment, promoting evidence-based advocacy for peace, inclusion, and transitional justice in the Horn of Africa. Within this program, the Ethiopia-South Sudan Healing and Reconciliation (HEAR) Project operates in the conflict-affected regions such as Oromia (East Wollega and Diga districts) and Benishangul-Gumuz (Assosa and Bambasi districts), addressing trauma, supporting local peacebuilders, and facilitating community reconciliation.

Research is crucial to understand what makes transitional justice work in Ethiopia. This study will explore how political will, civil society, traditional justice, and psychosocial support affect its success. Findings will guide inclusive and sustainable policies and programs for affected communities.

2.0 Purpose of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to produce evidence-based insights into the key factors that determine the legitimacy, effectiveness, and sustainability of transitional justice mechanisms in Ethiopia. As the country addresses a history of conflict, marginalization, and human rights violations, it is at a crucial point where credible, inclusive, and context-sensitive transitional justice approaches are urgently needed to pave the way for national healing, reconciliation, and lasting peace.

While global experiences in transitional justice offer valuable lessons, Ethiopia’s unique historical, social, political, and cultural factors require a locally relevant approach that resonates with the real experiences of communities affected by violence and displacement. This study aims to fill the current knowledge gaps by analyzing the conditions under which transitional justice efforts can be seen as legitimate by the public and effective in achieving their goals of truth, justice, accountability, and healing.

Specifically, the study will examine Ethiopia’s past and present reconciliation efforts, assess the roles of political commitment, civil society participation, and traditional justice systems, and identify other contributing factors such as psychosocial support and community ownership that can build trust, promote inclusion, and lead to restorative outcomes. The findings will inform policy discussions, program development, and advocacy efforts to support the creation and implementation of a transitional justice framework that is participatory, rights-based, and resilient.

3.0 Objectives of the Study

The objectives of this study are to:

• Analyze past reconciliation efforts and assess the influence of political will, civil society, and traditional justice on transitional justice implementation in Ethiopia.
• Evaluate factors fostering community healing and reconciliation to develop policy recommendations for a sustainable transitional justice framework

4.0 Expected Deliverables

The consultant(s) is expected to provide the following deliverables within the specified timeframe:

• Inception Report
• Literature Review and Context Mapping Report
• Draft Research Report
• Final Research Report
• Advocacy and Communication Materials

5.0 Period of Assignment

• June 1 - 30, 2025

6.0 Scope of Work

This study will focus on regions in Ethiopia affected by conflict where peacebuilding efforts are ongoing, including Oromia, Benishangul-Gumuz, and other selected regions.

7.0 Eligibility and Qualifications

The Consultant(s) should meet the following criteria:

7.1 Experience and Expertise:

• Proven experience conducting research on transitional justice, conflict resolution, or peacebuilding, especially in post-conflict settings.
  • Familiarity with the political, social, and cultural context of Ethiopia, particularly in conflict-affected regions like Oromia and Benishangul-Gumuz.
  • Experience working with international organizations, CSOs, FBOs, or government agencies in Ethiopia or similar contexts.
  • Strong qualitative and quantitative research skills, including research design, data collection and analysis, and clear report writing.
  • Familiarity with methods like interviews, focus group discussions, and surveys.
  • Ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, civil society, community leaders, and local populations.

7.2 Qualifications:

• A master’s degree or higher in Peace and Conflict Studies, Political Science and International Relations, Law, Sociology, Political Science, or a related field. A background in Transitional Justice or Human Rights is strongly preferred.
• At least 3 years of professional experience working on peacebuilding, conflict transformation, transitional justice, or related areas.
• Experience facilitating participatory research, especially with marginalized or conflict-affected communities.
• Previous work with organizations focused on advocacy, policy analysis, and human rights is an advantage.
• Proven ability to design and implement research methods, including literature reviews, qualitative and quantitative data collection (e.g., interviews, FGDs), and data analysis.
• Knowledge of statistical software (e.g., SPSS, Stata) and qualitative analysis tools (e.g., NVivo) is preferred.
• Excellent written and spoken English is essential, with the ability to produce high-quality research reports.
• Knowledge of local languages (e.g., Oromifa, Amharic) is a plus, especially for fieldwork.
• If applying as a team or firm, each member must demonstrate relevant expertise for their role.

How to apply

• The CV should detail your relevant experience, qualifications, and previous work in transitional justice, peacebuilding, conflict resolution, or related fields.
• The technical proposal should clearly show your understanding of the assignment and your plan for conducting the research.
• The financial proposal should provide a clear and detailed budget
• All applications should be done via this link: https://forms.gle/aAWXqRCkHbQdLvTT9 and for any inquiries, please write to YTuke@afsc.org
• Deadline for submission – April 30th, 2025