Research Study: The Added Value of Psychosocial Support on Sustainable Peacebuilding in Ethiopia

1.0 Background

Ethiopia's past is marked by prolonged political instability, inter-ethnic conflict, and widespread human rights violations, resulting in significant societal and psychological harm. The current transition to a more democratic system has brought to the surface existing tensions, unresolved grievances, and demands for justice, highlighting the urgent need for effective transitional justice approaches.

While national reconciliation efforts have seen some progress, a complete framework for healing remains a gap in Ethiopia's peacebuilding process. The psychological and emotional effects of conflict on individuals and communities often receive insufficient attention. This lack of focus hinders the long-term success of peace and reconciliation initiatives.

Psychosocial Support (PSS) is crucial for addressing the mental health and emotional challenges faced by those affected by violence and conflict. It includes actions aimed at improving mental well-being, fostering a sense of control and hope, and helping individuals cope with trauma, stress, and loss. In Ethiopia, where communities have experienced intense ethnic violence, displacement, and loss, PSS is essential for enabling healing and reconciliation.

Existing peacebuilding efforts in Ethiopia have largely focused on institutional changes, justice processes, and reparations, with limited systematic incorporation of psychosocial support.

The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), a Quaker organization dedicated to peace, social justice, and sustainable development, works globally to build a just and peaceful world free from violence and inequality. Guided by Quaker values, AFSC collaborates with various partners to challenge injustice and promote lasting peace.

The Salama Hub Program, AFSC's advocacy and policy initiative for the Horn of Africa, uses evidence-based research to promote peace and stability across the region, including Ethiopia. The program focuses on research-driven advocacy, inclusion, transitional justice and healing, governance, and climate justice. It strengthens civil society and faith-based organizations through training in conflict transformation and advocacy and connects them with policymakers.

The ET-SSD Project, Healing and Reconciliation, HEAR, under AFSC, specifically addresses trauma healing and reconciliation in the Oromia (East Wollega and Diga districts) and Benishangul-Gumuz (Assosa and Bambasi districts) regions. Through trauma healing, AVP (Alternatives to Violence Program), awareness campaigns, and advocacy, it supports peacebuilders, CSOs, FBOs, and communities. In partnership with local actors, the project aims to build the capacity in mediation, reconciliation, and transitional justice, ensuring community involvement in Ethiopia's peace process. This study, conducted under the HEAR Project, will examine the vital role of psychosocial support in achieving sustainable peacebuilding, with the ultimate goal of strengthening community resilience and long-term stability.

2.0 Purpose of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to thoroughly examine the critical role of psychosocial support in promoting lasting peacebuilding and reconciliation in Ethiopia. As the country deals with the long-term consequences of conflict, addressing the psychological and emotional wounds of individuals and communities is essential for rebuilding trust, strengthening social unity, and ensuring lasting stability. While transitional justice methods like truth seeking, reparations programs, and traditional justice systems offer ways for justice and reconciliation, their effectiveness greatly depends on how well they recognize and address the deep trauma experienced by affected people.

This research aims to understand how integrating psychosocial support within broader peacebuilding efforts can significantly improve community healing and resilience. By analyzing past and present actions, it will show how psychosocial approaches have helped build trust, achieve reconciliation, and reintegrate conflict-affected groups. The study will also identify current gaps in connecting psychosocial support with transitional justice and peacebuilding methods, especially within Ethiopia’s context of ethnic and political complexities. Furthermore, it will explore how locally driven, culturally appropriate approaches can ensure that healing processes connect with the real experiences of communities and foster a sense of ownership over peace initiatives.

Ultimately, this study aims to produce strong, evidence-based findings that will inform policy discussions, shape program activities, and guide advocacy work. By highlighting the crucial link between mental well-being, justice, and reconciliation, it will provide a framework for strengthening the role of psychosocial support in creating a more inclusive, rights-based, and sustainable peacebuilding process in Ethiopia.

3.0 Objectives of the Study

The specific objectives of this research on the value of psychosocial support in sustainable peacebuilding in Ethiopia are to:

• Analyze how psychosocial support contributes to sustainable peacebuilding efforts by examining its role in healing individuals and communities affected by conflict and its potential to strengthen overall peacebuilding outcomes in Ethiopia.
• Investigate how psychosocial support is currently integrated within existing peacebuilding efforts in Ethiopia, including traditional justice systems, truth-telling initiatives, and reparations programs.
• Evaluate the impact of psychosocial support on the long-term sustainability of peacebuilding initiatives, focusing on fostering community resilience, improving inter-group relations, and advancing national reconciliation.
• Identify the challenges and limitations in the current integration of psychosocial support within peacebuilding programs and propose practical recommendations for more effective implementation.
• Develop practical, evidence-based policy recommendations for effectively integrating psychosocial support into Ethiopia’s peacebuilding and transitional justice frameworks to foster lasting stability and healing.

4.0 Expected Deliverables

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

• Inception Report:
• Draft Research Report:
• Final Research Report:
• Advocacy and Communication Materials:
• Raw Data and Tools

5.0 Period of Assignment

• June 1 - 30, 2025

6.0 Scope of Work

This study will primarily focus on regions in Ethiopia affected by conflict where peacebuilding efforts are currently taking place. These regions will include Oromia, Benishangul-Gumuz, and potentially other selected areas based on the consultant's proposal and in agreement with AFSC.

7.0 Eligibility and Qualifications

The consultant(s) applying for this research study must meet the following criteria and possess the necessary qualifications:

7.1 Experience:

• Proven experience conducting research in conflict-affected regions, specifically on peacebuilding, psychosocial support, or reconciliation.
• A strong record of successfully completing similar research studies, particularly in post-conflict recovery, peacebuilding, or transitional justice.
• Good understanding of the Ethiopian social and political situation, especially in conflict-affected regions like Oromia and Benishangul-Gumuz.
• Experience working with civil society organizations (CSOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), or international NGOs is an advantage.
• Must be a recognized individual or organization with a good reputation for delivering high-quality, objective, and unbiased research.
• Preference will be given to consultants or firms with specific experience in research related to psychosocial support and peacebuilding.

7.2 Qualifications:

• At least a master’s degree in social sciences, Peace and Conflict Studies, Psychology, Political Science and International Relations, Development Studies, or a related field.
• Relevant additional certifications or training in research methods, conflict resolution, or psychosocial support will be an asset.
• At least ten (10) years of professional experience in designing, conducting, and managing qualitative and quantitative research, particularly in peacebuilding or psychosocial support.
• Proven experience leading and implementing research studies in conflict-affected areas, with expertise in community-level peacebuilding actions.
• Strong skills in using various data collection methods, including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and surveys. This includes proficiency in data analysis using relevant software (e.g., SPSS, NVivo, Stata).
• Demonstrated ability to summarize complex research findings into clear, practical recommendations for policymakers, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
• Thorough understanding of ethical guidelines in research, especially in studies involving conflict and trauma, including informed consent and confidentiality.
• Excellent analytical skills to interpret complex data and translate it into clear, actionable insights and recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to present findings clearly and accessibly to different audiences.
• Fluency in English is essential. Proficiency in Amharic or Afaan Oromiffaa to understand local languages spoken in the research regions (Oromia and Benishangul-Gumuz) is highly desirable.
• In-depth knowledge of psychosocial support methods and their role in peacebuilding and reconciliation.
• Familiarity with existing and envisaged transitional justice approaches in Ethiopia, their strengths and weaknesses, and the challenges of community healing and reconciliation.
• The team should ideally include individuals with complementary skills in qualitative and quantitative research, psychosocial support, and community development.

How to apply

• The CV should detail your relevant experience, qualifications, and previous work in transitional justice, peacebuilding, conflict resolution, psychosocial support, 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, including:
  • Professional fees (daily or total) for the consultant(s), Itemized logistical costs, such as travel (if needed), accommodation, daily allowances, and other fieldwork expenses.
• All applications should be done via this link: https://forms.gle/h6UF7rUdNTzbmRiX6
• For any additional inquiries, please write to YTuke@afsc.org. Please note, any applications sent to this email will immediately be rejected and will not be considered any further. The only way to apply is by following the attached link.
• Deadline for submission – April 30th, 2025