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Call for consultant: Researcher required for a study on the impact of COVID 19 on Correctional Centers in Tunisia

DIGNITY is looking for a skilled consultant researcher to conduct a mapping and analysis of the impact of COVID 19 on correctional centers in Tunisia from the perspective of former prisoners and external agencies. 

About DIGNITY 

DIGNITY is an independent nongovernmental anti-torture organization founded in 1982 in Denmark. DIGNITY is present in more than 20 partner countries with almost forty years of experience in the rehabilitation of torture and organized violence survivors, in the prevention of torture and in the prevention of urban violence. 

In January 2012, DIGNITY opened an office in Tunisia to coordinate an extensive support program for Tunisian stakeholders (Ministry of Justice and Civil Society) through cooperation partnerships around torture prevention, the rehabilitation of survivors as well as urban violence prevention. 

DIGNITY is working towards establishing a world without torture where no one is subject to torture or other forms of inhumane and degrading treatment and, where torture practices no longer continue to affect survivors and their families. 

Assignment: Exploring the impact of COVID 19 on Correctional Centers in Tunisia.

Background: 

Globally, much attention has been paid to the impact of COVID 19 on the inhabitants of prisons and on prison policy. Additionally, there has been relatively widespread media coverage of the huge potential risks of a contagious virus let loose in overpopulated, restrictive and punitive spaces. Human rights agencies have raised concerns about interventions aimed at reducing the threat of the virus by restricting family visits and limiting prisoner mobility. 

DIGNITY have been active from the beginning in collating and disseminating guidelines on how authorities should respond best to the crisis and supporting training efforts to mitigate risk (e.g. in Sierra Leone). A DIGNITY-sponsored study has also been conducted in Morocco about the response of the Moroccan Authorities and the effects on prison staff. 

Objective

This study aims to illuminate the effects of COVID 19 on correctional centers in Tunisia from two distinct perspectives, namely that of prisoners and outside agencies. The study is intended to guide future DIGNITY strategies in relation to the analysis of the prison’s climate.

Scope of work 

The study will be based on 1. first-hand accounts from prisoners released since March 2020 and 2. first-hand accounts from external agencies invested in different ways in providing services or monitoring correctional centers. The methodology will include: 

• 20 interviews with former prisoners (about the way COVID affected their everyday lives in prison; about how it affected preparation for release; about their experience of everyday life after release)
• 5-10 interviews with external agencies (e.g. human rights agencies, monitoring agencies, providers of service delivery (cultural or rehabilititative)

Interviews will be based on a semi-structured interview guide developed in collaboration between the consultant and  DIGNITY. Interviewees will be guaranteed anonymity.

All interviews will be recorded, transcribed and analyzed (with input to the analysis provided by DIGNITY)

Qualifications and Experience

– M.A. or Ph.D. in Social Science, Political Science, Human Rights, Conflict studies or a related field. 

– Demonstrated experience in research and consultancy with NGOs in Tunisia 

– Proven experience of research and analysis of prison climate or other related themes in Tunisia. 

Key Skills

– Fluency (written and spoken) in French, Arabic and preferably English.  

– Demonstrated ability to conduct research in complex and conflictual environments and on highly politicized topics. 

– Demonstrated knowledge and skills in Microsoft Office Suite (other technical abilities an advantage). 

– Demonstrated analytical skills, particularly in stakeholder analysis. 

– Demonstrated ability to work in an international, multi-cultural and professional environment. 

– Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to achieve results in a timely manner and meet deadlines 

– Self-motivated, flexible, creative, and ability to work independently. 

Deliverables and deadlines

We estimate that the consultant will spend a maximum of 30 workdays on the assignment. 

• A 8,000-word descriptive and analytic report including answers to the questions raised by the study to be delivered by 31 December. A first draft should be delivered by the end of November to DIGNITY. 

• Two interview guides developed collaboratively with the project lead to be delivered by 31 October.