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Promoting democratic space for marginalized communities in oil-producing areas of Tunisia

Economic Analysis Experts

Kebili and Tataouine

Background

The Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) is implementing the “Promoting democratic space for marginalized communities in oil-producing areas of Tunisia” project with funding from the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF). The four-year project aims to support a peaceful democratic transition in Tunisia by bridging the gap between the government and marginalized oil-producing communities in Tataouine and Kebili and seeks to empower local CSOs to adequately represent local community demands while holding the government accountable, therefore promoting sustainable and constructive dialogue. As part of this project, NRGI built on its existing partnerships and programming in Tunisia and has been working on establishing and improving the capacity of two networks of CSO actors in Tataouine and Kebili to undertake an effective mediating role between local communities and street-level activists and the government through a series of workshops and training. 

Moreover, in the initial stage of the project, a perception survey was conducted in Kebili and Tataouine. The CSO networks were consulted in developing the survey questionnaire and conducting fieldwork to collect responses. A representative sample of the populations of Tataouine and Kébili, consisting of 500 citizens each, participated in perception surveys designed and administered by the CSO networks in close collaboration with NRGI. The surveys aimed to establish the priority needs and demands of the local communities. The collected data was analyzed and discussed with civil society actors, and three key priority themes were identified based on the most pressing priorities, grievances, and aspirations of the communities:

• In Kébili, the perception survey revealed that key priorities for citizens included improving health services (32%), increasing employment opportunities, (28%) and improving economic development (18%).
• In Tataouine, the promotion of economic development (48%) was identified as the highest priority, followed by the need to improve health services (29%) and increasing employment opportunities (18%).

Purpose of the Call

NRGI is seeking Economic Analysis Experts to develop two economic feasibility studies, in Tataouine and Kebili respectively, targeting the priority themes emerging from the surveys.

Each study will serve to examine the current context affecting these themes in the respective regions while developing policy recommendations to address these priorities in a realistic yet sustainable and equitable manner. The studies will be geared towards practicality, ensuring a clear analysis and an outline of exact policy and practical decisions required to enact the proposed change, in addition to associated risks and mitigation. 

Specifically, the experts will be expected to:

• Conduct a thorough analysis of the economic context in Tataouine and Kebili, examining factors that impact the priority themes identified in the perception surveys.
• Develop policy recommendations that are realistic, sustainable, and equitable, with a focus on practicality and clear analysis of the policy and practical decisions required to enact the proposed change.
• Identify associated risks and mitigation measures.

Consultancy Responsibilities and Deliverables

Two economic feasibility studies, one for each region, will be developed for each region. The experts will be guided by NRGI to deliver the following:

• A work plan outlining the methodology for NRGI approval.
• Two economic feasibility studies, one for each region, outlining policy recommendations to address the priority themes identified in the perception surveys. The experts will be required to submit a draft for NRGI review, before incorporating the feedback into a final draft for submission. 
• An executive summary of each study that provides a brief overview of the main findings and recommendations.
• Presentation of the findings from the studies during a workshop with the two CSO networks. Two presentations will be required, one for each region.

Timeline:

1. Contract signature: End of March 2023 
2. Submitting work plan outlining the methodology for NRGI approval: First week of April 2023
3. First draft for NRGI review: First week of June 2023
4. Final version of the two economic feasibility studies, executive summaries and two presentations: End of July 2023

Language 

The working language for this study is either English or French; documents will be accepted in English or French. The presentations to CSOs will be in Arabic. 

Qualifications

It is expected that the experts will possess the following qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in economics or a related field;
• At least 10 years of experience in economic analysis and policy development;
• Demonstrated experience in conducting economic feasibility studies and developing policy recommendations;
• Knowledge of the energy sector in Tunisia as well as of the related issues the region;

• Experience working in/on Kebili and Tataouine;
• Strong analytical and writing skills;
• Attention to detail;
• Ability to meet deadlines.