Interpeace
Terms of Reference – National Expert/for Baseline survey.
“Consolidating Unity and Resilience through Healing, Rehabilitation and Reconciliation in Rwanda”
Background and Rational
In the 31 years since the genocide against the Tutsi, Rwanda has made remarkable strides in addressing the psychological, social, and economic scars left by this tragedy. A wide range of initiatives from grassroots efforts to national programs have contributed to healing across key sectors, including mental health, peacebuilding, economic recovery, and the reintegration of individuals directly involved in or affected by the genocide. These efforts have enabled Rwanda to move forward with renewed hope and a strong sense of purpose. The country’s economy has grown consistently at an annual rate of 7%, and it is now focused on achieving Middle-Income Country status by 2035 and High-Income status by 2050. Notable advancements have also been made in governance, social inclusion, gender equality, environmental sustainability, disaster management, and regional and international engagement.
Despite this progress, several interrelated challenges must still be addressed to sustain Rwanda’s development path. Mental health remains a critical concern especially for genocide survivors with studies showing that 35% of survivors and 12% of the general population meet the criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (Rwanda Biomedical Centre, 2018). Additionally, research indicates that children of Genocide survivors are significantly more likely to exhibit trauma-related symptoms than their peers, highlighting the ongoing impact of intergenerational trauma. This form of trauma often intersects with broader family issues, including conflict, gender inequality, and gender-based violence.
The reintegration of former genocide perpetrators continues to pose challenges in some communities, particularly where genocide ideology, denial, hate speech, divisive narratives, and mistrust persist. Moreover, poverty remains a compounding factor, often linked with poor mental health and reduced community engagement, creating a cycle that hinders long-term resilience.
In light of these realities, there is an urgent need to reinforce Rwanda’s commitment to peace and development by further advancing social healing, inclusive civic participation, and community-level resilience.
The Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE), through its Community Resilience Directorate, plays a central role in fostering resilience and healing. In partnership with Interpeace and with support from the EU, a three-year program titled “Consolidating Unity and Resilience through Healing, Rehabilitation and Reconciliation in Rwanda” The program targets under-served districts and correctional facilities and seeks to inform interventions through a strong evidence basis.
. . Implementation will be in four districts; Nyamasheke, Karongi, Nyarugenge, and Bugesera as well as in three correctional facilities and Halfway home (Muhanga, Rusizi, Gicumbi) and Rwamagana. Led by Interpeace and its implementing partners ( DIDE, Haguruka and Prison Fellowship Rwanda, the program will partner with MINUBUMWE, , Rwanda Correctional Services, Ministry of health through the Rwanda Biomedical Center( RBC) and other stakeholders, with funding from the European Union. ). A baseline study will be conducted to provide essential data to assess the current state of community resilience and guide the design and delivery of tailored programs. For this purpose, Interpeace seeks to recruit a National Expert to provide technical leadership in survey implementation, analysis, and reporting
Objectives & Methodology
- To design and implement a baseline survey aligned with the project’s logical framework.
- To ensure the use of evidence-based methods and participatory approaches
- To analyze data and produce actionable findings to inform project implementation and final baseline report.
Scope of Work
The National Expert will lead the overall baseline survey process, ensuring that the tools, approach, and implementation are context-appropriate, gender responsive and technically sound.
- Review project documents, logical framework, and relevant literature.
- Design the baseline survey methodology and tools (quantitative & qualitative).
- Provide guidance on sampling design and research ethics.
- Oversee the training of data collectors and field supervisors.
- Supervise fieldwork and ensure data quality and integrity.
- Lead stakeholder consultations and validation workshops.
- Draft and submit the final baseline report.
- Ensure data confidentiality and compliance with ethical standards.
Deliverables
- Inception report and final survey tools
- Training materials and training report
- Field supervision reports
- Draft and final baseline report (with integrated analysis)
- Presentation for stakeholder validation workshop
Required Qualifications
National Expert
- Master’s degree or PhD in social sciences, peacebuilding, psychology, or related fields
- At least 7 years of research experience in Rwanda, including community-level work
- Deep understanding of trauma, healing, and reconciliation processes
- Proven ability to lead participatory research and stakeholder engagement
- Excellent analytical and writing skills in English; Kinyarwanda fluency preferred
F. Timeframe
Assignment Duration: 4 months
Expected Start Date: 10th July 2025
Final Baseline Report Due: 30th October 2025
G. How to apply
National Expert /Research Team
Please submit your CV/ CVs of every member of the team, as well as a letter expressing your interest, a copy of research previously conducted, as well as references via email to: rw-procurement@interpeace.org with cc to uwase@interpeace.org Please include “National Expert/Researcher in the subject line of your email.
The application deadline is 4th July 2025, at 4:00PM, Kigali time. Applications sent after the deadline, as well as incomplete applications will not be considered.
Please note that, due to the urgency of the activity, the selection process will be conducted on a rolling basis.