Terms of Reference for Climate Justice Research and Mapping in Africa, American Friends Service Committee (AFSC)

1. American Friends Service Committee Brief Background

The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) is a Quaker organization that includes people of various faiths who are committed to social justice, peace, and humanitarian service. AFSC promotes nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution. As such, we seek to promote the transformation of cultural and societal norms, values, and behaviors to reject violence, with Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship as our values. AFSC promotes non-violent approaches to conflict resolution. As such, we seek to promote the transformation of cultural and societal norms, values, and behaviors to reject violence.

2. Contextual Background

Climate justice is a new lens and thematic component of AFSCs ten-year strategic plan. Large populations in Africa are impacted by climate change in the places where they live, and for those on the move – at the place of departure, transit, and arrival. Climate change dampens economies, multiplies the risks of violent conflict, and contributes to migration within and out of Africa. Additionally, it leads to land loss and damage to habitats and livelihoods. In 2020, the climate change crisis was overlapped with a global health crisis, the covid-19 pandemic. This is taking place at a time when African countries are striving to grow their economies, sustain peace and improve the dignity of the continents’ peoples.

Yet, in 2021 a positive continental development failed to overshadow two preceding troubling events. During COP 26 in Glasgow, developing countries lost the vote to sustain commitments to climate justice. In December 2021, Russia vetoed a UN Security Council Resolution on climate change, overthrowing efforts to link the phenomenon to international security threats. Shortly after, the African Union (AU) concluded that climate change impacts Africa disproportionately, and to that end, the Union resolved to call for an informed position on the “Climate-Security-Development nexus in Africa.” At the center of these discussions, of course, is the justice component, linking climate related loss, damage and impact, mitigation, and mitigation financing to notions of responsibility and reparations. This rights-based vision calls upon analysts, practitioners, and policymakers to evaluate all dimensions of climate change and justice, and for AFSC, the connection to its global strategy.

The need to reduce exposure, prepare for, cope with, recover better from, adapt, and transform to the effects of climate change cannot be overemphasized. Introducing a climate justice lens to AFSC’s thinking is integral to the organizations programming. It will improve AFSC’s understanding of climate impacts, including how these impacts intersect with related phenomenon, for example, migration and gender.

3. Purpose of the Research Assignment

This assignment should provide AFSC with grounded analysis, insight, and perspectives to inform the design of appropriate climate justice programs. The proposed research will therefore focus on policy and practice experiences of climate change and climate justice in Africa, the available opportunities, gaps between policy and practice, and anticipated challenges. What is the state of the climate justice field in Africa and how is it connected to climate change work in the continent? What is the dominant narrative on climate justice? In what direction is policy and practice headed? Who are the top thinkers on the continent and what is the trajectory of their thinking? The research and a subsequent forum (referred to as a Dialogue and Exchange Program, or DEP) that will be convened, will form the foundation of further policy work with governments, CSOs, RECs and other affected entities.

4. Deliverables

• Draft research report submitted to AFSC at the end of April. The report should include a list of leading climate change/climate justice thinkers and practitioners on the continent, and key policy actors and institutions.
• Power point presentation made to a gathering of peers (during the DEP forum) drawn from practice and policy around the continent.
• Final report inclusive of any case studies and recommendations (to be completed by end May).

5. Applicant Requirements

The research will commence by early March 2022 and be finalized by approximately the end of May 2022. It will take a maximum of 21 days (non-consecutive days) from commencement to handing over final report. Prospective applicants should submit a concise technical proposal describing how they intend to undertake the assignment, financial, including an outline of the proposed study methodology. Additionally, the applicants demonstrate the following in the application package:

• Possession of an appropriate postgraduate qualification at a minimum of master’s level, at least 5 years of hands-on experiences on climate change and/or climate justice issues.
• Extensive knowledge of policy issues relating to climate change and/or climate justice in Africa.
• Experience conducting similar research on the continent, with a focus on the conflict-climate-development nexus.
• Experience in peace building, conflict resolution, research, and policy-based advocacy in the African region.
• Flexibility, responsive to changes and demands and open to feedback.
• Demonstrated alignment with AFSC values.