Next Generation is a global research programme initiated in countries that are experiencing a period of significant change, with the purpose of ensuring that young people’s voices are heard and their interests properly represented in decisions that will have lasting implications for their lives. The stated aims of the programme are to:
1.Understand youth attitudes and aspirations
2.Amplify youth voice
3.Support better youth policy-making
This research has been conducted in countries including Pakistan, Tanzania, the UK, Colombia, Turkey and South Africa; there is currently work underway in Ireland/Northern Ireland, Myanmar and Germany. The study seeks to analyse the conditions that support young people and allow them to reach their potential as fulfilled, productive and active citizens. The research is always completed with a series of recommendations based on supporting policy change.
We look to see how one or more significant changes or periods of activity – particularly when a number of events or circumstances come together – affects young people’s view of themselves and their place in the world. As examples: the UK research was sparked by the referendum on whether the UK should leave the European Union; in South Africa, by the sense that the ‘born free’ (post-apartheid) generation are coming of age and are dissatisfied with the post-apartheid social contract; and in Colombia, by a young generation coming to terms with the new peace settlement.
On 15 November 2017, Robert Mugabe was ousted from power in Zimbabwe after 37 years in office under Operation Restore Legacy. This set in motion the assumption of power by Emmerson Mnangagwa, who won the elections held in July 2018. Following the ushering in of a ‘New Dispensation’ by Operation Restore Legacy, there was guarded optimism if this would usher in new possibilities to uplift the lives and livelihoods of ordinary Zimbabweans. Mnangagwa’s first 100 days in office were closely scrutinised, with attention being paid to the changes and promises made, and what the new direction would look like. Of most importance, not only to Zimbabweans but the international community, was an overview of the electoral process and how Zimbabwe’s new leadership would be ushered in.
On July 30, 2018, Zimbabweans took to the polls for the first harmonised elections without Robert Mugabe on the ballot. Whilst the period leading up to the elections mainly lacked the violence linked to elections of yesteryear, the events of 1 August 2018 rocked the country, with six people losing their lives as results from the election were coming in. People had already taken to the streets contesting the results of the harmonised elections before the release of the results of the Presidential vote on August 3, 2018.
The presidential vote saw Mnangagwa winning with a revised figure of 50.6% of the vote; Nelson Chamisa, representing the Movement of Democratic Change Alliance (MDC-Alliance), attained 44.3% of the vote. President-elect Mnangangwa was sworn into power on 26 August 2018.
Has this mood of guarded optimism gained momentum since the events of November 2017, the passing of elections and the selection of a new cabinet? How does it affect young Zimbabweans? Young Zimbabweans have previously felt excluded from decision-making and that opportunities to meaningfully contribute to their economies and societies were limited.
However, President Mnangagwa has stated that: “young people were the future leaders and it was incumbent upon the Government of the day to lay the foundation for their lives.” This, along with promises of funding prospects as well the opening of the Youth Empowerment Bank, brings to the fore the question of what measures the Government has in place to support the youth initiatives and create more opportunities for young people to be employed and/or to become entrepreneurs themselves.
Further details can be found in the Request for Proposals document which can be downloaded below.
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are looking to commission Next Generation Zimbabwe and examine how young people there are reacting to ongoing change.
The Next Generation Zimbabwe report will ask a nationally representative sample (95% confidence rate or higher) of young people aged 18 - 35 who are Zimbabwean nationals in Zimbabwe about their experiences, their engagement in the civic, economic, social and democratic life of their country and their aspirations on influencing their community, country and wider world. This forms part of the global Next Generation series led by the British Council.
The research design is expected to include:
1.Desk Research: a comprehensive review of published research on the attitudes, aspirations and behaviours of young people in Zimbabwe
2.Next Generation Survey: an opinion survey that can be implemented across the country by telephone, face-to-face, or online
3.In-depth Discussions: qualitative research with young people and other stakeholders to explore in depth themes emerging from the survey data
4.Analysis of Data, Conclusions and Recommendations: with a strong focus on policy recommendations
The consultants will be expected to lead the assignment, but also to work alongside British Council staff in the UK and Zimbabwe to develop the methodology required as the research develops.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
The British Council is looking to appoint a reputable research provider with the following qualities:
•Strong qualitative and quantitative research portfolio, evidenced by previous projects
•Expertise in conducting interviews and identifying case studies – evidenced by previous research projects and consultancies
•Strong dedicated team with suitable experience and qualifications
•Knowledge and expertise of the country of Zimbabwe
•Experience of working with young people, and with evidence of showing how they can engage and amplify youth voice in this research
•Real understanding of the Next Generation brief
•Offering good value for money
•Capacity to deliver within an agreed timeframe
The final methodology used for this research project will be agreed by the appointed researchers in consultation with the British Council.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested consultants are requested to respond to the tender document with details on how you propose to approach the research objectives. All proposals received should include:
•evidence of relevant knowledge and experience
•details of approach and methodology to be used
•qualifications/experience of the team members who will be involved in this project
•detailed timescale
•detailed costing plan
The deadline for completed responses by potential suppliers has been extended to 1700 GMT on 10 December 2018. The deadline for clarification questions has been extended to 1700 GMT on Friday 7 December 2018.
Please submit you’re your questions and completed response via e-mail to the British Council UK Research Team at Melody.Sango@britishcouncil.org.zw titled Next Generation Zimbabwe.
Please note, we can only respond to successful applicants and only within five working days of the application deadline.