The general objective of the assignment was the conceptualization of a regional approach to intensify cooperation with NGOs in particularly fragile contexts of the MENA region to ultimately contribute to peacebuilding, crisis prevention and social cohesion. This included an analysis of both an adequate structure for the project (such as a facility to act as an intermediary) as well as potential regions, intervention types and partners (especially NGOs). Consultations were done with the key stakeholders: KfW, BMZ, PATRIP and UN Agencies. 

The project had 6 main activities: 

Task 1 – Initial Situation Analysis: Worked on a meta-analysis of political, economic, socio-economic and development aspects in the target countries, followed by the identification and prioritization of the countries / subnational or cross border regions to be selected for potential future interventions. The Task culminated in a first draft interactive map illustrating the above-mentioned aspects. 

Task 2 – Sector analysis of the current approaches and best practices in the sector of “peacebuilding, crisis prevention and promotion of social cohesion” focused on capitalizing the findings of B4P and “Building For Peace” and other relevant publications illustrating best practices as well as gaps in Peacebuilding and Social Cohesion programmes in the MENA region. In this part of the Study, we started identifying relevant stakeholders (NGOs, Donors, Private Partners), their mandates and good practices followed by a comprehensive analysis of sector-relevant Development Cooperation funding mechanisms and approaches. 

Task 3 – Identification and analysis of implementing partners and structures. We identified five potential intermediary structures as direct partner for the KFW to facilitate the cooperation with NGOs in fragile contexts of the MENA region, followed by deep-dive analysis of each organisation, based on the review of impact assessments, and consultations with key stakeholders, considering main characteristics such as areas of competence, legal status, capacity to implement FC projects, and others. In parallel, we began with the mapping and assessment of potential NGO partners (indirect partners) in the target countries/potential intervention areas based on agreed selection criteria. Once both direct and indirect partners had been identified an assessment of Intermediary vs. Direct NGO Partnership commenced. The activity also included the development of recommendations for conflict-sensitive participatory programming through Focus Group Discussions with selected NGOs and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). 

Task 4 – Concept and design of potential project measures began with a workshop to consolidate findings, and to develop a Theory of Change for the programme. We used the B4P (building for peace) programming recommendations to map out relevant, context-specific interventions in each of the pre-identified geographic entry points. Special attention was paid to cross-cutting themes, in particular Climate-Adaptation and Climate Sensitive Reconstruction. The task ended with an updated interactive map displaying project catchment areas, target groups, intervention types, key stakeholders; NGO partners, and other relevant details. 

Task 5 – The Risk Assessment focused on developing a comprehensive risk assessment (and mitigation plan) including, but not limited to, the engagement of local vs international NGO partners, security and political risks and others. 

Task 6 – The final activity focused on the development of a monitoring concept for the programme (selection of approaches and recommendations), together with Terms of Reference for an independent monitoring consultant. The Pre-feasibility Study was completed with a consolidated overview of information, data, and recommendations developed in the framework culminating in an interactive workshop with The KfW & BMZ. 

• Research with a mixed methods approach using open-source intelligence (OSINT): information gathering and analysis of primary and secondary qualitative and quantitative data. 
• Analysis and description of the sector including institutional framework, political economy, relevant policies, reform programs, and development frameworks
• Description of the country situation (political, economic, socio-economic and development aspects, recent developments and outlook).
• Mapping of relevant donors, public and private actors. Identification of indirect partners, i.e., regionally, nationally and (in special crisis areas) sub-nationally active NGOs.
• Needs assessments: Problem analysis and current shortfalls 
• Description of good practices, comparative advantages/disadvantages of strategic cooperation with NGOs
• Analysis of possible risks for the achievement of objectives, suggested mitigation measures and evaluation of relevance
• Organisation of workshops: kick-off workshop, interim workshop, focus-group-discussion, final presentation.