Democracy, Governance, Public Sector, Institution Building

 

“M&E Consultancy for the Enhanced Palestinian Justice Project (EPJP).” Chemonics International. 2014 – 2018.

 

AWRAD is contracted to implement M&E surveys of the EPJP project, which aims to strengthen the Palestinian justice sector by providing improved services and training to key stakeholders. AWRAD has completed a baseline assessment, and will conduct a midline and end line assessment across four years to measure a variety of indicators relevant to justice sector performance. To do this, AWRAD has designed a mixed-methods approach, utilizing questionnaires, interviews and focus groups, that will inform EPJP planning and strategy.

 

 

“Program Baseline and Impact Assessment and end-of-project evaluation of the School Support Program.” AMIDEAST. 2014 – 2017.

 

AWRAD has been contracted by AMIDEAST to perform the baseline and impact assessment and end-of-project evaluation of the interventions developed to support the 2014-2017 School Support Program. AWRAD will be working across the 14 educational directorates to evaluate AMIDEAST’s educational interventions. The objectives of these assessments are fourfold: (1) support the provision of transparent and accountable reporting on program results and outcomes, (2) evaluate the extent of SSP’s effectiveness in meeting its objectives and goals, (3) elicit successes and lessons learned to inform the design of future projects, and (4) enable a better understanding of how gender, school location, grade level and rate of community poverty impact student achievement and overall program effectiveness. The Baseline survey was completed in January 2015.

 

“Technical Assistance to Improve and Develop the Social Protection System in Palestine through Partnership, Planning and Institutional Capacity Building with a Focus on Decentralization of Social Services.” The EU, Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA), Institute for Development Studies (IDS) and GOPA. 2013 – 2016.

 

AWRAD partnered with GOPA Worldwide Consultants and the Institute of Development Studies in London (IDS) to plan, implement and assist MoSA in its service delivery to vulnerable populations. The assessment entails a thorough monitoring and evaluation of MoSA service provision, in addition to non-governmental actors on the federal and local level, with the aim of determining comparative advantages. In pursuit of this goal, AWRAD and its partners have developed a series of indicators designed to evaluate impact, scope, sustainability, and other factors related to service delivery mechanisms. An essential part of this project is detailed knowledge of the concerns and circumstances of women, youth, and the disabled as it relates to service delivery. At the end of this project, AWRAD, with its partners, will present a detailed report, derived from its mixed-methods approach, which identifies comparative advantages and provides feasible recommendations for policy and programming reform. A variety of training assignments form will be carried out during the course of this project including team building and communication skills for the project teams.

 

“Baseline and End Line Surveys for the Sharaka Public Prosecution Project.” Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), Sharaka Project. 2013 – 2016.

 

 AWRAD collected baseline data on eleven performance indicators designed to measure progress towards the development of a fair and effective public prosecution system that protects the rights of Palestinians. Data was collected from seven stakeholder groups: the Palestinian public in the West Bank, judges, lawyers, prosecutors and employees of the Office of the Attorney General and Public Prosecution (OAG/PP), prosecution service users, international donors in the Palestinian legal system and non-state actors, including leaders of relevant NGOs, human rights organizations and academic and research institutions. Fieldwork was conducted simultaneously with all seven stakeholders using 35 qualified field researchers. In 2014, AWRAD was asked to conduct an end line survey to measure the changes and progress achieved as a result of programming in the previous year. The same stakeholder groups were targeted, using a similar survey to the baseline round, together with additional questions targeted at the various implemented interventions. AWRAD submitted a final report identifying major trends and changes in perceptions, as well as possible explanations for these changes to aid future policy and program development within the justice sector.

 

“Public Perception Survey of the Palestinian Civil Police (PCP).” Human Dynamics. 2014-On-going.

 

In cooperation with the PCBS, Human Dynamics, European Union Coordinating Office for Palestinian Police Support (EUPOL COPPS), UNDP, and the PCP, AWRAD analyzed the results of a public perception survey of PCP performance in Palestine. The development of the survey and the analysis of its results were highly informed by the extensive consultative process among all stakeholders. The survey included assessments of perceptions on: safety, general perceptions of PCP, PCP service delivery, contacts and complaints, gender and juvenile, service delivery development. The analytical report included specific recommendations for the PCP to improve certain areas of their work. AWRAD also prepared and conducted a two-day training for the police officers on the importance and use of public opinion surveys. One workshop targeted the senior officers and the other targeted the junior officers.

 

“Nationwide Surveys of the Egyptian and Tunisian Adult Populations.” University of Toronto. 2014-On-going.

 

AWRAD is currently engaged in a public opinion polling project across Egypt and Tunisia intended to explore and measure the social distribution and political significance of democratic attitudes and intolerance in the region and identify the main individual-level and contextual-level factors underlying the recent Arab revolutions and their aftermath. The poll targets 1,570 individuals in each country and is representative of all demographic factors. Questions measure socioeconomic demographics, participation in events surrounding the revolutions, attitudes towards different types of political rule and practices and change over time in personal security. Once the data has been collected and analyzed, analytical reports will be published in scholarly journals.

 

“Regional Focus Groups: Morocco.” International Republican Institute (IRI). 2015-Ongoing.

AWRAD was recently contracted to conduct 24 focus groups in Morocco focusing on citizen perceptions and priorities related to political, economic and everyday issues. AWRAD will be responsible for developing all survey guidelines and training facilitators and transcribers for the focus groups. The groups themselves will be conducted in a mixture of urban and rural locales across three districts and target a variety of different ages. At the close of the project, AWRAD will submit transcriptions of each focus group, along with a complete dataset of all results. Most importantly, AWRAD will submit a final report documenting the most significant findings for IRI’s evaluation and incorporation into future work.

 

 “Assessment of Local Governance Relevant Academic Programs in Relation to the Demands of the Sector.” The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit  (GIZ) GmbH. 2014.

 

 

“Evaluation of the Partnership for Peace Programme: Organization of Focus Groups.” Edburgh Consultants, EU. 2014.

 

As part of an evaluation that Edburgh Consultants was conducting for the EU and to support the evaluation team, AWRAD organized five focus groups for 10-15 participants at various venues and dates in Palestine. AWRAD arranged venues, stationary and refreshment and meeting dates, in addition to inviting participants from the different sectors in across civil society. 

 

“Assessment of Public Sector Services (A Specialized Survey of Citizens’ Satisfaction and Priorities.)" Development Alternatives Incorporated (DAI) – Effective Governance Program (EGP). 2013-2014.

 

AWRAD conducted an assessment of public sector services, in partnership with EGP and various Palestinian ministries. The assessment determined the factors which impact public perceptions of satisfaction of the quality of services delivered, and how these levels of satisfaction differ across different categories of service users. AWRAD identified service delivery improvement priorities across ministries and benchmarked current ministry performance against customer needs and expectations. To accomplish this goal, AWRAD prepared two surveys: a nationally representative public survey and another targeted at end users of government services which measured perceptions across 25 services across six ministries. This survey generated a Public Service Sector Satisfaction Index (PSSSI), developed from key indicators, that provides ministries and EGP with program baseline benchmarks. 

 

“Youth: Agents of Social Change.” AWRAD Community  Development Fund, International Republican Institute (IRI). 2013-2014.

 

This was a broad project aiming to empower youth across Palestine and connect them with their local communities. Youth from all 16 governorates in the West Bank and Gaza were recruited to participate in training programs offering instruction in survey research and polling techniques, as well as participate in activities to brainstorm for engagement initiatives. At the conclusion of the training, the youth served as field researchers in two public opinion polls in the West Bank and Gaza. They also helped organize a variety of activities for members of their community to brighten their lives and strengthen the social fabric. These activities included organizing Iftar dinners, visiting children in hospitals, organizing activities for the elderly and bringing dates and other sweets to Palestinians stuck at checkpoints.

“Family Law Poll.” Institute for Women’s Studies, Birzeit University. 2013.

 

AWRAD conducted a national public opinion poll measuring the use and perceptions of family (Sharia’) law courts in Palestine. Questions measured respondents’ perceptions of the court and the law, as well as marriage and divorce, inheritance, maintenance and legal reform. Roughly 4,000 male and female respondents were targeted across the West Bank and Gaza. 

 

 

“Customer Perception Gender Surveys and Gender Strategy Development.” Chemonics International – Palestinian Authority Capacity Enhancement Program (PACE). 2012-2013.

 

In partnership with the Palestinian Ministry of Transport (MoT) and Ministry of Interior (MoI) AWRAD completed the field work for a gender survey among the citizen customers of both ministries to analyze and understand gender dynamics and differences between the sexes in relation to access to and perception of key government services. The results of the surveys will be translated into strategies to be endorsed by both ministries.  AWRAD developed the gender strategy for the MoT through a highly participatory and consultative on-the-job training approach with the Ministry, developing a first comprehensive gender strategy for the Ministry using scientific data results and tools.

 

“Comprehensive Analysis for the United Nations Development Assistance Framework for the Occupied Palestinian Territory.” United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO), World Food Programme (WFP), UNWOMEN. 2012.

 

For this assignment, AWRAD completed a Common Country Analysis (CCA) in support of the UNDAF. AWRAD identified priority development themes, challenges and gaps within the oPt, as well as highlighting the comparative advantage of the UN Country Team (UNCT) in addressing significant issues. In pursuit of these goals, AWRAD’s researchers conducted dozens of in-depth interviews with PA and UN officials, civil society representatives and the private sector to determine outstanding development priorities and the potential role of partners in addressing existing gaps.

 

“Libyan Perspectives on Governance: Focus Group Findings.” International Republican Institute (IRI). 2012.

 

In November 2012, AWRAD carried out 10 focus groups in five municipalities in Libya to support IRI’s efforts to engage youth, CSOs, and other officials in more extensive dialogue during the process of political transition in Libya. Specifically, AWRAD conducted two sets of focus groups in five municipalities in Libya to probe the opinion of the Libyan adult constituency on public policy issues and the role of government in their daily life.

 

“A National Study on School Teaching Practices in Palestinian Schools (Baseline and End Line).” AMIDEAST. 2012.

 

This project was a multi-year national study of contemporary school teaching practices in Model School Network (MSN) schools to assist in with the goal of developing short and long-term strategies for their improvement. Teacher, educational administrators, parents and student attitudes were gathered on a variety of educational issues including: teaching practices, teachers’ qualifications and skills, quality of overall education, facilities, employment practices, development and specialized training. The initial baseline was established in January 2010, and was followed by a post-study in the spring of 2012. The study targeted 40 new public MSN schools, as well as a comparative control group comprised of 10 schools. The initial baseline yielded 6,400 interviews with stakeholders. Findings included an analysis of the link between the socioeconomic background of respondents, the effectiveness of youth enrichment activities, and interaction between parents, teachers and schools. AWRAD’s final report provided a series of recommendations which emphasized the achievements of the MSN program, as well as providing recommendations on necessary systemic changes related to internal school dynamics, such as teacher and principal qualifications, and the role of the Ministry of Education and community resources.

 

“SAWT Roundtables and Advocacy Activities.” International Republican Institute (IRI). 2011-2013.

 

The SAWT program is dedicated to commissioning research and conducting public opinion polling and policy research to support democratic and developmental discourse among Palestinians. SAWT is an Arabic word (noun) that has two powerful and relevant meanings: “Voice” and “Vote.” In pursuit of these goals, AWRAD conducts public opinion polling and policy research to support democratic and developmental discourse among Palestinians. SAWT' the program' will be the voice of the Palestinian public in policy-making forums through  conducting  scientific national and district public opinion polling; organizing focus groups on issues of relevance to Palestinians; publish brief issue analysis papers and policy reports on pressing issues; organize roundtable meetings with decision makers; utilize the media to raise public awareness about needs of Palestinians. The two major topics SAWT has addressed are honor killings and political freedoms. Through  conducting  several public opinion polls, convening of roundtables and discussion groups and a concerted advocacy campaign utilizing the media and prominent Palestinian figures and institutions, SAWT’s efforts have contributed to the broader civil society advocacy and mobilization efforts around this issue. The clause of Palestinian law that provides exemption for murders committed in the name of honor has been abolished.

 

“External Evaluation of the Project: Support to Palestinian Democrats.” Creative Associates International. 2011.

 

The evaluation draws lessons and implications on the broader socio-political changes in the region and how they influence best practices in the field of development and democracy promotion. The evaluation adopted a participatory interactive approach using both qualitative and quantitative data gathering tools. The following issues were emphasized: organizational capacity building level and service delivery. The research process was conducted through survey questionnaires, distributed among direct and indirect beneficiaries of the implemented activities and focus groups targeting relevant activists, officials and other individuals. A final report was authored  explaining the major findings.

 

“Evaluation of PNGO III Capacity Building Interventions.” Palestinian NGO Development Center (NDC) and Welfare Association. 2011.

 

Through this World Bank funded assignment, AWRAD evaluated the capacity building interventions under the third Palestinian NGO project (PNGOIII). The objective of this study was to measure the effectiveness of NDC’s capacity building interventions under PNGOIII in bringing NDC supported NGOs and NGO networks to a higher level of capacity through a review and assessment of the different types of assistance provided in achieving positive outcomes of the capacity building interventions. The team collected the data through desk review, 100 interviews in addition to focus groups and case studies.

 

“GIS Geo-Electricity Data Systems.” Jerusalem District Electric Company (JDECO). 2009-2010.

 

AWRAD and (JDECO) successfully conducted the first phase of a survey in Bethlehem Governorate which aimed at the comprehensive mapping and signage of the entire physical infrastructure (poles and networks) of JDECO’s electricity network in preparation for a comprehensive upgrade of the network.  The team included 15 of AWRAD’s researchers, who were electricity engineers and specialists in data collection in this field. The team participated in extensive trainings by experts at AWRAD and the JDECO team.

“A Study of Juvenile Justice in the occupied Palestinian territories.” EU. 2009-2010.

 

This project was an endeavor to assist the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) in developing a comprehensive strategy to improve the juvenile justice system in Palestine. It aimed to enhance the rule of law and adherence to national and international standards of fair trial and treatment of children by providing a baseline assessment of the structures and needs of relevant authorities. This was accomplished through a series of in-depth interviews and focus groups targeting the leading voices and authorities in juvenile justice. The process was also informed by a broad literature review and field visits to rehabilitation institutions. At the close of the project, a report was authored and a dissemination workshop was organized to present findings and to provide recommendations.

 

“Baseline Surveys on the Formal Justice Sector.”  Tetra tech DPK - Netham Program. 2008-2009.

 

AWRAD was contracted by Netham (A DPK-managed project supported by USAID) to carry out and report on five baseline surveys to be conducted within the West Bank.  The purpose of the surveys were to assess the performance of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC)  and courts users in order for Netham to be better able to propose needed developmental recommendations to improve the SJC and courts performance. The surveys targeted the following groups: judges, lawyers, court staff, court users and the general public. Over 2,000 interviews were carried out in all West Bank districts and gauged the current standing of the various stakeholders on the performance of the various components of the judicial process including the police, the prosecution, the courts, the lawyers and the government in general. A mixed methods approach was used throughout. 

 

“Party Empowerment Initiative Morocco: Results of a Survey and Focus Groups.” International Republican Institute (IRI). 2008.

 

AWRAD was contracted to assist in the provision of data and analysis for the benefit of Moroccan political parties. Prior to this assignment, a needs assessment had concluded that these parties were underprepared in outreach and planning strategies that would be better informed by the collection of qualitative and quantitative data. The project adopted a three-phase approach. The first phase was immediate exploration of the needs of the parties, accomplished through meetings with leading figures. The second phase included meetings, workshops, focus groups and report writing. The third phase was defined by the distribution of surveys among party members to determine their needs, priorities and evaluations of party-related issues.  

 

“Needs Assessment and Institutional Structures in Three Communities.” KRI International. 2008.

 

AWRAD was a partner in carrying out a needs assessment in three communities in the West Bank; Jericho region, Shufa't camp and Faraa' camp. The objective of the assessment was to understand and analyze the institutional structures in the communities, as well as needs and priorities in the communities especially in regard to human needs for the people with disability, youth and women. The study was carried out with the International Management Group and supported by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

 

“Compass: AWRAD’s Eye on Palestine; Data Trends.” AWRAD. 2015-On-going.

 

Compass is an initiative recently launched by AWRAD to provide tracking and analysis of survey data, trends and current events in Palestine and abroad. Compass is an effort to combine the data collected from AWRAD Polls with the analysis, perspective and academic background of AWRAD’s office experts and analysts. In effect, Compass focuses on the stories in the data that are not revealed on the surface, focusing on the deeper meaning of certain results, the circumstances that may have induced them and what these perceptions or responses could mean for future developments or initiatives. Examples of Compass topics include the peace process, empowerment of women and youth, prospects for Palestinian development and foreign relations.

“AWRAD’s Community Development Fund.” AWRAD. 2007-On-going.

 

In 2007, AWRAD established the Community Development Fund (CDF) to support the dissemination of progressive and humanitarian values. This Fund reflects the commitment of AWRAD to serve the wider community and its national and developmental issues, reinforcing the importance of restoring the spirit of volunteerism and the giving of self in an effective, meaningful context. AWRAD’s CDF supports a number of initiatives including the publication and dissemination of intellectual, cultural and literature texts that represent a challenge to the prevailing ideology in order to bolster a period mental and emotional enlightenment. AWRAD’s CDF unlocks the horizon by encouraging individual and independent creative writing, in order to promote intellectual freedom and creativity. AWRAD’s Fund has supported the publication of books, organized awareness promotion activities and sponsored a number of training endeavors with young people. 

 

“Palestinian Political Development and Democracy Promotion (Regular Surveys and Focus Groups)” International Republican Institute (IRI). 2007-On-going.

 

IRI and AWRAD are implementing a wide-scale project, funded by USAID through the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), in the West Bank and Gaza. The project relies primarily on quantitative and qualitative data gained through opinion polling and focus groups. It is designed to support the goal of obtaining more detailed voting data on partisan attitudes and provocative issues necessary for political professionals to understand the issues on “the street.”  At the time of writing, 120,000 Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza have been polled throughout the project, and 400 focus groups and 600 in-depth interviews have been conducted. This project involves training and awareness raising activities for hundreds of leaders of various political groups, youth organization and civil society institutions.

 

 

“Ana Hur Facebook Group.” AWRAD. 2011- On-going.

 

In 2011, AWRAD established the Facebook group “Ana Hur,” which translates to “I Am Free.” The main target audience of the page is Palestinian youth. The vision is described in the cover page motto -translated from Arabic- "We meet to promote a culture of freedom, justice, humanity, knowledge, dialogue, and research in a community that longs for renaissance and enlightenment."  The natures of the posts are multidisciplinary focusing primarily on Palestinian youth efforts, activities, volunteerism, service, accomplishments, youth rights and responsibilities, women's rights, ideas and literature of a positive nature. The page does not post on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in any way. The page currently has an audience of 40,000 followers and is consistently growing.