Consultant/Team - Assessment of Impacts of Forced Evictions

Background

Rede ba Rai Timor-Leste (RbR) is a national civil society network established in 2001, comprising local, national, and international non-governmental organizations, as well as individual members committed to promoting and protecting land and housing rights in Timor-Leste.

RbR works to promote equitable, inclusive, and sustainable access to land through policy advocacy, legal monitoring, and strengthening community capacities.

Timor-Leste is currently undergoing significant infrastructure development, urban expansion, and implementation of strategic public investment projects. While these processes are critical for economic growth, they have increased pressure on land use and, in certain cases, resulted in forced evictions and displacement - particularly affecting communities living under customary or informal land tenure systems.

Despite the adoption of Law No. 13/2017 on the Special Regime for the Determination of Ownership of Immovable Property, challenges persist in implementation, including limited consultation, lack of transparency, and concerns regarding fair compensation. These challenges have led to adverse social, economic, and psychological impacts on affected communities.

Within this context, RbR intends to contract an external consultant/team to undertake an independent assessment of the impacts of forced evictions in Timor-Leste.

This assignment is funded by the European Union under the project "Strengthening Civil Society to Promote Good Governance in Timor-Leste", implemented by a consortium comprising Oxfam, Kdadalak Sulimutuk Institute, and Mata Dalan Institute.

Purpose of the Assignment

The overall purpose of this assignment is to generate evidence-based analysis on the social, economic, and psychological impacts of forced evictions in Timor-Leste, in order to inform policy dialogue, advocacy, and the development of rights-based land governance frameworks.

Specific Objectives

The contractor shall:

• Assess the extent to which eviction processes comply with the applicable national legal framework, including Law No. 13/2017
• Analyze the socio-economic impacts of forced evictions on affected households, including income, livelihoods, and access to basic services
• Examine the psychological and emotional consequences of eviction and displacement
• Assess impacts on social cohesion and community structures
• Document community perspectives on consultation processes, compensation mechanisms, and resettlement practices
• Provide practical and evidence-based recommendations for policy and legal reform

Scope of the Assignment

The contractor shall carry out the assignment in selected locations across Timor-Leste, including but not limited to:

• Urban and peri-urban areas in Dili
• Areas affected by major infrastructure and public investment projects
• Development zones such as the Tasi Mane project

The assignment shall include, but not be limited to, the following tasks:

• Desk review of relevant literature, legal frameworks, and policy documents
• Design and implementation of a quantitative household survey (minimum sample size: 200 households)
• Conduct of key informant interviews with relevant stakeholders
• Facilitation of focus group discussions with women, youth, and vulnerable groups
• Development of 3–5 in-depth case studies
• Data analysis and synthesis of findings into a comprehensive report

Methodology

The contractor shall propose a detailed methodology in the technical proposal. The methodology should be based on a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques.

The approach must:

• Ensure gender-sensitive and inclusive data collection
• Integrate human rights-based and participatory approaches
• Adhere to internationally recognized ethical research standards

Deliverables

• Inception Report: Detailed methodology, work plan, data collection tools (within 2 weeks of contract signature)
• Draft Report: Preliminary findings and analysis (Week 8)
• Final Report: Consolidated report including findings and recommendations in English and Tetum (Week 12)
• Policy Brief: Concise summary (2-4 pages) targeting policymakers (Week 12)

All deliverables shall be submitted in electronic format and in English (final report also in Tetum).

Timeframe

The total duration of the assignment is 12 weeks from the date of contract signature.

Qualifications

The contractor (individual or team) must demonstrate:

• Advanced university degree (Master's level or equivalent) in social sciences, law, development studies, psychology, or a related field
• At least 5 years of proven experience in conducting applied research
• Demonstrated expertise in land rights, human rights, displacement, or resettlement
• Experience in Timor-Leste or Southeast Asia is considered an asset
• Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills
• Fluency in English; knowledge of Tetum is an advantage

Reporting and Coordination

The contractor will report to Rede ba Rai Timor-Leste and work in close coordination with project partners (Oxfam, Kdadalak Sulimutuk Institute, and Mata Dalan Institute).

All deliverables are subject to review and approval by the contracting authority.

Budget and Payment Modalities

Payments will be made upon satisfactory completion of deliverables, as follows:

• 30% upon approval of the Inception Report
• 40% upon submission of the Draft Report
• 30% upon approval of the Final Report

Ethical Considerations

The contractor shall ensure full compliance with ethical standards, including:

• Obtaining informed consent from all participants
• Ensuring confidentiality and data protection
• Applying the "Do No Harm" principle
• Respecting local cultural norms and practices

How to Apply

Interested candidates shall submit:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Technical proposal, including methodology and work plan
• Financial proposal (in EUR or USD)
• Sample(s) of previous relevant work

Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Subject: Application – Service Contract (Forced Eviction Assessment)

Deadline: 29 March 2026

Selection will be based on the following criteria:

• Technical quality of the proposal
• Relevant experience and qualifications
• Financial offer (best value for money principle)

Contact Information

Rede ba Rai Timor-Leste Secretariat

• Hortencio Pedro Viera (+670 77811481)
• Renato De Oliveira (+670 77716158)

Kdadalak Sulimutuk Institute

• Jenito Santana (+670 77342939)