Amna, a refugee-centered organization dedicated to expanding mental health support and community-led psychosocial services, is seeking a researcher or academic-affiliated team to produce an evidence synthesis titled “Amna at 10”. This project celebrates Amna’s 10-year journey, highlighting its impact on displaced communities and shaping the organization’s strategic learning for the next decade.
Since its founding in 2016 (formerly Refugee Trauma Initiative), Amna has worked globally through partner organizations to deliver community-based, trauma- and identity-informed psychosocial care across regions including South Asia, MENA, and Europe. The organization blends evidence-based approaches with culturally grounded creative practices, supporting displaced people in healing, rebuilding safety, and regaining agency.
Purpose of the Assignment
The research partnership has two complementary goals:
- Public-facing Impact Brief: A concise, high-quality summary showcasing Amna’s strongest outcomes and value to the humanitarian MHPSS (Mental Health and Psychosocial Support) sector.
- Deep Learning Synthesis: An internal strategic learning product analyzing Amna’s evaluations, learning studies, and programme evidence to guide future strategy and organisational evolution.
No primary research is required, though a few internal staff interviews may support interpretation and triangulation of findings.
Scope of Work
The research team will:
Evidence Mapping and Synthesis (2016–2026):
- Review evaluations, reports, training feedback, and programme documentation.
- Organize findings across levels (individual, community, organizational) and outcomes (safety, belonging, agency, wellbeing).
- Map programming pillars (e.g., youth, systems of care, global network, emergency response) and contextual constraints.
Mechanisms of Change and Active Ingredients:
- Identify patterns and mechanisms that drive lasting impact.
- Analyse Amna’s key organizational strategies like training, mentoring, reflective practice, and ecosystem building.
Strengths, Weaknesses, and Conditions for Impact:
- Highlight areas of consistent success and areas needing attention.
- Determine conditions under which Amna’s model is most effective.
Field Positioning and Contribution:
- Situate Amna’s work within MHPSS and global mental health literature.
- Articulate its contribution to community-based, trauma-informed humanitarian care.
Forward-Looking Recommendations and Learning Agenda:
- Advise on programmatic focus, evidence strategy, and future research priorities.
- Propose pathways for generating field-relevant knowledge over the next decade.
Suggested Methodology
Applicants are encouraged to propose rigorous, feasible approaches, potentially including:
- Structured desk review and document analysis.
- Development of an evidence mapping matrix across outcomes, levels, pillars, and context.
- Thematic synthesis, realist-informed synthesis, or contribution analysis.
- Optional brief staff interviews for interpretation and triangulation.
- Light-touch validation with Amna for accuracy and confidentiality.
Amna will provide access to its curated evidence folder, learning frameworks, and MEL tools to support the synthesis process.
Deliverables
The research partner will produce:
- Inception Note: Methodology, analytical framework, workplan, and timeline.
- Public-facing Impact Brief (2–4 pages): Summary of Amna’s impact for donors and sector audiences.
- Deep Learning Synthesis Report (~20 pages): Detailed internal analysis with recommendations.
- Evidence & Claims Map (1 page): Visual summary of strong evidence, emerging evidence, and gaps.
- Future Research & Learning Agenda (1 page): Strategic research priorities for the next decade.
- Presentation Slide Deck for internal or public dissemination.
- Optional: Academic abstract and journal submission proposal.
Ethics, Safeguarding, and Data Handling
- Maintain confidentiality and data protection.
- Follow GDPR and safeguarding standards.
- Obtain informed consent for any staff interviews.
- Ensure anonymity of individuals and partners in public outputs.
Timeline
- Application Deadline: 26 March 2026
- Inception Note: 15 April 2026
- Public Impact Brief: 15 May 2026
- Deep Learning Synthesis Report & Evidence Map: 30 June 2026
- Future Research & Learning Agenda: 30 June 2026
Required Expertise
- Academic affiliation preferred; ability to publish under institutional affiliation.
- Expertise in MHPSS/global mental health, trauma-informed or identity-informed practice, and humanitarian programming.
- Experience in evidence synthesis, mixed-methods research, and producing sector-facing briefs.
- Strong writing, analytical, and rapid-delivery skills.
Desirable: Experience with implementation research, realist approaches, or contribution analysis.
How to Apply
Applicants should submit:
- Technical proposal (2–3 pages) detailing methodology and deliverables.
- CV(s) of lead researcher(s).
- Examples of prior synthesis or publications.
- Budget proposal with clear breakdown of costs.
- Confirmation of university affiliation.
Proposals must be sent to Jonelle@amna.org and Walaa@amna.org by 26 March 2026, 18:00 UK time. Late submissions will not be considered.
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