Call for Quotations to Prepare a Comparative Research Study on Arbitration in the Context of Armed Conflicts and Disasters

ACT Conflict Resolution Organization announces its intention to solicit quotations from researchers for the preparation of a comparative research study entitled: “Analytical Study on Arbitration in the Context of Armed Conflicts and Disasters.

The study aims to analyze the possibility of using arbitration as one of the alternative means of dispute resolution in environments affected by armed conflicts and disasters, with a particular focus on the Gaza Strip and the Palestinian reality, while reviewing similar international experiences. The ultimate goal is to provide practical, applicable recommendations to support access to justice and the effectiveness of alternative means.

I. Reference Framework of the Study

1. Study Objectives
The study should provide an analytical comparative research addressing arbitration in the context of armed conflicts and disasters, focusing on the Palestinian reality—especially Gaza. It should analyze the suitability of arbitration as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism in these contexts, review relevant international experiences, and produce practical recommendations, as follows:

1. Provide a conceptual and legal analysis of arbitration in the context of armed conflicts and disasters.
2. Examine the possibility of resorting to arbitration in certain disputes arising in the Palestinian reality, particularly in Gaza.
3. Analyze the legal, procedural, and practical challenges associated with arbitration in these contexts.
4. Review and compare international experiences in arbitration or dispute resolution in countries affected by armed conflicts, disasters, or post-conflict situations.
5. Extract lessons learned from comparative experiences and assess their adaptability to the Palestinian case.
6. Provide practical, applicable recommendations and proposals.

2. Scope of the Study At minimum, the study must cover the following themes:

1. Conceptual and legal framework: Arbitration as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism, its characteristics, and the specificity of disputes arising in contexts of armed conflicts and disasters.
2. Palestinian context: The particularities of the Palestinian reality, especially Gaza, and the impact of armed conflicts and disasters on legal and contractual relations, including disputes related to construction, supply and services, delays, damages, impossibility of performance, reconstruction, compensation, and contractual obligations.
3. Palestinian legal and judicial framework: The laws governing arbitration in Palestine, their responsiveness to disputes arising under exceptional circumstances, and the relationship between arbitration and the Palestinian judiciary in terms of recognition, oversight, and enforcement.
4. Legal and practical challenges: The impact of emergencies and force majeure on contracts and arbitration, challenges related to arbitration agreements (validity, scope), jurisdiction, procedures, evidence, difficulties in conducting arbitration sessions in unstable environments, and challenges in enforcing arbitral awards.
5. Comparative international experiences: Presentation and analysis of selected relevant international experiences, highlighting similarities and differences with the Palestinian case, and extracting key practical and legal lessons.
6. Practical recommendations: Specific proposals on the potential use of arbitration in the Palestinian context, suggesting pathways or approaches for handling disputes linked to war and disaster situations, especially in Gaza.

3. Required Methodology The researcher must present a clear methodology including:

1. Review and analysis of relevant literature and legal references.
2. Analysis of the Palestinian legal framework governing arbitration.
3. Use of analytical and comparative methods.
4. Reliance on relevant international experiences and credible sources.
5. Linking analysis to the Palestinian reality and potential applications in Gaza.
6. Ensuring sensitivity of data and confidentiality of participants (if any), especially in conflict contexts.

4. Required Outputs The researcher/contracted party must deliver:

1. An analytical comparative research paper in Arabic, following a clear scientific methodology.
2. A first draft within the agreed timeframe.
3. A revised version incorporating ACT’s feedback.
4. A final version in Word and PDF formats, including an English summary.
5. Compliance with academic integrity and proper referencing.
6. Preparation and presentation of the study in a workshop to be scheduled by ACT.

II. Required Qualifications

Applicants must have:

• A university degree in law, arbitration, alternative dispute resolution, or a directly related field.
• At least five years of professional experience in arbitration and alternative dispute resolution.
• Proven research experience with previously published studies.
• Knowledge or experience related to legal contexts of armed conflicts, disasters, or post-conflict situations.

III. Technical Proposal Requirements

• A plan and methodology outlining understanding of the subject, scope of work, themes, and timeline.
• CV of the researcher or research team.
• Copies/samples of previously published relevant research.

IV. Financial Proposal Requirements

• Must be submitted in US dollars.
• Price must be inclusive of tax.
• Proposal validity: 60 days from submission date.

V. Evaluation Criteria

• Technical evaluation: 60%
• Financial evaluation: 40%

VI. Supervision and Coordination

The researcher will work under the direct supervision of ACT’s team, with regular coordination to ensure outputs align with the institution’s objectives.

VII. Duration

Four weeks from the date of contract signing.

VIII. Submission Mechanism

Applications must be submitted via the following link: https://forms.gle/bTiN1gS2MnfttaU89

IX. Deadline

The deadline for submission is 27/04/2026.

X. Inquiries

For any questions, please contact: hibathouqan@actadr.org