Research, Policy & Governance

Making more policies more meaningful

In Research, Policy, and Governance, we specialize in providing fact-based insights and recommendations to stakeholders including UN agencies, government and intergovernmental agencies such as the EU, international NGOs, and private companies. Our services include context and thematic analyses, digital monitoring and investigation, stakeholder and service mapping, feasibility studies, polling and public perceptions, as well as policy and academic briefs. With a network of field researchers and experts across four continents, we are able to cover a wide range of topics and geographies. Our recent work has included a study for Save the Children on the role of young people in meaningful climate action in the Middle East and North Africa region and a feasibility study on migrant regularization for IOM in Libya.

Practice Areas in

Policy &

Governance

Voluntās offers numerous services and products that can be tailored to the specific needs of organizations and governments. Our approach combines rigorous research with strategic advisory, empowering leaders to develop policies that effectively address complex challenges that foster sustainable development and enhance societal welfare across diverse contexts.

Rebecca John

Featured Client Case

Creating Meaningful Societies with IBTCI:

in Tunisia and Libya

Practice Area

Context &

Thematic Analysis

We provide context and thematic analysis, including for organizations operating in fragile and conflict-affected contexts. Leveraging local expertise, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, we deliver in-depth insights into local social, cultural, and political dynamics, aiding risk assessment and strategic planning. Our expertise supports effective decision-making and project implementation, ensuring sensitivity and adaptability to complex environments.

Remi Djian

Products & Services

1.1 Context Monitoring

Context monitoring offers comprehensive regular updates on key political, social, and economic developments at local, national, or regional levels. Our reports can include analyses of stakeholder attitudes, roles, and interests; as well as a focus on a particular thematic area, such as energy, gender, or trade. We also offer rapid or flash assessments that enable partners to assess and react to unexpected and fast-changing developments.

1.2 Thematic Research

We offer in-depth analytical research across a wide range of thematic areas, including migration, climate change, livelihoods, and education. Leveraging significant subject expertise, we explore the dynamics of chosen themes and provide actional recommendations for policy and programming. Our reports are evidence driven and can include data from on-the-ground sources.

1.3 Digital Monitoring & Investigation

Our digital monitoring and investigation work focuses on understanding patterns of information consumption and effectively countering disinformation. Our approach involves analyzing online narratives, mapping influence networks, and assessing the impact of digital content on public perceptions and behaviors. We also use advanced tools to conduct social media analysis across a wide range of platforms. Our comprehensive analysis aids in crafting strategic responses to misinformation and enhances the effectiveness of communication campaigns.

1.4 Stakeholders and service mapping

Our Stakeholder and service mapping products identify and analyze key players and services within specific contexts. We provide a detailed landscape overview, highlighting the relationships, influence, and roles of various stakeholders, including governmental bodies, NGOs, community leaders, and private sector entities. By mapping the services available and understanding the intricate network of interactions, we equip organizations with the insights needed to navigate complex environments, foster collaborations, and enhance the effectiveness of their interventions and projects.

1.5 Feasibility studies

Our feasibility studies analyze and assess the viability of a proposed project or initiative, particulalry within challenging or fragile contexts. These studies can include an in-depth analysis of economic, legal, technical, and scheduling factors to determine a project’s potential for success. We consider local conditions, resources availability, stakeholder interests, and potential risks and benefits. The outcome is a detailed report providing critical insights and recommendations, guiding decision-makers in making informed choices, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and contextual realities.

Client Case

Enhancing Crisis Response in Tunisia

The project successfully developed tailored crisis management plans and conducted capacity-building sessions for government authorities and civil society organizations. These efforts are designed to enhance long-term resilience and ensure that no community member is left behind in future crises.

Situation

UN Women Tunisia, in collaboration with UNDP and WHO, aimed to bolster the socio-economic and health response to COVID-19 in Tunisia, focusing on empowering women and girls to lead and manage crisis situations effectively.

Challenge

The project faced the challenge of increasing community resilience, particularly among vulnerable groups like marginalized women and girls, and integrating comprehensive health awareness efforts with local authorities in the targeted areas of Kebili and Kef.

Solution

Voluntās provided critical support by conducting an extensive assessment of the COVID-19 response, using both desk research and field surveys. This evaluation included 441 Computer-Assisted Personal Interviews (CAPI) in Kebili and Kef to gather nuanced insights into the socioeconomic, health, and gender impacts of the pandemic. Based on these findings, Voluntās helped draft local crisis response plans that emphasized inclusive and gender-sensitive approaches, aiming to strengthen local capacities in pandemic management and preparedness.

Practice Area

Polling &

Public Perceptions

Understanding the pulse of public opinion is crucial for informed decision-making and effective programming. At Voluntās, we specialize in providing comprehensive polling and public perception services tailored to the unique needs of each organization and program. Leveraging cutting-edge methodologies and a nuanced understanding of diverse socio-political landscapes, we offer meaningful insights into public opinion, attitudes, and preferences. Utilizing long-standing relationships with local data collection partners we are able to access hard-to-reach areas, including remote and fragile contexts. From the design of the framework and surveys to insightful analysis and clear and to-the-point presentations, we empower our clients to navigate complex challenges, anticipate emerging issues, and design impactful strategies rooted in evidence.

Sofia Terragni

Products & Services

2.1 Perception Surveys

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2.2 Pulse Surveys

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2.3 KAP Assessment

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2.4 Behavior Assessment

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2.5 Voter Sentiment Analysis

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2.6 Voter Registration Polling

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Want to know more?

Get in touch with our policy & governance experts

Rebecca John

Remi Djian

Sofia Terragni

Practice Area

Policy

& Academic Briefs

As thought leaders, we work with leading policy experts and academic institutions on knowledge creation and dissemination in fields such as positive psychology, migration, and organizational management. We currently have partnerships with Saint Joseph University in Beirut and The Tata Institute of Social Sciences in Mumbai.

Products & Services

4.1 Research Papers

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4.2 Policy Reviews

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4.3 Policy and Program Design

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