Country: Somalia
Closing date: 24 May 2013
Consultancy Vacancy Terms of Reference
Organization: Danish Refugee Council, on behalf of the Somalia Cash Consortium (ACF, Adeso, DRC and Save the Children) in collaboration with Cash Based Response Working Group
Project: Cash Consortium
Position Type: Short term Consultancy
Study type: Study on Cash and Protectin in Somalia
Duration: 45 days
Reporting to: DRC, Child Protection Coordinator
Working with: Somalia Cash Consortium (ACF, Adeso, DRC and Save the Children), field teams and Cash Based Response Working Group Members
Starting Date: 17 June 2013
Background
In response to the famine in Southern and Central Somalia, several agencies have been implementing a large-scale unconditional cash transfer programme. The initiatives represent a comprehensive effort to address the alarming food insecurity of the most vulnerable households in the region.
Danish Refugee Council, Adeso, Save the Children and Action Against Hunger (ACF) International formed the Cash Consortium that has been implementing the Food Assistance to South Central Somalia (FASCS) project since September 2011. The objective of the project is to provide vulnerable households with access to basic food and non-food items. The project is providing households that are experiencing food and livelihoods crisis with unconditional cash grants in order to allow them to purchase their food and non-food basic items. The project is being implemented in Mogadishu, Lower Juba, Gedo, Hiran, and Mudug regions of South and Central Somalia.
The Somalia Cash Consortium is part of the Cash Based Response Working Group (CBRWG); an independent forum of technical professionals dedicated to cash programming in Somalia established in April 2008, the CBRWG is an informal working group that strives to coordinate and harmonize member’s responses in Somalia. The mandate is to ensure quality assurance in the design and implementation of cash based responses and to support coordination efforts. This includes identifying and agreeing upon best practices in cash response programming as part of a sustainable livelihoods response. It also includes linking relief rehabilitation, development planning and implementation processes. The overall aim of CBRWG is to streamline the design, development and implementation of cash based responses in Somalia. The group strives to improve programs and their ability to benefit vulnerable groups in Somalia.
The proposed assessment is for a joint initiative by the Somalia Cash Consortium (ACF, Adeso, DRC and Save the Children) with support from CBRWG; but the contract for this consultancy assignment shall be managed by DRC.
Scope of Work
Field research should be conducted in Lower Juba, Gedo, Mudug, Hiran and Mogadishu regions of south central Somalia, with interviewees from different livelihood groups, who have been involved in unconditional cash transfer programmes. The following factors can be used to identify a cross-section of focus areas and interviewees:
• Amount of transfer received per household
• Urban / rural
• Pastoralist / agro-pastoralist / riverine communities
• Levels of displacement, access to land
• Gender, age, clan, etc.
• Beneficiaries / non-beneficiary perspectives
Methodology
A longitudinal, in-depth, qualitative methodology will be used to deal with such sensitive protection-related issues. The methodology will be further defined by the consultant (in the proposal) and revised at the outset of the consultancy. The following elements should be included:
• Literature review, including review of existing programme documentation and monitoring data
• Interviews with NGO project staff, both in Nairobi and in Somalia
• Data collection in the field, including questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with both beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries
• Data analysis, validation of findings and report writing
Deliverables
• Initial work plan and proposal for study (including study methodology and process of data collection, timeline), to be presented in Nairobi.
• Final plans and data collection tools, for approval prior to fieldwork in Somalia.
• Interim study report with preliminary analysis and observations, submitted for feedback and comments.
• Presentation in Nairobi on study findings for final consensus building.
• Final study report for external circulation, after approval.
Management and Coordination
The consultant will report to Eliab Mulili in DRC and will work closely with Technical advisors from the four consortium agencies including the Cash Based Response Working Group members. The technical contractual coordination of the assignment will be undertaken by the M&E focal point of the Consortium. The consultancy contract will be managed by DRC.
Timeframe of the consultancy
The study will be completed within 45 working days; the final report is to be submitted by the end of the set study period.
Qualification of the Consultant
• Advanced degree in political sciences, international relations, human rights, monitoring and evaluation, economics, social sciences, anthropology, or other areas relevant for the assignment.
• At least five years’ of relevant professional work in social research or undertaking related studies.
• Experience in Somalia or work in a similar context will be an added advantage,
• Extensive experience in working with humanitarian organizations (INGOs, local NGOs, local authorities, and beneficiaries).
• Understanding of the dynamics of aid in Somalia.
• Understanding of cash transfer programming in an emergency context.
• Demonstrated analytical and writing skills.
• Excellent knowledge of English (knowledge of Somali an asset).
Intellectual Property Rights
All documentation related to the assignment shall remain the sole and exclusive property of Somalia Cash Consortium (ACF, Adeso, DRC and Save the Children)
Further information
For a detailed TOR please send an email request to info@drchoa.org
You are welcome to contact DRC’s Child Protection Coordinator, by email at the following address: childprotection@drcsomalia.org for further information or questions regarding the programme.
Applications are not to be sent to the Child Protection Coordinator.
How to apply:
Application Process
Applications should be submitted by 24th May 2013. All applicants must meet the minimum requirements described above. Each application package should include the following:
• Cover letter with the applicant’s current contact information
• Proposal for the consultancy assignment with methodology and budget
• CV(s) of consultant(s), including detailed work experience, education/degrees, and details of similar assignments.
• 3 Professional References, with complete contact information
All applications should be sent to Danish Refugee Council drcjobs@drchoa.org with the subject line: Research consultancy on cash and protection in Somalia.