Consultancy for Desk review study on the nexus between Care, Humanitarian crisis

Introduction

Oxfam is a confederation of more than 20 independent charitable organizations focused on alleviating global poverty and addressing social injustice. Oxfam recognizes that there is no economic, social, and environmental justice without gender justice. We work to make sure that women and girls, in all their diversities live free from gender-based discrimination and violence. We campaign against deep rooted male privilege and dominance that prevent women from realizing their rights and work with communities to challenge patriarchal beliefs that drive abuse and keep women poor.

With a long history of responding to humanitarian crises worldwide, Oxfam provides essential aid to communities affected by conflicts, natural disasters, and emergencies. The organization’s humanitarian approach is rooted in principles of gender justice, equality, and empowerment. Oxfam prioritizes meeting the specific needs and safeguarding the rights of women, girls, and other marginalized groups in all its interventions. Learn more about Oxfam HERE

Background

Oxfam Africa has been at the forefront of advocating for gender justice and addressing the root causes of inequality in the region. Through initiatives like the Women Economic Empowerment and Care (WE-CARE) project, Oxfam has created a body of knowledge on unpaid care and domestic work impact to women economic justice and gender equality. Over the years Oxfam has deepened understanding of UCDW shifting to an ecosystems approach that looks wholesomely at the care economy and the nexus between care and other gender related issues demonstrating that Women often carry a heavier load of unpaid care and domestic work, which becomes exacerbated in a time of crises and humanitarian crises, including conflicts, natural disasters, and health emergencies, disproportionately affect women’s ability to provide care and participate in economic activities. In this regard, Oxfam in Africa is undertaking a desk review to explore the connections between care work and humanitarian crises, particularly in the context of climate change and violent conflict. The aim of this desk review is to highlight how care systems function or break down during these crises.

MAPPING (research countries)

1. In Uganda, hosting one of Africa’s largest refugee populations from South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Burundi, has strained resources. Persistent conflicts in areas like Karamoja result in internal displacement attributed to land disputes and historical grievances.
2. Kenya, plagued by recurrent droughts in regions like Turkana and conflicts in areas including Turkana and Baringo, faces food insecurity and disruption to livelihoods, as well as the recent climate change effects in form of floods in most parts of Kenya. Refugee populations from Somalia, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo strain resources in camps like Dadaab and Kakuma.
3. Zimbabwe grapples with food insecurity due to recurring droughts, economic instability, and limited agricultural access. Prolonged economic challenges, exacerbated by natural disasters such as Cyclone Idai, pose significant humanitarian needs in the country.
4. Ethiopia struggles with internal displacement from ethnic conflicts in regions like Tigray and hosts a substantial refugee population from countries such as South Sudan and Eritrea. Refugee camps like Gambella cater to those fleeing conflict, environmental disasters, and persecution.
5. Nigeria faces conflict and insurgency in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states, leading to displacement and significant humanitarian needs. Inter-communal violence in states like Plateau contributes to loss of lives, displacement, and disruptions to social cohesion.
6. Niger grapples with chronic food insecurity and malnutrition exacerbated by erratic rainfall and desertification. Climate change effects like droughts and floods impact agriculture and livelihoods, while conflicts between ethnic groups and spill-over from regional crises add to insecurity and displacement challenges.

Scope of Work

The purpose of this desk review study is to comprehensively analyse the nexus between care work, and humanitarian crises in climate change and violent conflict within the context of Oxfam’s ongoing initiatives in Africa. This study will utilize existing literature, project reports, policy documents, relevant databases and expert interviews to provide a nuanced understanding of how these elements interconnect, particularly with an emphasis on gender dynamics and the implications for marginalized populations.

Objectives

1. Literature Review: Conduct a thorough review of existing research and publications on unpaid care work including existing time use survey contextualising care in relation to climate change and violent conflict humanitarian crises. This will include academic articles, policy briefs, and case studies relevant to the African context.
2. Mapping Intersections: Identify and analyse the interplay between care work, climate change and conflict humanitarian challenges in the selected countries (Uganda, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Niger). Highlight the unique factors that exacerbate the care work responsibilities on women and other marginalized groups.
3. Gender Dynamics Assessment: Evaluate how gender roles influence the distribution of care work during crises and the ways in which climate change and conflict exacerbates these roles. This will include exploring the physical, psychological and socio-economic implications of care responsibilities on women’s empowerment and participation in recovery efforts.
4. Recommendations for Policy and Programming: Based on the findings, provide actionable recommendations for policy advocacy, program design, and interventions that promote gender justice and support care systems in the context of climate change and conflict humanitarian crises.

Deliverables

1. Desk Review Report: A comprehensive report detailing the findings of the literature review and case studies, including a synthesis of data and insights on the nexus between care, and humanitarian crises.
2. Policy Brief: A concise policy brief summarizing key findings and recommendations tailored for stakeholders, including government bodies, NGOs, and community organizations.
3. Presentation: Develop a presentation to share the findings and recommendations with Oxfam staff and relevant partners, facilitating discussions on future actions and interventions.

Timeline

The assignment will span three months, during which the consultant will undertake the desk review, analysis, and report preparation, adhering to set deadlines for deliverables. Regular check-ins with the Commissioning Manager and other relevant team members will ensure alignment with Oxfam’s goals and expectations.

Qualifications and Requirements

Educational Background

• Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field such as Social Sciences, Gender Studies, Humanitarian studies, Environmental Science, Development Studies, or related disciplines.

Professional Experience

• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in Gender Justice programming and research with any additional expertise in Humanitarian, Conflict, and climate change being highly desirable
• Proven experience conducting desk reviews, literature reviews, and synthesis of complex information related to gender justice and humanitarian issues.
• Familiarity with African contexts, particularly the humanitarian landscapes and gender dynamics in Uganda, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Niger.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong understanding of the women economic justice and care work, in Africa.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to synthesize information from diverse sources and produce clear, action-oriented reports and policy briefs.
• Knowledge of gender justice programming, legal and policy frameworks, and advocacy strategies
• Familiarity with existing research methodologies, particularly around qualitative data analysis and thematic assessments.

Communication Skills

• Written and verbal communication skills in English. Proficiency in relevant local languages is a plus, French included.
• Experience in developing presentations and facilitating discussions for various stakeholders, including government agencies and community organizations.

Interpersonal Skills

• Strong relationship-building skills to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including local communities, NGOs, governmental representatives, and other partner organizations.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability to changing circumstances and priorities.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in digital tools for research, data analysis, and presentation, including relevant software for document creation, data visualization, and communication.

Additional Requirements

• Strong commitment to feminist principles and gender justice,
• Compliance to Oxfam code of conduct and safeguarding policies
• Availability to commit to the full duration of the assignment (3 months) and to provide deliverables within the stipulated timelines.
• Willingness to engage in consultations with stakeholders as required, ensuring an inclusive approach to the desk review process.

Invitation to Apply

Oxfam is inviting applications from suitably qualified consultants to carry out this work. Your proposal should contain:

• A short introduction stating why they are suited to deliver this project.
• Consultant profile, and qualifications.
• A technical proposal with detailed response highlighting how they understand the TOR, with specific focus on addressing the scope of work including methodology.
• Initial work plan and indication of availability
• Estimated number of days and proposed timeline
• A financial proposal detailing the rate expected and any additional costs.
• Company/organizational profile or CV including a minimum of 3 traceable, recent, and relevant references.

How to apply

Your proposal, which should not exceed five pages in length and should be sent by email to [email protected] under the subject line “Care, and Humanitarian Nexus study consultant” no later than 23rd October 2024. Bids will be reviewed as they are received