Please find complete bidding documents in the following link: RFP-RO01-002452 – Consultancy on Producing A Durable Solutions Landscape Assessment Report
DRC for ReDSS
Terms of Reference (TOR) for Consultancy on Producing A Durable Solutions Landscape Assessment Report
Who is the Danish Refugee Council
Founded in 1956, the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading international NGO and one of the few with specific expertise in forced displacement. Active in 40 countries with 9,000 employees and supported by 7,500 volunteers, DRC protects, advocates, and builds sustainable futures for refugees and other displacement-affected people and communities. DRC works during displacement at all stages: In the acute crisis, in displacement, when settling and integrating into a new place, or upon return. DRC provides protection and life-saving humanitarian assistance; supports displaced persons in becoming self-reliant and included in hosting societies; and works with civil society and responsible authorities to promote the protection of rights and peaceful coexistence.
About ReDSS
ReDSS is a secretariat working on behalf of 14 international and national NGOs working on forced displacement in the Horn of Africa. We were established in 2015 in response to a desire by the NGO community to be more proactive in shaping durable solutions policy and programming in the region. Our team works at both a regional and a country level and focuses on the translation of evidence and research into policies and programmes that can better deliver for displacement-affected communities. We do this through a range of activities, including convening key stakeholders at multiple levels to produce consensus around collective actions that can be taken; supporting new evidence generation through commissioning and undertaking research and analysis; and building the capacity of key actors through delivering training and developing tools and guidance. We do not implement programmes directly, and by maintaining this distance are better able to play a neutral role across the system. Since ReDSS was established in 2015, we have played a critical role in shaping durable solutions narratives in the region, building on our initial work in Somalia and expanding to Ethiopia and Kenya which has allowed us to work on a wide range of policy and programming processes.
Purpose of the consultancy
The purpose of the study is to enhance the awareness of the durable solutions landscape in Somalia among durable solutions actors led by the government and to inform and enable more strategic decisions to be made through the NDSS coordination mechanism. This awareness will inform the decisions related to the application of resources for Solutions in Somalia including their layering and sequencing. It is closely aligned with the government’s ambition of transitioning 1 million IDPs out of displacement by the end of 2025. The outcome of the study will be a report that will build upon the already existing analyses and will include actionable recommendations to the government, donors, and aid actors on how to address gaps. ReDSS will support the Poverty Reduction and Durable Solutions Department of MoPIED to convene learning events aimed at promoting the uptake of the recommendations and frequent lesson-learning sessions to ensure decisions are guided by the evidence produced by this study.
Background
Over 3 million internally displaced people (IDPs) in Somalia live in protracted displacement that includes long-standing conditions of economic precarity, marginalization, rightlessness, and future uncertainty. These IDPs face physical, material, and legal insecurities that contribute to their protracted displacement and hinder them from attaining a durable solution. Physical insecurity manifests itself through physical assaults including gender-based violence. It is also evidenced through clan, gender, and class discrimination that most IDPs face in areas where they settle after displacement. Material insecurity derives from insecure land tenure, heightening the risk of evictions and secondary displacement, limited access to protection in the labour market, and inability to address basic needs owing to unavailable or inaccessible infrastructure such as water and sanitation service points in locations where IDPs settle upon displacement. Lastly, legal insecurity is observed through limited access to documentation that secures their rights, public participation in processes that affect the lives of the displaced, and access to justice. Additionally, the incidence and depth of physical, material, and legal insecurity that IDPs experience differs from one location to another. Evidently, achieving durable solutions in Somalia requires a contextually (area-based) comprehensive approach that addresses all these insecurities. It also calls for an approach that is people-centered – as IDPs have varying displacement-related vulnerabilities and aspirations for solutions – and government-led as it bears the ultimate responsibility to promote solutions for its displaced citizens.
The government through the Poverty Reduction and Durable Solutions Department at the Ministry of Planning, Investment and Economic Development (MoPIED) has revamped the coordination structure to support the implementation of the National Durable Solutions Strategy (NDSS). This revamped coordination structure includes all durable solutions actors including government at the various levels of implementation in Somalia. It connects the policy aspects of addressing displacement with the service delivery aspects of the same. Actors included in this structure will need a clearer picture of the implementation of the different policy instruments, the availability and accessibility of data on solutions among all actors and its uptake as well as the distribution of resources aimed at promoting solutions. These elements are necessary to inform a common vision of reducing displacement vulnerabilities and transitioning IDPs from displacement.
Cognizant of the displacement context, the Federal Government of Somalia has committed to transitioning 1 million IDPs out of displacement by 2025. This move is linked to the global initiative framed by the United Nations Action Agenda on Internal Displacement aimed at reducing the number of IDPs globally by 10 million. In Somalia, the attainment of transitioning IDPs from displacement will be done through the implementation of the National Durable Solutions Strategy (NDSS). The strategy is focused on reducing displacement-related needs and enhancing access to rights through access to services and security of tenure, participation in public affairs in a safe and secure environment, access to livelihoods and employment, access to justice, and investments in early solutions. It is complemented by other area-based laws, plans, and strategies at the Federal member state level and Benadir Region, including plans at the regional and district levels. Finally, The Ministry of Planning, through Poverty Reduction and Durable Solutions Department developed action plans to operationalise the NDSS for each Federal Member State and BRA, All stakeholders involved in durable solutions including the government, development partners, the private sector, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) themselves have actively engaged and participated well in the process of action plan development. The implementation of these policy instruments requires coordination in the implementation, resources and monitoring at all levels of governance.
The Poverty Reduction and Durable Solutions Department of the Ministry of Planning, Regional Durable Solutions Secretariat (ReDSS) and Resident Coordinator Office (RCO) will commission a Durable Solutions Landscape Assessment. This assessment will provide an analysis of the rate of implementation of solutions policy instruments, the actors involved in the implementation and their motivation, the nature, availability, accessibility and utility of solutions data as well as the distribution of resources that support solutions initiatives in Somalia. It will also identify key gaps and make recommendations as to how the actors can address them to create a conducive environment for solutions. The assessment is designed to support the department at MoPIED’s efforts to strengthen durable solutions coordination.
Objective of the consultancy
The main objective of this assessment is to bring together knowledge and evidence on the policy environment, existing resources, and progress on the promotion of durable solutions to provide a strategic overview of the solutions landscape across Somalia and inform strategic decision-making. Specifically, the study aims:
- To enhance greater awareness and understanding of the potential opportunities and barriers in the operating environment that may either enhance or hinder the sustainable realization of solutions in Somalia
- To inform a joint roadmap for all relevant stakeholders that identifies key steps to promote the sustainable realization of solutions in Somalia linked to the government-led implementation mechanism of the National Durable Solutions Strategy
The main question that this DS Landscape Study seeks to address is: How do the available resources map against the durable solutions priorities and needs identified by Somali stakeholders, and where are the biggest gaps and challenges that need to be addressed? In response to the main question, the study will investigate the following specific questions tied to the different operating environments relevant to durable solutions as framed by the Somalia National Durable Solutions Strategy and other relevant frameworks, including the ReDSS Durable Solutions Framework and the Interagency Durable Solutions Analysis Guide – A Tool To Measure Progress Towards Durable Solutions For IDPS. Given that Somalia while implementing it National Durable Solutions Strategy is also a pilot country for the implementation of the UN Action Agenda on Solutions to Internal Displacement, relevant processes related to that work will also be considered. The table below collates the different questions the study will investigate.
- Which international, regional, and national laws, policies and regulations pertain to IDPs and durable solutions exist in Somalia? What do they say about durable solutions?
- Which local laws, policies and regulations pertain to IDPs and durable solutions? What do they say about durable solutions?
- To what extent have forced displacement and solutions been incorporated into national and local development policies and plans?
- To what extent do the identified policy frameworks at all levels align consistently under the National Durable Solutions Strategy?
- Which stakeholders are most critical for the delivery of the solutions priorities mapped out above?
- What is the government’s capacity to implement the above?
Data on displacement-affected communities (the study will draw on the findings on the current data mapping being undertaken by JIPS and the SNBS)
- What data is available across the country describing different dimensions of the experience of displacement-affected communities, including:
- Demographic data, including around areas of origin
- Displacement experiences (i.e. length and cause of displacement)
- Access to basic needs (e.g. housing, food, education and health)
- Access to land (e.g. Government provision of land, Availability of land in return areas)
- Capacities, skills and socio-economic status
- Access to livelihoods
- Future aspirations, and key challenges in meeting these aspirations
- Relationships with other communities in their areas of displacement
- To what extent is this data organised and available to policymakers and programmers in a consistent way? Who is currently assembling this data and what are their capacity constraints? Where are the biggest gaps that need to be addressed?
Data on areas of displacement
What data is available across the country in relation to the wider needs in areas of displacement, including:
Services and Built Environment:
- Availability of services and infrastructure in the locations where IDPs reside and in areas where they may wish to return or relocate
- Absorptive (ability of available services and infrastructure to meet the demand) and adaptive capacity and quality of these services and infrastructure
Livelihood Options and Resources:
- Presence of a thorough analysis of the labour market or potential for providing access to relevant productive assets in the potential areas where IDPs prefer to seek (re)integration.
- Whether this analysis matched with population-level analysis of IDPs’ skills, experiences, and interests
Root causes of displacement:
- Presence of disaster risk management/reduction strategies in areas where IDPs wish to pursue reintegration (local, relocated or return) after displacement disaster
- Presence of conflict analyses in contexts where this is relevant to identify potential risk of future displacement
Actor mapping
Actors/Institutions:
- What are the key governmental institutions at regional, national and local-level with responsibility in relation to IDPs/returnees?
- What is the capacity, willingness and incentives of the above-mentioned institutions to address durable solutions?
- Which other actors are involved/not involved in addressing displacement, including non-humanitarian actors? (State, local government, national civil society, development actors, private sector).
Planning and Strategies (application of durable solutions principles):
- What mechanisms for coordination and planning exist, and which actors participate in these?
- What response-level strategies and plans are in place- humanitarian, development, resilience etc including any existing durable solutions strategies?
- To what extent is the response focused on building self-reliance and resilience of displaced, host communities and local institutions (an area-based approach) versus a “care and maintenance” approach?
- What other development plans and strategies are in place for the displacement-affected community (including those which do not directly target the displaced population as beneficiaries)?
Resource mapping
(the study will draw on the programme mapping currently being undertaken by Poverty Reduction and Durable Solutions Department of MoPIED)
- What public and private resources are available to support the implementation of priorities, including governmental resources, international resources and local resources?
- How are these resources currently deployed? What are the key interventions currently under implementation and how do they map against the identified priorities?
- Where are the biggest resource gaps, and how might these be addressed?
Scope of work and Methodology
The study will cover the five Federal Member States and the Benadir Region. It will be carried out within 90 days between February 2023 and May 2024. The study will include a thorough review of literature on under each of the dimensions listed in the section 4 of this ToR in each of the locations of the study. It will also include the collection of primary data from research participants virtually and/or through field-based research.
Deliverables
The Consultant will submit the following deliverables as mentioned below, providing all documentation on email:
Expected deliverables
- Inception Report (with PowerPoint presentation) outlining the consultant’s understanding of the TOR, methodological approach, agreed analytical framework, and ethical considerations. The inception report will also outline the work plan and a list of individuals and/or types of organizations the consultant will be interviewing for presentation to the research technical committee.
- Based on desk review and stakeholder consultation, draft a report (30 pages maximum without annexes) including:
- Table of contents, glossary of key terms, list of acronyms,
- An executive summary (maximum 3 pages), introduction highlighting the objectives of the study, the rationale, methodology used, scope and limitations, theory of change
- Outline of literature review and stakeholder consultation
- Conclusions, and concrete recommendations based on findings – focusing on the HOW
- Annexes including but not limited to list of key interviews, bibliography, documents reviewed
- A short PowerPoint presentation highlighting the key questions, methodology, key findings and recommendations (15 slides maximum)
- Summary notes from of key informants’ interviews
- Learning event with key stakeholders to present key findings and develop recommendations collectively
- Final revised report and PowerPoint presentation based on inputs received from key stakeholders and the technical committee.
- Participation in report launch and uptake discussions
Phase 1
Inception
Develop and present a methodology and analytical framework for the analysis.
- Powerpoint presentation,
- Detailed work plan.
- List for interviewees for the study
15 days
Phase 2
KII with stakeholders
Conduct Key informant interviews and consultations with a wide range of stakeholders at the national and local levels in research locations.
Summary notes from of key informants’ interviews.
50 days
Phase 3
Final report
Final report and executive summary based on feedback and recommendations from the operational workshops published.
Final report and PowerPoint presentation
8 days
Phase 4
Dissemination and Uptake
- Develop an uptake and dissemination plan
- Conduct validation and uptake workshops with identified stakeholders
- Uptake and dissemination of the report
- Learning event to promote uptake
4 days
Duration, timeline, and payment
The total expected duration to complete the assignment will be no more than 90 consultancy days within a span of no more than 3 months. Starting date will be jointly discussed with the selected consultant(s). The consultant(s) will report to the ReDSS Somalia Manager and be guided by a Study Advisory Committee, made up of key expertise in the subject matter identified by ReDSS. The consultant shall be prepared to complete the report no later than May 2024, with uptake expected within the same time frame. DRC will make an initial payment of between 30 to 50% of the total costs upon signing of the contract and the remaining amount upon completion of the work, including any agreed reimbursables.
Eligibility, qualification, and experience required
Essential qualifications of the consultants:
- Master’s degree in international relations, development, anthropology, political science, or economics
- Minimum 10 years’ proven experience in conducting similar analyses in Somalia and/or Somali-speaking context
- Strong knowledge of the region and the socio-economic and political dynamics affecting it; more specifically on displacement trends within the Horn of Africa region
- Strong analytical and writing skills with proven experience in producing high-quality research with ability to present complex information in a simple and accessible manner
- Fluency in written and spoken English
Technical supervision
The selected consultant/s will work under the supervision of the ReDSS Somalia Manger and Solutions Coordinator with support and guidance from ReDSS members and partners.
Location and support
The study will cover all the FMS and Banadir Region in Somalia***.*** The Consultant will provide her/his own computer, mobile telephone and any other applicable equipment.
Travel
There is a possibility for travel during the delivery of this work to facilitate workshops and meetings. The travel will be approved and facilitated by DRC according to the DRC laid down procedures.
Submission process
Interested Firms/Individuals that meet requirements should send their proposal and other required documents to the email address [email protected] on or before 4th February 2024 at 5 PM EAT.
Please indicate ‘Durable Solutions Landscape Assessment’’: RFQ-RO01-002452” in the subject line of your email application.
Evaluation of bids
Administration Evaluation
A bid shall pass the administrative evaluation stage before being considered for technical and financial evaluation. Bids that are deemed administratively non-compliant may be rejected. Documents listed below shall be submitted with your bid.
Technical qualification
For the award of this project, the evaluation criteria below will govern the selection of offers received. The evaluation is made on a technical and financial basis.
Based on the initial screening, DRC will invite selected bidders for an interview.
The financial offer will then be weighed against the technical offer. The total cost of the financial offer including tax should be mentioned in the DRC Bid Form annex A.2, with the budget breakdown.
Note: DRC is a VAT Withholding agent appointed by KRA
Financial Evaluation
All bids that pass the Technical Evaluation will proceed to the Financial Evaluation. Bids that are deemed technically non-compliant will not be financially evaluated.
Requirements
- Financial proposal – should be all inclusive of any cost associated with this consultancy and be itemized where possible. Also note that the total cost of financial offer will be indicated in annex A.2 form, and the fees should be quoted in USD and should account for 20% withholding tax for non-residents and 5% withholding tax for Kenya residents.
Proposals failing to meet the above minimum requirements will not be considered further.
DRC will conduct reference checks from at least 2 previous works as an additional mandatory requirement.
Confidentiality
All information presented, obtained, and produced is to be treated as DRC’s property and is considered confidential for all other purposes than what is outlined in the ToR. Upon signing the contract, the selected consultant will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement. The material prepared by the consultant cannot be sold, used, or reproduced in any manner (partially or in full) by the consultant without prior permission from DRC.
Additional information
For additional information regarding these terms of reference, please send your questions to Regional Supply Chain Manager EAGL RO: [email protected]
Please find complete bidding documents in the following link: RFP-RO01-002452 – Consultancy on Producing A Durable Solutions Landscape Assessment Report
How to apply
Bids can be submitted by email to the following dedicated, controlled, & secure email address: [email protected]
When Bids are emailed, the following conditions shall be complied with:
- The RFP number shall be inserted in the Subject Heading of the email
-
Separate emails shall be used for the ‘Financial Bid’ and ‘Technical Bid’, and the Subject Heading of the email shall indicate which type the email contains
- The financial bid shall only contain the financial bid form, Annex A.2
- The technical bid shall contain all other documents required by the tender, but excluding all pricing information
- Bid documents required, shall be included as an attachment to the email in PDF, JPEG, TIF format, or the same type of files provided as a ZIP file. Documents in MS Word or excel formats, will result in the bid being disqualified.
- Email attachments shall not exceed 4MB; otherwise, the bidder shall send his bid in multiple emails.
Failure to comply with the above may disqualify the Bid.
DRC is not responsible for the failure of the Internet, network, server, or any other hardware, or software, used by either the Bidder or DRC in the processing of emails.
Bids will be submitted electronically. DRC is not responsible for the non-receipt of Bids submitted by email as part of the e-Tendering process.