About 4mi returns – data collection and analysis on migrant returns

About the Mixed Migration Centre

The Mixed Migration Centre (MMC) is a global network consisting of six regional hubs (Asia, East Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, North Africa, West Africa) and a central unit in Geneva. The MMC is a leading source for independent and high-quality data, research, analysis and expertise on mixed migration. The MMC aims to increase understanding of mixed migration, to positively impact global and regional migration policies, to inform evidence-based protection responses for people on the move and to stimulate forward thinking in public and policy debates on mixed migration. The MMC’s overarching focus is on human rights and protection for all people on the move. The three overall objectives of the MMC are:

· To contribute to a better, more nuanced and balanced understanding of mixed migration (knowledge)

· To contribute to evidence-based and better-informed migration policies and debates (policy)

· To contribute to effective evidence-based protection responses for people on the move (programming)

The MMC is part of, and governed by, DRC. MMC regional hubs are hosted within DRC regional offices, but part of the global MMC network. While its institutional link to DRC ensures MMC’s work is grounded in operational reality, it acts as an independent source of data, research, analysis and policy development on mixed migration for policy makers, practitioners, journalists, and the broader humanitarian sector. The position of the MMC does not necessarily reflect the position of DRC. For more information on MMC visit our website https://mixedmigration.org/

About 4mi returns – data collection and analysis on migrant returns

More evidence is needed to understand how return and reintegration processes are working in practice, the challenges returnees face, and how this impacts the rights and longer-term prospects of returnees and the decision to remigrate. Examining returnees’ needs, challenges and aspirations contributes to the development of more sustainable return and reintegration support and policies for individuals, families and wider communities.

The Mixed Migration Centre (MMC) proposes to use its flagship data collection initiative, the 4Mi (https://mixedmigration.org/4mi/), to collect primary data from concerned individuals to fill gaps in knowledge around the dignity and sustainability of returns; experiences during return; longer term reintegration challenges and experiences; and re-migration intentions. 4Mi Returns aims to inform policies on returns and contribute to programming which effectively supports individual return and reintegration, while fostering community dynamics to create a conducive environment for sustainable reintegration.**

4Mi Returns is based on the following research questions:

· What are the intentions and drivers behind the decision to return (for voluntary / spontaneous return)? What are the most common circumstances of return?

· What are the protection and assistance challenges faced by people during their return journey, and what support could benefit them?

· What are the experiences and challenges of returned migrants in terms of socio-economic reintegration? Which factors (including type of return) contribute to sustainable return and reintegration?

· How community as well as family dynamics contribute to conducive environment for sustainable return and reintegration?

· To what extent and under what circumstances do returnees consider re-migration, and what are their plans in this regard?

In 2021 MMC carried out a pilot of 4Mi Returns in Afghanistan, conducting over 2,000 surveys with recently returned refugees and migrants, covering both spontaneous returns, assisted voluntary returns (AVR) and deportations. The data collected is available at the 4Mi Interactive dashboard, here

4Mi Returns next steps

MMC would like now to take stock of the pilot in Afghanistan to strengthen and further develop 4Mi Returns, collecting comparable data on return and reintegration in other countries globally. The strengthening and further development of the initiative will include the following four components:

· The development of a globally comparable survey and standardized methodology, based on the pilot in Afghanistan, to be implemented in a number of other relevant countries, and which will enable the analysis of the fourth component (see below).

· MMC is also planning to develop an innovative longitudinal approach to 4Mi Returns by interviewing the same respondents repeatedly over time after their return. Most post-return monitoring initiatives are one-off exercises conducted within a relatively short time frame, which are unable to capture the dynamic and long-term nature of returns and reintegration processes. MMC’s longitudinal approach will fill this gap.

· Quantitative data and analysis will be complemented by in-depth qualitative interviews with returnees, returnees’ households and other key informants, including community/civil society leaders and local authorities. In addition, MMC is planning to conduct focus group discussions with local communities to engage them on issues of stigma around return and returnees as well as cultural norms prompting re-migration, and to connect with local policy and programming actors working on issues of return and reintegration.

· Finally, as part of the project, the MMC also intends to conduct regression analysis of the determinants of sustainable return and reintegration, using the 4Mi data collected. For an example of past MMC studies on determinants using regression analysis, please see here. **

Purpose of this consultancy

MMC is seeking a consultant to support the development of a research design that covers all above mentioned four components, including review and revision of pilot 4Mi Returns, development of longitudinal follow up, development of qualitative approach, and regression analysis model more specifically:

i) To review and revise existing 4Mi Returns sampling, methodology and survey tools to ensure they are fit for purpose to respond to the research questions outlined above

ii) Develop sampling, methodology and tools for longitudinal follow up

iii) Develop methodology and tools for in depth interviews and focus group discussion with returnees, returnees’ households and other key informants, including community/civil society leaders and local authorities.

iv) Based on a robust secondary literature review on potential indicators of sustainable return and reintegration[1], develop a regression analysis model on determinants of sustainable return and reintegration – to be run once 4Mi Return data has been collected – and make sure that all relevant indicators are included in the survey questionnaire as part of components i) and ii).

Deliverables/Specifications

In collaboration with the project team and based on existing 4Mi return project documents and tools, design a detailed research protocol/methodology. This will begin with a detailed workplan for the consultancy, and an outline of the protocol.

The protocol will include the following elements:

1. Definitions of key terminology

2. Overview covering research questions and target population

3. Specification (and justification) of sampling approach for

a. 4Mi baseline survey

b. Longitudinal surveys

c. Qualitative interviews and FGDs

With details of recruitment methods

1. 4Mi Returns survey questionnaire + longitudinal follow up questionnaire, developed in close collaboration with MMC

2. In depth interviews and focus group discussions guidance: agenda, questions, and other tools as determined to be necessary

3. A discussion of constraints and limitations, as well as risks, and strategies to mitigate both risks and bias.

All tools must be designed taking into account the highest ethical standards for research.

For the development of elements 1 and 2, the consultant will be asked to conduct some key informant interviews (approx. five to seven interviews) with return and reintegration experts. Part of the list of experts to be interviewed will be provided by the MMC and the rest will be developed by the consultant.

The use and adaptation of existing tools is encouraged. All deliverables should be aligned as much as possible with current 4Mi Returns survey and the 4Mi Interactive Dashboard. MMC already has a library of tools relevant to conducting qualitative and quantitative data collection, including longitudinal follow up, on the topic of migration (data collection instruments, sampling guidance, training packages, data export and validation procedures, etc), which will be put at the consultant’s disposal. MMC will also assist in accessing existing tools of relevance to the project. For the above, a number of meetings with MMC staff, including 4Mi project managers and management team in GVA, should be considered part of the consultancy.

The work must be completed within 4 weeks of contract signature. A detailed workplan will be agreed within the first days.

Terms and conditions

· The consultant will report directly to the Jane Linekar, the 4Mi global coordinator, with regular updates (at least weekly). They are also likely to interact with other MMC Geneva staff, and partners to the project.

· 15 days of work have been estimated for this consultancy.

· Payment will be made as follows: 30% upon beginning, and 70% after satisfactory receipt of all deliverables.

· This is a home-based consultancy.

· DRC has a Humanitarian Accountability Framework, outlining its global accountability committments. All staff are required to contribute to the achievement of this framework (http://www.drc.dk/HAF.4265.0.html)

· All information presented, obtained and produced is to be treated as DRC’s property and is considered as confidential for all other purposes than what is outlined in the ToR. The selected consultant is upon signing of the contract 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.

PROFILE

· Researcher/analyst, with an advanced degree in the social sciences

· Experience in both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis

· Experience in research design, including survey design

· Experience in field research among hard-to-reach populations desirable

· Knowledge of migration and return & reintegration issues, particularly in Africa

· Good communications and teamworking skills

· Ability to multitask and work under pressure, meeting deadlines while maintaining quality

In addition to the documents stipulate elsewhere, the proposal must include:

· Indication of how the consultant will meet the specifications/requirements

· Proposed timeline

· Budget

· CV detailing relevant skills experience

· Portfolio of relevant work

· References

Proposals will be evaluated according to the quality of the proposal, qualifications and experience, availability and capacity, and proposed compensation (see evaluation matrix).

[1] For an example of relevant literature, see IOM’s Reintegration Handbook and its Reintegration Sustainability Survey.