Consultancy on MMC Data Collection Activities on Movement in Ethiopia

DRC for MMC
Terms of Reference (TOR) – MMC Data Collection Activities on Movement in Ethiopia

1. 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 a 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 in a new place, or upon return. DRC provides protection and life-saving humanitarian assistance; supports displaced persons in becoming self-reliant and included into hosting societies; and works with civil society and responsible authorities to promote protection of rights and peaceful coexistence.
MMC is a global network engaged in data collection, research, analysis, and policy and programmatic development on mixed migration, with regional hubs hosted in DRC regional offices in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Latin America, and a global team based across Geneva and Brussels. MMC is a leading source for independent and high-quality data, research, analysis and expertise. 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. MMC’s overarching focus is on human rights and protection for all people on the move. Since 2014, MMC has been implementing its flagship 4Mi project, which aims to offer a regular, standardized, quantitative system of collecting primary data on mixed migration to establish a solid evidence base on the needs and protection incidents facing people on the move. 4Mi consists of a unique network of field enumerators situated along frequently used routes and in major migratory hubs. Field enumerators are trained and closely supervised and use a smart phone-based survey application to record and transmit completed interviews to regional 4Mi hubs for storage and analysis. 4Mi uses standard closed question surveys to invite respondents to anonymously self-report on a wide range of issues, including migratory drivers, means of movement, conditions of movement, the smuggler economy, aspirations and destination choices, and protection incidents. Over the years, in Eastern and Southern Africa, 4Mi has been implemented in Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Read more about 4Mi here: http://www.mixedmigration.org/4mi/.

2. Purpose of the consultancy
The Mixed Migration Centre’s (MMC) Eastern and Southern Africa, Egypt and Yemen hub, based in MMC Eastern and Southern Africa | Egypt and Yemen, based in Nairobi, aims to hire a consultant for the following two assignments:
2.1 Migration consequences of the Sudan conflict in Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, the aim is to carry out data collection and analysis to monitor the mixed migration consequences of the Sudan conflict, with a particular focus on migrants’ experiences fleeing Sudan, their onward movement decision-making, and needs. The consultant’s responsibilities will include recruiting, training and overseeing enumerators for the data collection of 1000 4Mi surveys with the Sudan conflict module. In line with the deliverables outlined for the data collection in Ethiopia, the consultant will be accountable for executing field activities adhering to the MMC Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

2.2 The use of smugglers for onward movement to Yemen
In Ethiopia, the aim of the proposed research is to address critical data gaps on smuggling dynamics in contexts of conflict and along major migratory routes. Additionally, the research will examine migrants’ interactions with smugglers. The consultant’s responsibilities will include recruiting, training and overseeing enumerators for 4Mi data collection activities completing data collection of 100 Smuggler surveys with smugglers in Ethiopia how smugglers’ operations and networks are linked to conflict economies. In so doing, MMC shall analyze primary data with smugglers in Ethiopia.
In line with the tasks outlined for the data collection in Ethiopia, the consultant will be accountable for executing field activities adhering to the MMC Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

3. Background
3.1 Migration consequences of the Sudan conflict in Ethiopia
Since conflict broke out in Sudan on 15 April 2023, 9 million people have been displaced within Sudan. The impact of the Sudan conflict had the following impact on Ethiopia (Flash Update #14: The Impact of the Situation in Sudan on Ethiopia (As of 8 June 2023) | OCHA (unocha.org):
• More than 41,200 people are estimated to have crossed from Sudan into Ethiopia, majority are Ethiopian returnees as of 6 June;
• The uninterrupted daily large number of arrivals between 700 and 1,000 per day is a challenge to response capacities at Metema Point of Entry;
• More than 4,000 refugees, asylum seekers and about 80 returnees remain at Metema point of entry resulting in congestion that could expose arrivals to health and protection risks;
• Hot meals, drinking water and health services are being provided at Metema point of entry and Mandefro Terara transit site, but services are far from meeting scale of needs;
• More than 19,500 Ethiopian returnees provided with transportation services from Metema to their respective destinations.
More than 1.6 million have sought refuge in neighboring countries including the Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, and South Sudan, as reported by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) as of 6th February 2024 (Sudan: Ten months of conflict – Key Facts and Figures (15 February 2024) | OCHA (unocha.org).

3.2 The use of smugglers for onward movement to Yemen
Yemen serves as a crucial transit country along the Eastern Route, through which thousands of primarily Ethiopian migrants travel en route to Saudi Arabia and other destinations on the Arabian Peninsula. Despite a UN-brokered truce in 2022 that improved the security situation following years of civil war since 2014, Yemen remains embroiled in conflict. Migrants in the country face significant vulnerabilities, including exposure to severe protection risks and abuses.
Recent reports highlight widespread instances of violence, exploitation, and abuse against migrants, often perpetrated with impunity. Investigations by organizations like Human Rights Watch reveal that smuggling activities, influenced by the conflict economy, frequently involve extortion and elements of human trafficking. In some cases, smugglers and de facto authorities in Northern Yemen collaborate to extract arbitrary fees from migrants or subject them to forced labor and exploitation. Migrants who resist or fail to comply risk detention in camps known for torture, or face forced expulsion. Personal testimonies from migrants underscore their reliance on smugglers in Yemen, where the absence of a functioning state and security apparatus exacerbates their vulnerability.

4. Objective of the consultancy
4.1 Migration consequences of the Sudan conflict in Ethiopia
To facilitate in-depth analysis, the hired consultant will aim to conduct 1000 4Mi surveys in Ethiopia, evenly distributed across different locations in Addis Ababa and Gondar. The consultant will be required to :
• Support in gaining authorizations for data collection
• Work with MMC to understand how best to conduct data collection in country
• Manage the recruitment of 4Mi enumerators in Addis Ababa and Gondar—depending on ease of hiring and survey needs, the consultant will decide how many enumerators will need to be hired.
• Participate in a Training of Trainers facilitated by MMC.
• Develop a PowerPoint training package in on the 4Mi survey + Sudan conflict module
• Organize and facilitate a 2 day training of the enumerators.
• Facilitate the pilot exercise and inform the Information Management Officer (IMO) regarding data validation. They will then provide feedback based on the pilot and start the data collection process.
• Manage data collection processes on the ground and ensure enumerators meet the daily target. Communicate feedback to the 4Mi enumerators concerning survey quality after data validation is carried out by the IMO.

4.2 The use smugglers for onward movement to Yemen

The consultant will be required to:
• Manage the recruitment of 4Mi enumerators in Addis Ababa.
• Participate in a Training of Trainers (ToT) facilitated by MMC to relay to the enumerators.
• Develop a PowerPoint training package on the Smuggler survey
• Organize and facilitate a 2 day training of the enumerators.
• Facilitate the pilot exercise and inform the Information Management Officer (IMO) regarding data validation. The consultant will provide feedback based on the pilot and initiate the data collection process
• Manage data collection processes on the ground and ensure enumerators meet the daily target.
• Communicate feedback to the 4Mi enumerators concerning survey quality after data validation is carried out by the IMO.

5. Scope of work and Methodology
5.1 Migration consequences of the Sudan conflict in Ethiopia
The data collection method will take place from March to May 2024. This will involve direct interviews with refugee and migrant respondents aged 18 and above, encompassing diverse nationalities and both genders, who have resided in the interview country for less than two years, indicating active mobility. Sampling will be conducted in different locations within Addis Ababa and Gondar region. The enumerators will be situated along mixed movement routes intersecting East and the Horn of Africa specifically across the border from Sudan where there is the receiving of new arrivals as a result from the conflict. Also, other enumerators will be based in the respective camps within different locations in Addis Ababa.
5.2 The use of smugglers for onward movement to Yemen
The data collection will be based in Addis Ababa. It will be carried out in a duration of one month (May, 2024). The study will include direct interviews with 100 smugglers whose onward movement is to Yemen.
The consultant will offer expertise across the deliverables outlined below:

6. Deliverables
The Consultant will submit the following deliverables as mentioned below: 3 months (March- May 2024)

Assignment – Activity 1 (Maximum expected timeframe – 3 months (March-May 2024))

Expected deliverables: Sudan Conflict: Submit 1000 valid 4Mi Surveys.

Indicative description tasks
The consultant will:
• Support in gaining authorizations for data collection.
• Work with the MMC to understand how best to conduct data collection processes in Ethiopia.
• Manage the recruitment process of the 4Mi enumerators
• Participate in a Training of Trainers facilitated by MMC.
• Develop the PowerPoint training package and conduct in-person training with team members and enumerators on data collection.

• Run the pilot session with enumerators, provide feedback on the pilot, initiate and supervise the data collection process
• Ensure that the enumerators submit 1000 valid 4Mi surveys
• Provide quality feedback to the enumerators after data validation has been carried out by the IMO.

Assignment – Activity 2 (Maximum expected timeframe – 1 month (May 2024)

Expected deliverables • Use of smugglers: Submit 100 4Mi Smuggler survey

Indicative description tasks
The consultant will:
• Work with the MMC to understand how best to conduct data collection processes in Ethiopia.
• Manage the recruitment process of enumerators
• Participate in a Training of Trainers facilitated by MMC.
• Develop two PowerPoint training packages and conduct in-person training with team members and enumerators on data collection.
• Run the pilot session with enumerators, provide feedback on the pilot, initiate and supervise the data collection process
• Ensure that the enumerators submit 100 valid 4Mi Smuggler surveys.
• Provide quality feedback to the enumerators after data validation has been carried out by the IMO.
-This process ensures quality control and facilitates feedback for potential revisions.

The Consultant will provide the documentation by email on a Word, PDF document and link format.

7. Duration, timeline, and payment
The total time period for the assignment will be no more than 3 months, within which the consultant will work on the two datasets.
The consultant shall be prepared to complete the assignment no later than 31st May 2024.
DRC will make an initial payment of 30% of the total costs upon submission of an inception report and the remaining amount upon completion of the work.

8. Proposed Composition of Team
• Principle researcher
• Assistant researcher(s) / data collectors

9. Eligibility, qualification, and experience required
Essential:
• The consultancy is open to both firms and individuals. Individuals or research team managers should have an advanced degree (Master or PhD) in migration studies or the social sciences, with expertise in qualitative research methods.
• At least five years of experience conducting primary data collection and managing research projects, with at least three years of these being within the migration field.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing research on migration and similar relevant topics.
• A proven knowledge and understanding (e.g. through prior publications or data collection) of mixed migration dynamics in Ethiopia.
• Familiarity with the Ethiopian context and proven access to relevant stakeholders for data collection permits.
• Proven experience in Ethiopia, migration, and working / conducting research with refugees, migrants and asylum seekers.
• Ethiopia-based consultant with authorization(s) to work in-country strongly preferred.
• Ability to independently carry out data collection in Ethiopia and expertise with data collection specifically using qualitative methods.
• Excellent command of spoken and written English.

Desirable:
• Fluency in English, Amharic and Arabic; working knowledge in any other Ethiopian languages spoken (Tigrinya, Oromo, etc.) in Ethiopia desirable.
• Trained in the past by MMC on protection, ethical guidelines and SOPs, and data collection methods to name a few.
• A solid understanding of Ethiopia’s cultural and socio-economic context.

10. Technical supervision
The selected consultant will work under the supervision of:

• MMC Project Manager, Lavina Ranjan, [email protected]
• MMC Project Specialist, Emmah Wachira, [email protected]

11. Location and support
To be done physically in the following field locations by the consultant:
Ethiopia: Addis Ababa and Gondar region
However, communication with MMC team members will be conducted virtually. The Consultant will provide her/his own computer, mobile telephone and any other required electronic equipment.

12. Travel
Travel will be required. The Consultant will be expected to make arrangements for transportation, accommodation, insurance and meals during the assignment, and to make adequate provisions in the Financial Proposal.

13. Submission process
Interested individuals that meet requirements should send their proposal and other required documents to the email address [email protected] on or before 18th March 2024 at 5 PM EAT.
Please indicate ‘MMC Data Collection Activities on Movement in Ethiopia: RFP-RO01-002656” in the subject line of your email application. Submissions shall include:
• Updated CV(s) (4 pages maximum per individual) of consultant or consultant team – if bidding as a company, a company profile should also be included.
• A brief statement on capacity/relevant experience, including examples of previous relevant publications or assignments.
• A brief document outlining a basic strategy and technical approach to the ToR, proposed workplan of activities with timeline and deliverable deadlines (4 pages max)
• A financial proposal in USD with a breakdown budget of both administrative & professional fees

14. Evaluation of bids
Please refer to the RFP Letter of Invite

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-RO01-002656 – Consultancy on MMC Data Collection Activities on Movement in Ethiopia