Consultancy: Research and learning partner for trends analyses related to Afghan displacement

1. Introduction

The Asia Displacement Solutions Platform (ADSP) is a joint initiative of the Danish Refugee Council, International Rescue Committee, and Norwegian Refugee Council which aims to contribute to the development of comprehensive and transitional solutions for displaced populations in Asia. Drawing upon its members’ operational presence in the region, the ADSP engages in constructive dialogue and evidence-based advocacy initiatives, to support improved outcomes for the displaced, with a focus developing innovative, transitional solutions to the challenges posed by displacement.

1. Problem statement

Since the fall of the previous Afghanistan government to the Taliban in August 2021, much of the information coming out of Afghanistan is from unverifiable sources. As such, there is a growing demand to coordinate information, action, and humanitarian and development strategies. In this context, ADSP is seeking to organise and utilise existing member-collected data on essential aspects related to mobility profiles, needs and challenges of IDPs, migrants, and returnees.

To this end, ADSP is seeking to engage a research and learning partner that can analyse and contextualise existing data related to displacement and protection for use by the humanitarian community, donors, members, and other stakeholders. This will be done through publishing two research briefs (5-10 pages each), one online workshop(s), and two commentary piece(s) (2-3 pages).

1. Activity location(s)

The data collection analyses will utilise ADSP members’ data based in Afghanistan, although secondary data should also be sourced from members in neighbouring countries (if appropriate) as well as other data sources such as IOM, Protection Cluster, and other research partners.

1. Objectives

2. Bring together ADSP members to foster a collaborative, systematic and strategic approach to data analysis for advocacy.

3. Engage with ADSP members for identification of protection gaps related to displaced Afghans, and the associated need for thematic priorities for ongoing briefs and expert commentaries.

4. Provide national and regional donors, policy makers and the humanitarian community with timely, consistent evidence-based briefs to support increased protections and support for long-term solutions to displacement.

5. Required outputs

The research and learning partner will produce:

1. A timebound data sharing agreement that outlines the commitments, responsibilities and agreements between members related to data sharing for the purposes of this project;
   1. Agreement on products’ foci: In collaboration with ADSP Manager, engage with ADSP members to identify and determine common focus for briefs and expert commentaries, as well as associated dissemination plans;
2. Two briefs (5-10 pages) as agreed by members and utilising members’ as well as other relevant data (UNHCR, IOM, research bodies etc) utilising standardized templates for thematic research. Branding and format to be consistent, and focus on key humanitarian issues (i.e. key figures and policy indicators and programmes, lessons learned, and trends). Use one or both briefs to identify what partner data is available to monitor specific indicators from the IASC framework to provide future solutions analysis that can guide operational action and donor decisions.
3. Two expert commentaries (2-3 pages) as agreed by members and utilising members’ data, as well as other relevant data around specific issues or events (joint NGO position papers, expert commentaries on issues such as integration or prima facie refugee status)
4. Host one online workshop exchanging knowledge and information on the aforementioned products, as a precursor to bi-annual displacement solutions analyses workshops. The outcome of the workshop should lead to the conceptualisation of a bi-annual displacement solutions analyses workshops (first workshop in 2023) to exchange knowledge on existing products as well as on the monitoring of the specific indicators from the IASC framework. The learning partner will conceptualise and articulate the framework for ADSP biennial solutions workshops (3-5 pages) including broad content, approach, stakeholders etc.

It is expected that the research and learning partner will work collaboratively with the ADSP Manager and ADSP members in Afghanistan in collating relevant data and engaging in the required analysis. All products must embody the collaborative nature of ADSP’s work, and involve members in their design and finalisation. All products must also be accompanied by suggested dissemination plans that align with ADSP’s intention to support strategic humanitarian action, strengthen access to long-term solutions to displacement, and strengthen protection systems.

All deliverables will be submitted to the ADSP Manager on a date that is mutually agreed. The products will be reviewed by the ADSP Manager, ADSP members and the ADSP Technical Committee. All draft and final documents will be submitted as soft copies.

1. Intended audience

The primary audience for the products mentioned above is for ADSP members, donors, the international community, humanitarian actors and international organisations. It is expected that these products will support relevant stakeholders to better deliver solutions to Afghan displacement.

1. Desired qualifications

The successful applicant will have extensive experience working on issues of displacement in South Asia, with notable experience across Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran. In addition, they will have:

• Documented previous experience of engagement with NGOs, INGOs, governments, media, international organisations in Afghanistan.
• Demonstrable experience of working in the humanitarian/development nexus
• High degree of technical knowledge relating to national and international protection regimes
• Proficiency in written English is a mandatory requirement.
• The successful applicant(s) will be able to provide their own logistics, security and admin support, and should factor this into their financial proposal.
• Experience engaging multiple stakeholders
• Experience facilitating, creating and engaging in official learning partner relationships

1. Timeframe of the assignment

The consultancy will commence on 1 August 2022 and conclude on 31 December 2022. It may be extended subject to available funding and confirmation from ADSP members.

1. Confidentiality

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.