Consultancy services to support the adaptation and revision of Trócaire’s Safe Programming materials

Context of Work

Trócaire has prioritised Protection Mainstreaming within its humanitarian programming for a number of years, using the Protection Mainstreaming Framework as its core document, alongside an accompanying Protection Mainstreaming Training Manual. A number of other key resources have also been developed to support programming in this area – including those listed in the annex below.

However, recognising the applicability of the core principles of Protection Mainstreaming to development settings and all Trócaire’s Goal areas, the organisation has taken the decision to adapt Trócaire’s protection mainstreaming approach and roll it out across all programming areas. The need to do this has been reinforced by Trócaire’s commitment to CHS, which applies standards that overlap significantly with Trócaire’s Protection Mainstreaming approach.

The decision has involved a rebranding, by shifting the language from Protection Mainstreaming to Safe, Inclusive and Empowering Programming (SIEP), to move away from ‘humanitarian’ language. At time of writing, the following work to facilitate this transition has happened:

• A Safe Programming Framework has been drafted, which took the original Protection Mainstreaming Framework and made the following changes:
  • Shift in language of the Core Components to be less ‘humanitarian’
  • Greater emphasis on the link between Safe Programming and our Safeguarding commitments, by strengthening the focus on embedding Safeguarding requirements into our programming at the community level
  • Greater reflection of Do No Harm / Unintended Negative Effects language
  • Broadening of the scope from the initial focus under Protection Mainstreaming on the four human generated threats (violence, coercion and exploitation, deliberate deprivation and discrimination) to a wider framing that includes other forms of potential harm that we may cause (e.g. environmental impacts, etc.)
• The original Protection Mainstreaming Training Manual had been adapted and streamlined (in draft form) in line with the above changes.

Meanwhile, however, the organisation has also been trying to progress other cross-cutting priorities that have potential links to Safe Programming – including the Women’s Empowerment Integration framework; work on disability inclusion; work on GDPR and safe and ethical management of data; conflict sensitivity; and staff care. Following internal consultation, the decision has been taken to adapt the approach further to better incorporate these various strands of work within a broader framing of Safe, Inclusive and Empowering Programming in order to streamline processes and clarify synergies for country teams.

A consultancy is now needed to adapt and refine the existing draft Safe Programming materials in order to reflect this wider framing and to move this body of work to the next phase.

Scope of the Work

A phased approach to this piece of work is envisaged, as follows:

Phase 1

1. In consultation with the PIL and Goal 3 (Women’s Empowerment) teams, complete the Safe, Inclusive and Empowering Programming Approach core components document. This provides the overarching framework for how Trócaire brings the various cross-cutting priorities together. In particular, core component/theme 4 needs work to bring in the women’s empowerment integration language and the independent perspective of a consultant is required on the inclusion of staff care.

2. Review and update existing Safe Programming Framework/Approach guidance document to achieve the following:

   1. Shift the language throughout from Safe Programming Framework to Safe, Inclusive and Empowering Programming Approach
   2. Incorporate and reflect the changes brought about by the shift to the new core components in the Safe, Inclusive and Empowering Programming Approach (see Step 1). This includes updating the guidance for each component to ensure that the key themes relating to cross-cutting priorities (e.g. women’s empowerment integration, Do No Harm, conflict sensitivity, data protection, etc.) are fully reflected. In particular, this will require consultation with PIL and Goal 3 (women’s empowerment) teams. See here for an overview of the broad changes that are envisaged.
   3. Working with the PIL team, respond to the CHS Audit findings by incorporating key messaging in such areas as Do No Harm, project level risk management and safe and ethical management of data.
   4. Establish a clearer link in the Safe, Inclusive and Empowering Programming Approach guidance note to Trócaire’s Accountability and Programme Quality Framework.
   5. Ensure that the language throughout is accessible for in-country partner staff
   6. Remove Core Component 9 – instead, any key ‘safe programming’ messaging relating to MEAL should be incorporated into the other core components, where relevant.
   7. In consultation with the PIL team, remove the section on the difference between Safe Programming and Safeguarding – a separate FAQ sheet (see below) should be developed to address this issue.

3. Review and update the Safe Programming training materials to align with the new Safe, Dignified and Empowering Programming Approach.

   1. Each Module will need to reflect the revised language and any new themes / key messages introduced in consultation with PIL and Goal 3 teams. It is possible that new modules will be required to give sufficient emphasis to newer elements (e.g. women’s empowerment integration, safe and ethical data management, etc.) – to be advised by PIL/Goal 3 teams.
   2. Include “Considerations if Delivering this Training Remotely” into the Facilitation Guides for each of the comprehensive training modules.
   3. Develop guidance / approach to action planning

Phase 2

1. Develop content for shorter online / digital training modules (Powerpoint presentation and self-directed online exercises) which summarise key content from comprehensive in-person training, which will serve as induction material on the approach for new Trócaire staff and be made available for partners as a remote training option. Note: Modules will be built by Trócaire staff on the FABO platform, with training content and appropriate self-directed exercises to be provided by this consultancy.
2. Adapt existing Protection Mainstreaming Resources and develop new resources as appropriate to support the roll-out and operationalisation of Trócaire’s Safe, Inclusive and Empowering Programming (SIEP) Approach (e.g.: guidance on budgeting, guidance on including protection mainstreaming considerations in project design and proposals, sample narratives on Trócaire’s approach to SIEP for funding applications/donors, etc.). To be agreed in consultation with successful consultant.

Proposed Methodology

Inception meeting: This review will begin with an inception meeting with the consultant to clarify the expectations and deliverables of the review.

Desk Review: Review Trócaire’s relevant documentation and resources, including those for Safe Programming, women’s empowerment integration, etc. Detailed list to be provided.

Consultation: Consult with relevant members of Humanitarian, PIL and Programmes teams (7-10 staff, list to be provided).

Resource Revision & Development:

Phase 1: Adapt Safe Programming approach and in-person training materials in line with consultation

Phase 2: As above, develop training content and appropriate self-directed exercises for digital / remote online training. Examples of format and functionality to be provided by Trócaire.

Review and Finalisation of Resources: Circulation of draft resources to relevant stakeholders for review and feedback before finalisation.

Debrief session: A final debrief session with relevant staff on developed resources

Timeline

Phase 1:

3 days: Inception meeting, review of existing documentation

2 day: Consultations

5 days: Develop draft resources

2 days: Finalisation of resources following round of feedback

Phase 2:

5 days: Development of foundation materials for online, self-directed training format

3 days: Development of additional / adaptation of existing guidance on operationalisation of SIEP (e.g.: guidance on proposal development, budgeting, sample narratives for funding applications, etc).

Final Products

• Guidance Document: Safe, Inclusive and Empowering Programming Approach
• Safe, Inclusive and Empowering Programming training materials and guidance notes

1. 1. All suppliers should at least meet following minimum criteria :

Experience/Skills:

Essential

• 5 years’ experience working in development and/or humanitarian programme delivery
• Proven capacity and experience in developing technical guidance, training materials and similar resources to support quality programming
• Proven knowledge of Core Humanitarian Standards, protection mainstreaming/safe programming and associated concepts

The successful tenderer will be the one who, in the opinion of Trócaire, submits the most economically advantageous proposal applying the following award criteria:

Experience – Programme Delivery: 20%

Experience – Resource Development: 30%

Quality of Proposal: 30%

Value for Money: 20%

During the evaluation period clarification may be sought in writing from tenderers. Responses to requests for clarification may not materially change any elements of the tenders submitted.

No unsolicited communications from tenderers will be accepted or entertained during the evaluation period.

A shortlist of those who have tendered may be drawn up and a certain number of those who have tendered may be invited to make a final presentation of their tender.