Consultant to Develop Materials for an ICVA Humanitarian Coordination Learning Series

Consultant to Develop Materials for an ICVA Humanitarian Coordination Learning Series

Understanding and Influencing the IASC System at Country Level

Induction Package for NGO Members of the Humanitarian Country Team

Location: Home based

Contract: Consultancy

Starting date: November 07, 2022

Duration: Approx. 20 working days over a period of 2 months, to be completed by December 31, 2022, and according to a workplan to be defined.

Application Deadline: COB Monday 01 November 2022

About ICVA

Founded in 1962, ICVA (International Council of Voluntary Agencies) is a global network of over 130 nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) active in 160 countries, operating at global, regional, national and local levels, whose mission is to make humanitarian action more principled and effective by working collectively and independently to influence policy and practice. ICVA promotes and facilitates effective NGO engagement in the humanitarian sector, with a focus on Forced Migration, Humanitarian Coordination, Humanitarian Financing, and cross-cutting systems-strengthening issues.

Background to Consultancy

The Interagency Standing Committee (IASC) structures are an essential component of humanitarian coordination and positive participation by NGOs is critical to humanitarian action’s effectiveness. However, the system can be complex and opaque to newcomers, and the roles and responsibilities of each participant are not always well understood. In line with its ongoing learning series, ICVA regularly produces learning material to support NGO engagement in the humanitarian sector.

Through this consultancy, ICVA will produce a new set of learning tools dedicated to improving NGO engagement with country-level IASC structures, focusing on providing practical information to promote active and meaningful participation of humanitarian senior field practitioners in IASC structures. The tools will cover

a) Understanding and Influencing the IASC system at country level

b) Induction Package for NGOs joining the Humanitarian Country Team

Expected Deliverables

Understanding and Influencing the IASC system at country level

• A 10-page document (when viewed in PDF format), providing a practical information package on IASC structures at country level and their relevance to NGOs.
• A PowerPoint presentation that will summarize the main document and provide a basis for training sessions.

The structures covered will include the Humanitarian Country Team, the Inter-Cluster Coordination Group, other advisory groups, and the Cluster system more broadly. Where possible, the material should also relevant sub-groups and task forces, such as the access working group, civil-military coordination, and the clusters’ main technical working groups.

The goal of the learning series is to improve the understanding and the capacity to influence of those who attend these various structures. As such, the material will:

• Briefly outline the IASC structures at regional and global levels and how they link to and support humanitarian action at country level.
• Summarize the terms of reference of the structures, the purpose of the structures and how they relate to each other. Outline the value these structures bring to organizational effectiveness and an effective response to affected populations’ needs. Outline how these structures can be contextualized and adapted to each country’s needs.
• Outline the various participants, with a focus on their roles and responsibilities. Outline who can participate, the potential selection processes for participants, and the expected level of knowledge and decision-making ability. Outline the specific role and responsibilities of the leadership of each structure.
• Present good practices for positive engagement leading to better capacity to influence and support principled and humanitarian.

Induction Package for NGOs joining the Humanitarian Country Team

• A 5-page document (when viewed in PDF format), providing practical information to NGOs on participating in an HCT.
• A PowerPoint presentation that will summarize the main document and provide a basis for training sessions.

The material will:

• Summarize the standard terms of reference and goals of HCTs. Outline how these terms of reference can be contextualized and adapted in each country.
• Present the roles and responsibilities of its various participants, with a particular focus on how NGOs can proactively engage with other HCT members.
• Outline the expected level of knowledge and engagement for participation, and the potential processes of selection.
• Outline the specific role and responsibilities of the RC/HC in leadership and OCHA in support.
• Present examples of good practices for meaningful HCT participation.
• Provide an in-depth breakdown and analysis on how to strengthen representation and influence on complex topics.

The good practices and analysis on representation and influence are expected to constitute a major part of the document.

The material should:

• Be aimed at senior management level with prior experience in humanitarian action.
• Be self-explanatory and require no prior knowledge of IASC structures.
• Be adapted to a variety of personnel, including representatives of national NGOs.
• Focus on information that is practical for country-level personnel.
• Link to external documents for further references.

Methodology

The consultant will work with the ICVA team to co-design the methodology.

• The Consultant is expected to build on their extensive prior experience of humanitarian coordination and HCT participation, as an NGO Country Director and/or NGO Forum Director.
• ICVA will support by providing its own analysis of the current gaps and difficulties, based on its own exchanges with a large variety of NGO fora.
• In addition, the document will also make use of recommendations introduced by the HCT Effectiveness Review published by OCHA in June 2022.
• Informal exchanges with selected NGO fora can be arranged to guide the practical recommendations section, although it should be noted that a comprehensive consultation cannot be contemplated during the period of this contract.

Consultant requirements, competencies, and skills

• At least 7 years of progressive experience in the humanitarian sector.
• Extensive experience participating in HCTs, preferably as a forum coordinator.
• Experience engaging partners, conducting case studies or research related to the humanitarian sector, preferably on operational issues.
• Knowledge of the international humanitarian sector and current humanitarian policy issues.
• Fluent in English (speaking, reading, writing).
• Proven ability to work autonomously.

Note: Throughout the work, the consultant must be registered in accordance with legal requirements in their country of residence and must be able to submit documentation that proves that she/ he is meeting all legal obligations for the consultancy, including full compliance with ICVA regulations including its safeguarding policy.