Request for Proposal (RFP) for the provision of Consultancy Services re. “Development of a framework around Climate Change, Displacement & Solutions”

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. The Durable Solutions Platform was established in 2016 to improve policy and programming approaches in support of durable solutions for people displaced in and from Syria. In 2022 and beyond, DSP is focused both on displacement in and from Syria and other forcibly displaced populations in the Middle East.

2. Purpose of the consultancy
The Danish Refugee Council Middle East Regional Office based in Jordan seeks proposals from a consultant to develop a framework around climate change, displacement and solutions, for future use by the DSP secretariat with members, and the broader humanitarian community.

3. Background
The Durable Solutions Platform was established in 2016 to improve policy and programming approaches in support of durable solutions for people displaced in and from Syria. In 2022 and
beyond, DSP is focused both on displacement in and from Syria and other forcibly displaced populations in the Middle East. DSP is not an implementing agency but a joint initiative of six non-governmental organization (NGO) members: Action Against Hunger (AAH), Danish Refugee Council (DRC), International Rescue Committee (IRC), Oxfam, Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) and Save the Children. DSPs regional secretariat is based in Amman, Jordan and currently works on Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Iraq.
The DSP acts across three pillars: research, policy and advocacy and capacity building; it also systematically engages with local civil society. As such, it intends to close a loop and ensure close engagement between research best practices, policy development and on the ground activities.
Increasingly, DSP members and other actors in the humanitarian system are trying to understand the ways in which climate change interacts with displacement and durable solutions. Movements of displaced populations into new areas can put pressure on resources that are already under strain due to climate change; return movements can also be negatively affected as climate change alters availability and productivity of resources. The interactions between climate, conflict and displacement are however extremely context specific: they vary from country to country and beyond this, from region to region. In the Middle East context, climate change has implications across conflicts in Syria, Yemen and Iraq; identifying commonalities and differences across these contexts is essential to achieving durable solutions.
A piece of research is being commissioned to develop a framework to better conceptualise the links between climate, displacement and solutions in the Middle East context, and to set the groundwork for future engagements.

4. Objective of the consultancy
The overall objective of this consultancy is to develop a strong conceptual framework, based on existing literature, to better understand the links between climate, displacement and solutions in the Middle East conflict. The specific objectives of the evaluation are:
 To synthesise existing knowledge of the linkages between climate change, displacement and solutions globally, but with a focus on the Middle East context
 To develop an easy-to-understand framework around climate, displacement and solutions, geared at priorities identified by LNGOs, INGOs and UN agencies
 To identify possible case studies regarding programmatic best practices on responding to climate change, displacement and solutions
The consultant will be required to develop a conceptual framework on the basis of extensive desk research

5. Scope of work and Methodology
It is anticipated that a methodology for this evaluation will consist of, at a minimum, the following elements:
 Desk review of the linkages between climate, conflict, displacement and solutions, at both a global level and with a specific focus on the Middle East
 Key informant interviews with humanitarian actors and climate change experts
 Analysis that includes the development of a framework to explain the linkages between climate, displacement and solutions, with associated infographics.
Qualitative data collection is expected. DSP would be open to consider more innovative methodologies.
The consultancy should cover all the geographic areas in which DSP operates, notably Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Yemen. The final product is expected to target (as an audience): DSP staff, staff from DSP member agencies, implementing partners who have used DSP’s research and capacity building materials, and donor and policy agencies.
The Consultant will be required to prepare a detailed methodology and work plan indicating how the
objectives of the project will be achieved, and the support required from DRC.

6. Deliverables
The Consultant will submit the following deliverables as mentioned below:
The following is an example, List the required deliverables Phase Expected deliverables Indicative description tasks Maximum expected timeframe Phase 1 Inception Inception Report
Refined scope of work, firm methodology, data collection tools
5 working days Phase 2 Data Collection Database + Anonymised Transcripts
Database of literature referenced
Transcripts of interviews with KIIs
15 working days Phase 3 Reporting Draft, then Final Report
Draft report
Final report integrating DSP comments
15 working days Phase 4 Dissemination Validation Workshop and PowerPoint
Validation workshop
PowerPoint
5 working days The Consultant will provide the documentation by email, using Word, PowerPoint, Excel and PDF.

7. Duration, timeline, and payment
 The total expected duration to complete the assignment will be no more than 40 days.
 The consultant shall be prepared to complete the assignment no later than 20 Dec 2022.
 Payment will take place: 30% on inception report, 40% on delivery of draft report and transcripts, 30% on delivery of final report and validation workshop.

8. Proposed Composition of Team
 Lead Researcher
 Assistant Researcher

9. Eligibility, qualification, and experience required
 Post-graduate degree in Social Sciences, Development, Peacebuilding, Conflict Resolution, Environmental Sciences or other related subject
 At least 5 years of experience in conducting research
 At least 3 years of experience in implementing field level programming (research or service provision activities)
 Significant expertise in policy and advocacy
 Strong and proven participatory research skills and experience.
 Strong knowledge of the Middle East context including the policy and research frameworks
 Strong teamwork skills
 Demonstrated publication record
 Ability to produce high quality materials in English
 Ability to present to a range of stakeholders.

10. Technical supervision
The selected consultant will work under the supervision of the DSP Manager, Ruta Nimkar, [email protected]

11. Location and support
The consultancy can take place remotely. The Consultant will provide her/his own computer and mobile telephone. No travel will be required.

12. Travel
No travel will be required

13. Submission process
Refer to the RFP document name of the document.

14. Evaluation of bids
 Please refer to the RFP letter invitation.
 Only the winner will be contacted for an interview with the panel to ensure its understanding of the consultancy services.