Request for Proposal (RFP) for the provision of Consultancy Services re. Mapping Regional Civil Society Research & Advocacy Actors in the Middle East

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.

Operating since 2003 in the Middle East region, DRC has addressed the needs and rights of vulnerable populations, working with both host and displaced communities, in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq and Yemen.

DRC in the Middle East is delivering programming in several sectors across its countries of operations, among which Protection, Economic Recovery, WASH, Shelter, Camp Coordination and Camp Management and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding.

1. Purpose of the consultancy

The Danish Refugee Council in the Middle East region seeks proposals from a consultant to support the mapping of relevant civil society actors in the region that conduct research and/or advocacy in line with a rights-based approach, work across the Middle East region, and have a focus on identified thematic areas in line with DRC’s regional advocacy strategy for the Middle East.

1. Background

DRC has recently launched its new global strategy, with a vision taking the organization through until 2025. As part of its rights-based approach, DRC is seeking to increase its evidence-based advocacy work and to operate increasingly in partnership with local actors.

DRC in the Middle East is seeking to build research and advocacy partnerships with civil society actors working either across the region or working in a single country with a DRC presence. Civil society actors should be willing to partner with civil society organisations across the region to increase (directly and indirectly) the voice of conflict-affected populations in the decisions that affect their lives and to support advocacy towards national governments, donor governments, UN systems, and other operational aid actors. Advocacy will aim to improve both the effectiveness of aid responses and to increase the visibility of civil society actors closest to populations impacted by conflict and displacement, and the ability of affected populations to claim their rights.

1. Objective of the consultancy

The purpose of this consultancy is to provide DRC with a mapping of potential civil society partners for convening, research, policy, and advocacy initiatives across the Middle East, with links to DRC’s thematic work. In conducting an effective mapping, DRC will be able to approach civil society actors to discuss the development of partnerships and networks for advocacy.

1. Scope of work and Methodology
2. Provide DRC with a greater understanding of civil society actors based in the region that conduct research, policy, and/or advocacy activities), including outlining those that work with other INGOs, the United Nations, or other actors in the aid response to jointly research or advocate. In this instance, the term civil society refers to the broadest spectrum of civil society including NGOs, universities and academic institutions, think tanks, and independent media organisations among others).
3. Map identified civil society actors against DRC priority areas, to support an assessment of the likelihood of such organisations to collaborate with DRC. The primary focus will be on:

• Climate change and natural resource management
• Issues relevant to the achievement of, or pathways to, durable solutions internally displaced persons (and host communities in areas of displacement)

Should time permit, a light-touch mapping could be conducted of civil society organisations that focus on:

• Protection issues (including civil and legal documentation, security of tenure, gender-based violence, freedom of movement)
• Livelihoods and inclusive market systems
• Humanitarian disarmament (e.g. demining)
• Conflict sensitivity, do no harm approaches, peacebuilding and social cohesion

Mapping should include reference to specific demographic groups that identified CSOs focus their engagement on (e.g. women, persons with disabilities etc)

1. As part of the mapping, provide examples of relevant research and advocacy work conducted by the civil society actors identified under part (2) as a potential fit for partnership with DRC.

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.

1. Deliverables

The Consultant will submit the following deliverables as mentioned below:

The expected outputs of the consultancy are:

1. A document outlining regional civil society actors engaged in research and advocacy, mapped against DRC priority areas and group in an initial assessment of their respective strengths and limitations and the strength of fit with DRC objectives
   • Highlight those that have clear research and advocacy approaches with other INGOs or UN agencies
2. Of organisations initially mapped as a strong fit [this categorisation will be determined with the consultant], a document providing examples of relevant past research and advocacy work
3. A briefing to relevant DRC staff on the written outputs

7. Duration, timeline, and payment

The total expected duration to complete the assignment will be no more than 25 working days.

The consultant shall be prepared to complete the assignment no later than 15 January 2023.

Payment will be provided on completion of the deliverables.

8. Proposed Composition of Team

The consultant is expected to be an individual with the appropriate experience.

9. Eligibility, qualification, and experience required

Essential:

• Knowledge and broad range of experience of working with civil society in the Middle East region,
• Experience of working with humanitarian, development or peacebuilding actors in the region or a strong understanding of their mandates and work
• Past experience of mapping civil society actors and assessing their potential strategic fit for advocacy and research partnerships
• Ability to work independently

Desirable:

• Based in the Middle East region

Qualification or Experience:

• • Relevant degree and/or previous work experience that demonstrates an ability to deliver the proposal to high quality in timely fashion

Skills and knowledge:

• • Demonstrated knowledge of broad nature of civil society and its presence within the Middle East
    – Experience in working with organisations / individuals that deliver research, policy, and/or advocacy initiatives
    – Knowledge of localisation approaches, effective partnerships, and the role of advocacy across the humanitarian-development-peacebuilding nexus

Language requirements:

• Written and spoken fluency in Arabic and English
• Working knowledge of Turkish is an advantage

10. Technical supervision

The selected consultant will work under the supervision of:

• Matthew Hemsley, Regional Advocacy and Communications Manager, Middle East, [email protected]
• Viren Falcao, Regional Head of Programme, Middle East, [email protected]

11. Location and support

• This consultancy is expected to be carried out remotely, and its better the consultant to be in the Middle East region ideally in a country with DRC operations.
• The Consultant will provide her/his own computer and mobile telephone.

12. Travel

While it is expected the consultancy will be desk-based, DRC will assess proposals that include travel where a business case is provided as to how it will improve the outcomes of the consultancy.