Danish Refugee Council
Terms of Reference for Danish Refugee Council (DRC), Protection Specialist (Psychosocial support) / Short-term Consultancy for Afghanistan country programme
Short-term consultancy for the development of DRC Afghanistan psychosocial support (PSS) strategy, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and relevant materials required for the implementation of PSS activities. The selected consultant will also be responsible for providing capacity building to DRC Protection teams on the materials developed and on best practices for the implementation of gender and age-appropriate PSS activities.
Country Office
DRC Afghanistan
Project Area
All of Afghanistan (in person and/or remote)
Consultancy timeline
2 months from the signature of the contract
Introduction
- Project
The selected consultant will lead on the development of DRC Afghanistan’s PSS strategy, standard operating procedures, and relevant materials required for the implementation of PSS activities across DRC’s areas of operations. The role holder will also provide tailored trainings to field teams to prepare them for the implementation of PSS activities, in line with the newly developed SOPs and PSS curricula.
The Protection Specialist (PSS) will be required to assess the operational context to ensure that the PSS programme and operational tools developed are relevant to the needs of target communities, fit for purpose, and ultimately able to support the implementation of activities that are high quality and deliver positive change for affected populations in Afghanistan.
The role holder will further support with building the capacity of DRC protection teams to deliver appropriate and high-quality PSS activities. This will include an assessment of current capacity, development of SOPs and PSS materials, and the delivery of tailored trainings for protection staff. The trainings and other capacity building sessions to be delivered to the field-level protection teams need to be practical and tailored to the needs and capacity of DRC teams. The objective of the trainings is to ensure immediate implementation of the knowledge and skills acquired in ongoing programme activities.
The role holder will work closely with the Protection Coordinator and Protection Specialist in DRC Country Office in Kabul and with the Protection Managers/Team Leaders in the area offices located in Kandahar, Herat, Jalalabad, and Kabul city.
DRC PSS programme is primarily streamlined within the overall Protection sector and focuses on scalable, non-specialised community-based PSS approaches with a strong focus on age, gender, and inclusion. PSS materials developed will need to be tailored to the Afghan context, and age-gender appropriate. Globally, DRC implements both structured and unstructured PSS activities. The selected PSS Specialist should work with the Protection Coordinator and Specialist to determine the programme modalities that are most suitable to meet the desired outcomes and available capacities/resources available.
The consultant can implement the required service either in person or through a mix of in person and remote modality, where the preparations and development of the SOPs and materials can take place remotely while the trainings need to happen in person in Kabul.
- Context
In Afghanistan, 2021 was characterized by the compounding effect of political and economic collapse and one of the most
severe droughts of the last three decades. In 2022, Afghanistan is considered the world’s most complex humanitarian crisis,
with 24.4 million people in urgent need of assistance.[1]
The catastrophic economic meltdown that followed the collapse of the government and overall instability since August 2021 resulted in an increased reliance on negative coping strategies and in a range of protection risks. Many of the coping mechanisms available to people across Afghanistan, like the selling of household assets, have largely been exhausted after months of deep economic crisis. People are now left with an incredibly narrow range of largely destructive coping mechanisms, with threat of irreversible harm. Reports of households resorting to the use of child labour (particularly for boys), the sale of children, recruitment of children into armed groups, early and forced marriage of adolescent girls and risky, undocumented migration are now widespread.[2]
According to a protection analysis dated October 2021 and compiled by the protection cluster in collaboration with six
protection monitoring partners including DRC, a lack of specialized services is one of the main protection risks in Afghanistan.
This also includes limited child protection assistance to respond to rising cases of child abuse, violence, and neglect. The same
assessment also found 2% of child-headed households, 12% of households having children at risk, 1% of households having
unaccompanied and separated children, and 1% having children engaged in armed conflict.[3] Finally, decades of conflict and
violence have led to widespread depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress.[4] Recent NGO assessments have seen nearly
half of all girls and boys perceived to be experiencing psychosocial distress, with psychosocial services being limited to non-existent.[5]
- DRC in Afghanistan
DRC has worked in Afghanistan since the 1990s, through Humanitarian Mine Action, and expanded its scope and reach of programming in 2011 to provide multi-sector and holistic packages of assistance. We currently work in four regions of the country (West, East, South and Central), focusing on the most vulnerable and at-risk of conflict and natural disaster-affected populations, including IDPs, host communities and documented/undocumented returnees.
Under the Strategy 2025, DRC Afghanistan will implement a comprehensive programme aimed at increasing protection and enhancing inclusion across Emergency, Protection, Economic Recovery, Shelter & Settlements, Camp Coordination and Camp Management, and Humanitarian Disarmament & Peacebuilding sectors. Due to the unpredictability of the Afghan context, DRC will maintain capacity to respond to sudden and large-scale emergencies, while also promoting the transition to long-term recovery programming.
The key focus of the mission for the period 2022-2025 is multi-sectoral integration. DRC Afghanistan is uniquely positioned to leverage on complementarities of its complex portfolio to strengthen the impact of its programming on hard-to-reach communities. The overall goal of DRC Afghanistan’s multi-sector programme is to promote favourable conditions for shock and displacement-affected communities to seek safety, claim their basic rights and pursue self-reliance.
DRC mission in Afghanistan currently operates across 12 provinces from four Area Offices and one Country Office. The mission includes almost 700 staff, for a projected portfolio of approximately 50 million USD for 2022.
the consultancy
The objectives of the consultancy are the following:
-
Assessment of operational context
- The selected Protection Specialist (PSS) should analyse the operational context and conduct key informants interview with DRC staff and other protection actors (including protection cluster and MHPSS working group) in Afghanistan to determine the best approaches to be implemented and current opportunities and gaps in the response
- The selected Protection Specialist (PSS) can also guide field teams in community consultations and data collection exercises to gather community’s feedback and other information required for the development of SOPs and tools that meet affected populations’ needs and preferences[6]
-
Development of Standard Operating Procedures
- In close consultation with the Protection Coordinator and Protection Specialist, the selected consultant will be in charge of designing SOPs to guide the implementation of PSS activities in the field
- SOPs need to be tailored to the context and DRC Afghanistan operational model and they should also include guidance on staffing requirements and other operational arrangements
- The final materials need to be translated in local languages (Dari/Pashto)[7]
-
Development and review of tools and materials for the implementation of PSS activities
- One of the key outputs for the consultancy is the finalization of PSS curricula and other materials to be used by teams for the implementation of the PSS activities. These need to be tailored to the context and age/gender appropriate. The materials can draw from existing/standard PSS curricula but they need be adjusted based on community’s and DRC staff’s feedback.
- The selected consultant is also responsible for the design of intake forms for both individual and group counselling, monthly achievement reporting templates and to work with DRC MEAL unit for the develop a relevant monitoring framework and project activity monitoring tools.
- The final materials need to be translated in local languages (Dari/Pashto)7
-
Delivery of trainings for DRC Afghanistan Protection staff and national partners
- Once the SOPs and PSS materials are finalized, the selected Protection Specialist will be in charge of delivering trainings to protection staff working in the area offices
- Training and other capacity building opportunities need to be focused on equipping field teams with the knowledge and skills to effectively integrating PSS activities in the ongoing protection programming
- Training of trainers shall be included to ensure sustainability and capacity to continue building staff’s capacity after the end of the consultancy
- Training materials will need to be shared with DRC Protection coordinator at the end of the consultancy and they need to be translated in local languages7
- The training package shall include at minimum PFA (Psychological First Aid), basic counselling skills, Trauma awareness and healing, stress management, group counselling technique and skills, facilitation skills (including managing disclosure), Ethical data collection and information sharing and self-care.
consultancy deliverables
By the end of the consultancy period, the selected Protection Specialist (PSS) will have to satisfactorily complete the following outputs:
- Finalized and approved PSS SOPs and related beneficiary assessment, tracking forms and monitoring tools. The PSS SOPs should also include recommendations on staffing structure that is in line with DRC HR structures
- Finalized and approved PSS curricula and needed materials (to be determined by the selected consultant based on analysis of context and best practices) in English and translated in Dari and Pashto
- Completion of PSS training and training of trainers for DRC Afghanistan protection staff in country office and all area offices (trainings can be organized either in the area offices or in Kabul), including completion certificate to be provided to all attendees
- Finalized staff training materials in English and translated in Dari and Pashto
- Finalized assessment and training report, including:
- Methodology
- Context analysis and rationale adopted for the tailoring of DRC PSS materials, including age and gender analysis
- DRC PSS strategy, including objective and modalities of implementation, in line with the context and international best practices in PSS
- Findings from DRC staff’s capacity assessment and recommendations on how to address gaps and build on strengths
- Quick overview of findings from pre-post tests
- Overall recommendations for DRC Protection programme
All outputs will need to be reviewed and approved by the Protection Coordinator/Head of Programme before the completion of the consultancy, to ensure the meet the needs and required standards of quality.
For the purpose of managing the research process, the following interim deliverables are expected from the consultant:
- Consultancy kick-off meeting and submission of final workplan, detailing the steps and timelines for service completion;
- Bi-monthly in-person/Skype meetings;
- Short monthly report on progress/achievements (via email);
- Internal presentation of draft PSS SOPs, curricula, materials and tools to Protection Coordinator/Specialist and Head of Programme for inputs and feedback;
- Draft DRC staff training agenda and training materials, to be reviewed and approved by DRC Protection Coordinator prior to the delivery of the training sessions;
- Pre-post tests to assess changes in DRC staff’s knowledge and skills;
The final consultancy deliverables will be reviewed for quality and final payment will be made upon submission of all deliverable mentioned in this ToR and transfer of all raw data and training material files. DRC has sole ownership of all the final data and any findings shall not be reproduced or shared without the expresses written permission of DRC.
** The duties and responsibilities listed are representative of the nature of work required and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
DRC contribution
DRC will allocate a focal point that will support the selected consultant throughout the duration of the project, who will provided needed guidance and support and who will oversee that all deliverables are completed in time and meet required standards of quality.
Following the kick-off meeting, DRC will provide selected consultant with available literature for review, as well as any other documentary materials required.
DRC Afghanistan will facilitate maximum 1 month visa for consultants residing outside of Afghanistan. In person services are preferred and qualified candidates from within Afghanistan will be prioritized. Consultants working outside Afghanistan can opt for a mixed modality for which part of the agreed terms of reference will be fulfilled remotely and travel in country will be facilitated for the maximum duration of 1 month for final in-person consultations and the delivery of trainings to programme teams. During the time in Afghanistan, DRC will facilitate accommodation in standard DRC premises, transportation and other amenities normally provided to DRC staff. The cost of transportation in and out of Kabul is not covered by DRC and should be included in the price quotation for the service. Selected consultants travelling in country from abroad should also ensure appropriate insurance coverage throughout the duration of their stay in Afghanistan.
Consultant Profile
The successful applicant will be a reputable local or international firm with demonstrable experience and access to Afghanistan, and expertise in conducting large-scale field assessments. Some of the key requirements are:
Required
- Advanced degree in Clinical or Counselling Psychology, Mental Health, Social work or related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in a similar capacity
- Proven hands-on practical experience in unstructured/structured PSS intervention packages in humanitarian settings
- Proven capacity to train, supervise, and coach staff in PSS technical skills and coordination, based on evidence-based approaches and intervention packages
- Sound knowledge of IASC MHPSS guidelines, MH Action plan, IASC MHPSS M&E Framework, human rights, and protection in humanitarian contexts.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work within different cultural environments.
- Excellent English written and verbal communication and reporting skills.
- Commitment to DRC Code of Conduct and Safeguarding policy
- Willingness to travel to Kabul to conduct in person trainings
Desired
- Academic background and/or professional experience in the provision of child and adolescent PSS services.
- Experience working with IDPs, refugees and vulnerable communities from diverse cultures and nationalities.
- Certified training and practical experience in the provision of evidence-based, low-intensity psychological interventions (ex. PM+, SH+, IPT etc.)
- Understanding of the Afghan context
- Experience with DRC Protection programmes
- Fluency in Dari/Pashto
Documents to be submitted
- DRC Annexes: Supplier Registration form, Supplier Code of Conduct, and General Condition of Contract.
- A CV demonstrating relevant experience to the project (with phone number and email address)
- Sample of comparable work (both research and training materials)
- Detailed budget covering all fees and expenses, which details costs required for each component of the assessment and deliverables
- At least 3 references related to relevant work previously conducted (with phone number and email address)
Following initial assessment of submitted documents, shortlisted consultants will be invited to an oral interview where candidates will be requested to provide a short presentation (10-15 minutes) explaining the proposed workplan, methodology for delivery and relevant work experience. The assessment of the submitted CVs, samples of comparable work, and oral presentation will represent the basis for the technical assessment and selection of the Protection Specialist (PSS).
COMMITMENT to principled service delivery
In light of the current context in Afghanistan and the sensitivity of the matter treated under this consultancy, the selected consultant shall commit to the following the following principles throughout the entire duration of the engagement with DRC and with regards to the use of the materials collected during the service after the end of the work:
- Do no harm
- Free prior informed consent
- Informant confidentiality
- Protection of information
- Non-discrimination and respect
- Ethical data collection
- Holistic participation
- Collaborative learning
- Cultural sensitivity
Evaluation of consultants
- Administrative Evaluation
A bid shall pass the administrative evaluation stage before being considered for technical and financial evaluation. Bids that are deemed administratively non-compliant may be rejected. Documents listed above shall be submitted with your bid
- Technical/financial Evaluation
Technical/Finance proportion: 75/25
Minimum passing technical score 50
The technical criteria for this consultancy and their weighting in the technical evaluation are:
Technical criteria #
Technical criteria
Means of verification
Weighting in technical evaluation
1
Technical quality of the proposal
15%
1.2
Demonstrated understanding of the methodology and requested deliverables, all important components of the ToR are sufficiently addressed and considered
Interview
10%
1.3
Style, language, sophistication, and presentation
Interview
5%
2
Expertise and access
40%
2.1
Demonstrated previous experience of working in Afghanistan
Interview/CV
10%
Demonstrated experience in conducting similar works in fragile contexts and for NGOs
Interview/CV
10%
2.2
Must have access to or presence in Afghanistan, at least for the delivery of the required trainings for DRC staff and partners
Interview/CV
20%
3
Personal Qualifications (of staff involved in the project)
20%
3.1
Advanced degree in Clinical or Counselling Psychology, Mental Health, Social work or related field
CV
10%
3.2
Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in a similar capacity
CV
10%
Financial Evaluation*
25%
Total Maximum Score
100%
*Financial Evaluation: the total amount of points allocated for the financial scoring component is 25. The maximum number of points will be allotted to the lowest priced proposal that is opened and compared among those firms/institutions, which obtain the threshold points in the evaluation of the technical component. All other price proposals will receive points in proportion to the lowest financial proposal using the inverse proportion principle: (lower_bid price) *(fin_weighting_proportion) / (next bid price).
[1] OCHA, Humanitarian Response Plan 2022, January 2022
[2] Global Protection Cluster, Protection Messages for Donors & Member States – Afghanistan, February 2021
[3] Protection Cluster, Afghanistan Protection Analysis Update, October 2021
[4] Human Rights Watch, Afghanistan’s silent mental health crisis, October 2019 (https://www.hrw.org/news/2019/10/07/afghanistans-silent-mental-health-crisis)
[5] Global Protection Cluster, Protection Messages for Donors & Member States – Afghanistan, February 2021
[6] Individuals facing heightened protection risks and vulnerability that may be identified as a result of this process can be directly assisted through DRC ongoing protection programme or referred to relevant partners
[7] DRC can facilitate the link with a translation company, if needed. However, the cost of translation should be included in the overall quotation for the service.
How to apply
Interested Candidates can apply through below link/s
https://www.acbar.org/site-rfq/17885
https://ngotenders.net/post-a-job/
Note: interested Candidates are requested to read the TOR above as well as should download the RFQ and apply as per the requirement of the RFQ.
Regards
Supply Chain Unit